Some Leafy Advice

Got College?
by Martin Zazueta

It's that wonderful time of year again, when heads spin and nails are bitten over the anxiety high school seniors face over their college applications. The seniors' minds will be filled with thoughts of scholarships, grants, career paths, universities, tuition, distance from home, making grades, and meeting graduation and entrance requirements. Mr. Ben Leaf, one of Southwest High School's English teachers, took the time to give suggestions about college:

RD: Where did you go to college, and was it far from home?

BL: I went to Colorado College, in Colorado Springs. Well, since I grew up in New York, I guess you could say it was far from home

RD: How did the distance benefit your studies?

BL: It made me more independent and self-confident.

RD: Is there something you regret not doing during college?

BL: I regret not studying more.

RD: How would living in this area of the country benefit a student trying to go to college outside of San Diego?

BL: This area is unique because of its closeness to Mexico, and its this uniqueness that students must use to “sell themselves” to the universities.

RD: Would you recommend for students to go out state? Why? Wouldn't it cost more?

BL: Definitely, because the farther you go the bigger the adventure is, and schools from far away are more likely going to give scholarships to you for going there, for they want your uniqueness.

RD: What are a few things college-bound students should be aiming to accomplish right now? What about non-college bound students?

BL: Write a personal statement, look at scholarships and grants, and look at colleges that you've never heard of before and plan to go there. For the non-college bound students I will tell you that college is the best thing you can get.

RD: What should a student do if their family doesn't approve of them going to college? And if they do approve, but not far away?

BL: Well if they don't approve at all they should have a talk with their parents and have them realize that without college they will have few choices in life. If they do approve, but not far away I would say to be prepared to talk of the benefits and also of the dangers of studying at home, such as getting a bad influence from unmotivated friends, not feeling independent and having to rely on family and family having to rely on you.

RD: If there was anything else you would want the Southwest High student body to know right now about college what would it be?

BL That college is really FUN, partly because it's the last place where reading a book would be considered working.

So there you have it, some sound Leafy Advice. As October comes dangerously close high school seniors will begin the long nerve-racking experience of applying to college. GOOD LUCK SENIORS!