Schools

Southland Students Visit Northern Illinois University


Richton Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Students at Southland  College Preparatory Charter High School in Richton Park knew on the first day of school last August that acceptance into college and college graduation are goals that they are expected to achieve. A recent visit by the school’s entire student body to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb gave them a closer look at that college goal.

“We want the students to be familiar with college campuses and know how to navigate the application process,” said Herald “Chip“ Johnson, assistant principal of Southland. “The visit to Northern Illinois provided an excellent opportunity for them to see campus life and to learn about the financial assistance that is available. It was an eye-opening experience for them.”

While at NIU, the students walked around the campus, viewed the dormitories and buildings that house lecture halls, ate lunch in one of the University’s dining halls, and attended presentations on the departments and majors at the university and financial aid.

“Wow, this is what a college campus looks like. It’s so big!” That was Isabella Brumfield’s reaction following her visit to Northern. Other students were equally impressed by the size of the school. The visit prompted a number of students to wonder whether they should attend a large or small college.

Students wrote their reactions to the Northern Illinois field trip during their Introduction to Literature class. A number of them were concerned about managing a college schedule,  the roommate selection process and the lack of air conditioning in some dorms. Zhane’ Hedgeman noted that she now realized the importance of time management and adhering to “due dates.” Kimely Boyd learned that tuition “costs a lot.” She also noted, “It was exciting to see the students in the college environment. It made me excited for college.”

Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO of Southland, was pleased that the students absorbed so much from the visit. She hopes to plan a student visit to a college in an urban setting so that they have varied college experiences.


ARCHIVES