GREENEVILLE – As eighth graders in the region prepare to take the next academic step by enrolling in high school, the Educational Talent Search program at Tusculum University is helping them make the change as seamless as possible.
These girls participate in an ice-breaker game.
Students participate in the “Freshman Year and Beyond: Tips for a Smooth Transition” session.
Talent Search held its 8th Grade Future Ready Day in the Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall in the Meen Center Friday, May 22. The day consisted of fun activities as well as several informative sessions that not only touched on academic items but also life skills that will serve these students well in their teenage years and throughout the rest of their life. Talent Search staff were available to answer students’ questions.
“This is an important time in these students’ lives as they become ready to transition to a higher level of education,” said Heather Tunnell, Talent Search’s director. “At the same time, they are continuing to develop as individuals and discover more about themselves. This time period will help influence their futures, so we want to provide them with valuable guidance that can help them maximize their high school years.”
Two students participate in an ice-breaker game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Sandi Bible, left, guides students during “Level Up: The Real-World Challenge Escape Game.”
Talent Search is a federal TRIO grant program that serves students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree and who meet income-eligibility guidelines. This program is available to middle school and high school students and includes multiple programs and activities as well as advising, all with the primary goal of positioning students to enroll in college. Additionally, the program imparts many of the soft skills students need as they take on additional responsibilities in their families and later head out on their own.
During the recent campus event, Talent Search assisted students by holding the session “Freshman Year and Beyond: Tips for a Smooth Transition.” Then students participated in “Level Up: The Real-World Challenge Escape Game,” which consisted of six stations that discussed other important elements of their lives. Those included:
- Laundry logic
- Kitchen survival
- Manners and first impressions
- Budget relay
- Decision escape
- Time management race
During lunch, Dean Zoch, general manager of Tusculum Dining, talked with students about business and eating etiquette.
Tunnell said students entering high school need reinforcement about the importance of their grades because of the impact those marks can have on their acceptance into the higher education institution that interests them. Grades are especially important during students’ freshman year so they can attain honors that could help them achieve their college dreams. Having a good academic start also means students will not have to play catch-up.
Stephen Thompson, standing, assists students with “Level Up: The Real-World Challenge Escape Game.”
Other academic skills are important, too. Having the ability to make schedule changes, for example, will create a more successful high school experience, Tunnell said. She said deciding which academic track and which classes to take will be major decisions for students.
Just going to high school can be intimidating because the building and number of students will likely be larger, she said.
Talent Search is also focused on helping students be well-rounded individuals. Life skills can help them be a better student and person. It will give the students more confidence and help people look favorably upon them when they apply for colleges or their first jobs.
“We’re here to help these students, and our Talent Search team is filled with many professionals who have provided assistance for a long time,” said Dr. David Smith, executive director of TRIO programs at Tusculum. “Students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular might need more help successfully navigating the system. Talent Search is a great outlet because we can help point them in the right direction and empower them to recognize their potential to impact their communities.”
Additional information about Talent Search is available at https://site.tusculum.edu/student-success/academic-affairs/first-gen/talent-search/. To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.