College Success at CGHS
This past fall DSST sat down with four 10th grade students at Conservatory Green (CG) High School (Joyce Caballos, Jeremiah Warren, Nicole Huerta, and Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez) to get a sense of their college aspirations, excitement or fears around the application process and how they want to change the world. CG High School provides resources to help prepare each of its students for the next step in their academic journey. DSST is thankful for all of the parents and DSST staff that allow students to dream big through College Success programs.
What College or University would you like to attend?
Joyce Caballos:
"Right now I say UNC, but I say right now because I change my mind a lot.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“University of Kansas.”
Nicole Huerta:
“I really want to go to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“I’m thinking CU – Boulder or Colorado State University.”
What is it about that college/university that makes you want to attend?
Joyce Caballos:
"I went last month and I really liked the diversity; I liked how they had a lot of communities…seems like it would feel a lot like home.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“University of Kansas is right in the middle of Denver and St. Louis where my family is from. They also have a great basketball program…where I would like to play.”
Nicole Huerta:
“UC – Colorado Springs has a lot of good programs that are different from other schools that I’ve seen and the major I want to take they have specific programs for that.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“I feel like their education is very challenging and their location is desirable.”
What field would you like to study?
Joyce Caballos:
“I’m looking at architecture. I think it’s a good job and I find the idea of designing a building really interesting.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“I love literature. You can learn so much from the written word-- from history to life lessons.”
Nicole Huerta:
“I want to study business and real estate.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“I would like to go into medicine. I really like science and I consider myself good at it.”
What makes you nervous about the college application and selection process?
Joyce Caballos:
“I’m a first generation student so I don’t have personal guidance outside of DSST-- a parent that will tell me to go to this college or if I’m going to make the right choice or select the right field. Especially how I’m going to pay for it. That gets me thinking.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“Going on college visits are great, but I don’t know if I’m ready yet. Its big, it’s the next step in my life and it could make or break me and determine what I’m going to do. But the college visits are definitely helpful in determining what I like and dislike as I go through the selection process.”
Nicole Huerta:
“It’s the process of applying, continuing to work, and financially stabilizing yourself. It’s a lot. The balance is hard.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“The application process makes me the most nervous. Admissions expects a lot academically and to see you as a good person. You have to give a good first impression. It’s a lot of pressure.”
What excites you about going to college?
Joyce Caballos:
“It’s a new experience…a big step into adulthood. It’s a really big piece in your life.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“I’ve heard that college is fun. But more than anything I’ve heard there is an amount of freedom that you have in determining what you want to study. That’s exciting.”
Nicole Huerta:
“Ever since 9th grade I’ve been visiting colleges, learning about what is needed and what I have to do to get there. I’m not nervous because I don’t have to start from square one, I have this big path that I’m able to take to that helps me understand how to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“Getting to meet a ton of new people. Nearly every day you’ll meet someone new, because depending on the school you go to, there is an opportunity to meet thousands of new people.”
How do you want to change the world?
Joyce Caballos:
“A big way I want to change the world is by inspiring others. For other people that are kind of like me that are first generation or whose parents are immigrants…so I can be someone that they can look up too.”
Jeremiah Warren:
“I want to be different…not sure what it is at this point, but I want to do good in the world. Based on what I’ve learned at DSST, I’ll know when I find it.”
Nicole Huerta:
“I want to change peoples’ perspective. I am Hispanic, and a lot of people have told me to look into different options because that’s too hard or that’s really out there. I want to change the perspective of people to think that no matter what race you are or what you believe, you can achieve anything you set your mind to it and work hard for it.”
Bryan Mendoza-Gonzalez:
“I don’t know much of the real world yet, but I want to make an impact where it’s needed most.”
Thanks to the generosity of many Conservatory Green families who have support our College Success goals and initiatives our students have bright futures ahead of them. Please join us in supporting CGHS College Success today to help us support our students on their journey to college.