(MUSIC) I recall getting ready to go off to college for the first time.
It really was a great time in my life.
So now, it's your child's time.
And the sooner you and your child start planning and prepping, the better.
Our guests will share some great advice on that process.
And what could be done to enhance their college experience once they get there.
Meet returning guest, Dr. Emily Hunt, a Professor at West Texas A&M University in in Canyon,
Texas.
And we also have some current students joining us.
Libby Strickland and Desiree Chambers.
Thanks for being here.
Thank you for having us.
Doctor, let me start with you.
So when do most people start the process of, you know, getting ready for college.
That's a great question.
Personally I don't think that you can start that process to young.
I know in my house, we're already talking to our little kids about college and what
they might be someday.
I've been telling my kids since they were born, you're going to go, you have to go.
Absolutely.
So from a university prospective, we typically encourage students to start their sophomore
year in high school because, you know, this is a huge decision and you need to take the
time.
You need to do your research, visit campuses.
Every campus has a very different feel and culture, and I think that spending time on
campus gives you a feel for that.
So I definitely think you need from sophomore year to know by the time you're a senior.
You know what your tentative plan is going to be.
What do universities look for in potential students?
From the university prospective, we're looking for students who have demonstrated character
and work ethic, and perseverance, and so that manifests itself in a variety of ways.
So we do look at extra curricular activities, academics of course are number one.
Right.
But doing something outside of that.
Absolutely.
Community service, outreach.
You know we want students who are well-rounded and who we know from the get-go, you know,
these kids can do this.
They can make it through and then they're also going to contribute to the community,
to the university while they're in school.
Because books are great, getting good grades is great, but also being out there and putting
it all together is really what you're looking for in somebody.
Absolutely.
And let's talk about 2 students.
Now I was reading here, Libby.
Libby right?
You are a senior biology major.
That's what I was!
Wow.
Oh my gosh.
And Desiree you're a junior in mass communications and broadcasting.
Yes.
You want to take my job?
I would love it.
OK.
What were you involved in, let's say in high school Libby when you were looking towards
college?
Well, outside of the classroom most of my time was spent in athletics cause I was, played
volleyball and ran track.
So, athletics was a big part of my life and it took up a lot of my time, but the good
thing about athletics is that it teaches you a lot of things that you need to know in college.
Such as like time management skills, discipline, and also coping with losses and failure.
I think is a good thing in college.
You know you're not gonna win every battle so those things really helped me.
And my girls dance a lot and we travel around the country.
We win, we lose, and I think those things build character.
Would you agree, and tell me what you did?
I was involved in like, yearbook club and a military club.
So my family is in the military and I was raised in a military family.
And so what that taught me was to just be adaptable, and know how to accept change.
And that change is OK and if you go far from home it's OK because you're always able to
be social and you just know how to just be fun and relaxed all the time.
And doctor, what I love here is we've got, you know, athletics, we've got clubs.
Again, all of these experiences really helping to build character and students for a future
university.
Absolutely.
Our goal as a university is not just education, in the academic sense.
But educating, contributing citizens.
Right?
We want them to graduate and be member of society.
And so extra curricular and athletics and this is all part of the development of the
whole student.
Now I know when you first start college and even if its your junior year, it's tough.
Let's be honest.
And you're juggling all that, so you're studying a lot, your taking your credits.
Libby, what are you doing now at the university?
I'm on the track team.
I run track, and I'm also involved in the orientation at WT and so I'm pier leader,
I kind of mentor freshman and help them with the transition into college.
I'm also on the intercollegiate athletics council, and I'm the student representative.
So that's pretty cool.
And you're happy as West Texas A&M.
Yes, I love it, I really do.
How bout you?
I'm a president baster for the president's office, and then I'm also a tour guide for
WT, which we show people around.
I'm in Rogers Lead WT, which is a leadership program.
And so it's really fun to be involved in different organizations around campus.
And you know the bottom line here is 2 girls who are going to be motivated, experienced,
and hopefully, you know, hit the world and be ready.
Absolutely.
These 2 girls are definitely models for success.
West Texas A&M.
OK so are you gonna be a broadcaster?
Yes.
Is that what you want?
I wanna be a college football sports analyst.
Oh my gosh.
I love it.
And doctor?
Originally that was the plan.
That was supposed to be.
Things have changed since them.
Well you've got so much time.
Enjoy life, do your best, and change careers if you have to.
I've changed my career 4 times already.
Doctor, thank you so much for your time.
And for our viewers out there who'd like information on West Texas A&M, where do they go? wtamu.edu.
Thank you so much for your time.
Good luck to you and maybe you can come on by one day and help us out here on The Balancing
Act.
We'd love to have you.
Alright, and for more information on how to enhance your college experience, who knows
you might even take my job.
Visit wtamu.edu or visit our website thebalancingact.com.