Fall Brings College Representatives to North

College recruiters scanned student barcodes for instant access to student contact information.

We’re a little more than a month into the school year and colleges are already trolling for next year’s standout freshmen.

A sectioned off portion of North High School’s gymnasium is filled with tables blanketed in the school colors of almost 70 colleges and universities. School counselor Kimber Foshe spent the past few days preparing North seniors.

“They’ve been given their G.P.A., updated class rank and transcripts,” Foshe said. “And we walked them through what a transcript tells colleges and universities.”

Students also used a computer program to put all of their basic identifying information onto a barcode that recruiters could scan, saving time at each station.

Esperanza Vargas carries all of her information from table to table in a green folder provided by the school. She’s concentrating on Iowa schools.

“I’m trying to stay was close as I can to my family,” Vargas said.

The high school senior wants to major in English and eventually pursue publishing or teaching. She said talking to the college recruiters has taken some of the pressure off of preparing for life after graduation.

“I’m so ready to move on,” she said. “But it’s also kind of scary because it’s the first time out on my own. But it’s definitely exciting.”

Vargas moves in and out of the crowd of more than 100 students gathered in just the first hour of the fair. The event is mainly for North students, but Foshe said it’s open to any senior in the district.

“I want them to know this can be theirs,” Foshe said. “That it’s closer than they think.”

Kwizera Imani has his future all planned out.

“I’m going to Iowa State University to major in Aerospace Engineering,” Imani said. “I’m going to work at NASA and then start my own business helping kids get into engineering programs.”

Imani has a good head start. He was chosen by Governor Terry Branstad to help encourage students statewide to look at a STEM education.

As the noise level rises in the gym, three seniors walk out the door past Foshe.

“Wait,” she said. “Did you get all of the information you need? Did you ask about scholarships?” When the students shake their heads, Foshe sends them back into the room.

“This is a terrific opportunity for our students,” she said. “And I want every student to know we (faculty and staff) believe in their ability to achieve great things.”