Library's video series aims to demystify college, share helpful tips
Published on March 08, 2021
Thinking about college but not sure where to start? Three staff members from the Fort Worth Public Library are hosting a new three-part video series to help students navigate applying to college, transitioning to college life and exploring some options about life after graduation.
“We started this video series because we all went to college and had very different experiences,” Tangie Shogelola says in the first video. “And we want to share with you what we learned to help you feel more confident in your choices.”
Elizabeth Hayes wants viewers to learn from their experiences. “And so you can avoid some of the mistakes, stress and confusion we faced when we first started college,” she says.
College Prep 101: Admissions premieres on the Library’s YouTube channel at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20. The video features three students – portrayed by the staff themselves – at various stages of readiness to apply to college. The hope is that students see parts of themselves in any of the scenarios and can see that college is still a possibility for them.
There is helpful information about college applications; the differences between public and private colleges and universities; SAT and ACT exams; applying for scholarships and work-study programs; and the types of financial aid available. The video also highlights the many resources available at the Fort Worth Public Library.
“Congratulations. I’m promoting you to CEO of your life,” Victor Hernandez says. “You are responsible for academic, financial and strategic decisions that directly affect you. I know it’s a big responsibility, but you can handle it.”
Each video will also feature insights relating specifically to the video topic from college recruiters. The first video features Jack Parsley from Tarrant County College and Brian English from UT-Austin.
Two other videos will examine adjusting to college life and options after college graduation. College Prep 102-Surviving the College Transition premieres at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17. The final installment is College Prep 103-Where Do We Go From Here, premiering at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15.
“We wanted to demystify the alphabet soup of college prep,” said Christina Granados, Youth Program Coordinator for the Library. “Everyone’s path is different, and making decisions about the rest of your life is overwhelming. There’s no one right way to get into college and be successful. Whoever you are, whatever your path, the library is here to support you and provide options.”