Academic Communities

Join an academic community

BY MIEGIAN EDITORS

STAFF EDITORIAL

Since you were young, the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” comes up in almost every conversation about your future. As a kindergartner, the common answers of astronaut and princess were allowed, but now we need an actual answer.

After four years of high school, students are pressured to know exactly what they want to be. Many still do not know due to the lack of experience in specific job fields.

Now, students have the opportunity to explore their passions and narrow down what they want to do in their futures before they leave for college. “Academic communities, new this year, will assist students in navigating their potential careers and gain experience in the fields of their choosing.

Everyone should take advantage of this opportunity and do the work to be in an academic community, even freshmen and sophomores who will be invited to join in the spring.

According to Bridgeport, 20 to 50 percent of people enter college undecided of their major. Academic communities can help you narrow down and solidify your search. Imagine yourself walking into college with already having an idea about your future occupation. You will be ahead of your peers, and you will be proud of yourself.

But the opposite is also true. If you learn about an occupation and decide that it no longer interests you, you will know that before entering college. It is easier to change your mind now, rather than when you are semesters into college.

There are seven academic communities: Human Services and

Education; Business and Law; Digital Media and Performing Arts; Faith-Based Service; Health Sciences and Medicine; Engineering and Design; and Computer Science and Information Technology. To be part of an academic community, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, complete a minimum of three courses from the experiential or college classes in their community, create an online portfolio and participate in extracurriculars and career exploration. Yes, this may seem like a long list to tackle, but in the long run you will be thankful. Each community has an adviser who specializes in the area of your choosing. Students, definitely take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your Everyone should take understanding of your advantage of this interests. On Nov. opportunity and do the work to be in an academic community. “ 2, students will have the opportunity to visit with their academic community advisers and listen to industry professionals. Juniors, even though this is right after you take your ACT, it is worth going to. We know after your test that all you want to do is get Chick-fil-A and take the longest nap of your life. Spending more time at school probably sounds like the worst thing ever, but your senior self will thank you for putting in the extra effort now. Seniors, this day is a college visit day with no school, but it is still important to come to meet with your academic community if you can. If you put in the work, you will receive recognition at graduation and set yourself apart. At the end of the day, while joining an academic community may seem like an immense addition to an already tight schedule, you won’t regret it. Upperclassmen, you are now starting adulthood in the face, and this opportunity will be sure to give you a greater sense of confidence in that contest.

1. GPA Earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the end of seven semesters.

2. Academic community coursework Complete a minimum of 3 courses from the “College Preparatory” or “Experiential and Applied Learning” courses related to your area of interest.

3. Portfolio Create an digital portfolio that includes your resume, projects, professional learning experiences, extra-curricular participation and post-high school plans. This is due March 1 of your senior year.

4. Extra-Curricular participation and career exploration Be an active member of one club or team, do community volunteer work and attend professional learning experiences.

Scan this QR code to learn more about academic communities.