Julian Adame: A DSST Student’s College Fly-In Experience

Sometimes, discovering what you want from college starts with stepping onto a campus you never imagined visiting.

For Julian Adame, a student at DSST: College View High School, that opportunity came through Explore Bowdoin, a college fly-in program at Bowdoin College in Maine. During a recent visit, Julian got the chance to explore the campus, stay in a dorm and experience a part of the country transformed by fall colors.

From the moment Julian arrived, Maine made an impression. The fresh breeze and colorful fall surroundings made the campus feel inviting.

One standout moment was visiting Bowdoin’s Schiller Coastal Studies Center, where Julian explored a laboratory and took in the surrounding scenery. The visit brought together the academic opportunities and natural beauty that made the trip memorable.

It also helped Julian identify something important to look for in a future college: a setting that brings joy to everyday life.

“I really wanted to be around nature and be in a campus in which I feel happy walking to class,” said Julian.

Another meaningful moment came when Julian met the student who would serve as a host during his dorm stay.

The host was Hispanic, came from an under-resourced background and was majoring in English. Those connections made an immediate impression.

“For me, it was the fact that we were the same person!” Julian said.

Beyond seeing classrooms and buildings, Julian connected with a college student whose background reflected parts of his own. That connection brought a personal dimension to the experience of exploring a new campus.

Julian’s advice: Take it all in

For other students considering a fly-in program, Julian’s advice is simple: make the most of the opportunity and soak it all in.

“Truly value a moment when you’re in it,” Julian said.

A college visit can help you discover what matters to you, from the academic programs you want to explore to the community and surroundings where you feel comfortable. You might return with new questions, clearer priorities or possibilities you hadn’t considered.

Interested in exploring colleges beyond Colorado? These college fly-in programs are open to students during the Spring or Summer following their junior year. To apply, juniors are urged to speak directly with their DSST college counseling team. Your next step could help you see your future in a whole new way.