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Bay College hosts 150 UP high school seniors for a college orientation event

Bay College hosts 150 UP high school seniors for a college orientation event

ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) – 150 seniors from 12 high schools across the Upper Peninsula got a taste of college during Bay College’s annual “Bay is the Way Day” event at the Escanaba and Iron Mountain campuses.

“I think it’s helpful to get to something like this. “I think it helps narrow the gap,” said Jessica Beaver, director of admissions at Bay College. “It eliminates some of the first-day anxiety because you were on campus. You’ve met some people like me, our staff. Our department.”

Beaver welcomed students to the Besse Theater on Bay’s Escanaba campus.

“We invited everyone,” Beaver said. “Some people traveled up to two hours to get here.”

Two current Bay College students spoke to the assembled seniors about their own experiences. Sophomore Rebekah Clouse told the group, “High school is kind of scary. Clap if you agree. And about half the room started clapping.

Clouse told the group how she had difficulty finishing high school during the pandemic and decided to repeat her senior year before going to college.

“I know there are other seniors who are struggling,” Clouse said. “There are some of them out there right now who are saying, ‘It’s not for me. I won’t make it. No need. My grades are bad. I’m not a good student. I wanted to point this out because you’re not a bad student, you just need more resources.”

The resources mentioned by Bay freshman Kay Mahood can be found at Bay.

“What I want to tell them is that Escanaba may seem small, but through Bay College they can help you see the bigger picture and what’s out there in the world for you to take advantage of,” Mahood said. “Many first-generation students like me will not have the resources and knowledge to study at other universities. Thanks to Bay College, I have had a lot of help shopping for the schools I want to attend.”

Both students are cooperating with the University regarding transfer degrees. Mahood is studying art and will then go on to college for fashion and design. Clouse earns money during the first two years of coursework required for a social work degree.

Mahood and Clouse said starting at Bay College saves them a lot of money.

“Having minimal or no debt after college will be really helpful,” Mahood said.

Beaver said one of the goals of the event is to prepare students for success, whether they attend Bay College or another university.

“In short, what sets the community college apart is that we are here for the community and the students,” Beaver said. “We are here to support them and whatever their success may be.”

Crash Here to learn more about Bay College and the admissions process.