Evangelina Tello shares goals, offers second semester advice

‘Tis the season of deadlines, acceptance letters, scholarships and FAFSA. In the busyness of the new semester, seniors are balancing their academics and extracurricular activities. As the first semester comes to a close, the second semester welcomes students with a new list of responsibilities to complete before graduation quickly approaches.

Now until the end of March, many seniors are waiting to hear their acceptance status from the CSU/UC, receiving financial aid packages and wrapping up the final steps for the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) application.

The next SCCCD workshop at Fresno Christian will be April 16 for seniors who need to complete their next step. Students are still able to apply to a community college if interested in attending the next workshop.

Seniors are highly recommended to finish their second semester strong since it is crucial to prevent any rescinded applications. To further encourage seniors to continue to academically push themselves, university representatives share their advice for seniors.

Undergraduate admission counselor for Fresno Pacific University, Vanessa Rodriguez shares the knowledge she gained from her first year as a counselor. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of taking time to appreciate senior year.

“As you enter your last semester, be present,” Rodriguez said. “You only get to be in high school once so make the most of the students and friends you are walking with in the hallway and sitting next to in classes. Enjoy every moment and every conversation because you don’t get them back. Make the most of your last semester and end high school on a high note.”

Ian Atendido, enrollment counselor for Colorado Christian University, encourages a spiritual approach for seniors.

“As you enter into your last semester, ask yourself: where has the Lord taken me from, where are you at right now, and where is the Lord taking you in this next season? Take the time to reflect and honor the work of the Lord in your life in the midst of all the excitement. I think you will be in awe to see the Lord’s fingerprints all over your life.”

Vanguard University undergraduate admissions counselor Logan Allen urges students to not get distracted but to also enjoy the moment.

“My advice to seniors as they are entering their last semester is stay focused on school but use this last semester to create memories with the students around them,” Allen said. “Sit back and reflect on where you have come from the past twelve years of school and let that fuel you towards a very exciting next step as you find what college fits you best.”

Emily Sagherian, Biola University’s admissions counselor, provides an uplifting message for seniors regarding God’s plan over their lives.

“My advice to seniors would be that I know your college decision can feel like a huge weight on your shoulders,” Sagherian said, “but with whatever decision you make, God will use it for his glory. He promises this in Philippians as Paul writes that ‘he who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus.’ And God’s promises never fail. No decision you make will limit God’s plan for your life.”

Not only is this a hectic time for seniors but also for juniors while they start to register for the SAT or ACT, scholarships and begin college searching. Juniors should take one of the standardized tests at least once during the spring semester.

Any students with further questions can contact Evangelina Tello via email or visit her office in the main office of Building Six.

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