Figuring out what you want to do after high school can be overwhelming. To guide students who are also going through this process, Harper College hosted the Fall High School Open House for future students on Nov. 1, offering students an opportunity to learn and discover the possibilities and opportunities Harper has to offer, as well as to give them a sense of guidance while trying to figure out what their plans are for their future.
One such prospective student is Gretchen Ownby, who attended the open house along with her mother, Deanna. Gretchen is a homeschooled high school student with a passion for art. While at the open house, she was able to learn more about the art courses at Harper and chat with teachers and Harper students at displays for each subject set up around Building A. She shared how she was most impressed by how “talkative” the event hosts were, and how much they were willing to engage with any student who took an interest.
“Everyone is happy to have a conversation with you,” Gretchen said.
According to Deanna Ownby, events like these are important opportunities for students and parents alike to ask questions about what Harper has to offer, as well as interact with someone who has experience and is able to share their own personal stories and involvement at Harper.
“I think it will give her an idea of what’s valuable, without feeling like she’s in a one-on-one conference with an adult — it feels a bit more casual,” Deanna said. “It’s very well organized, labeled, and as parents, [this is how] we find out about the different departments.”
Matt Byrne, the general manager for WHCM Harper Radio, was once also a student who attended Harper’s open house in the past.
“I remember being down there in the student lounge area, and [the guides] saying, ‘Up there is the radio station,’” Byrne said. “I was like, ‘Whoa, they actually have a radio station here?’ Fast forward eight or nine years, I’m the general manager of that radio station!”
Byrne believes that this event allows students to feel more connected, as they’re not only able to get face-to-face time with their potential future professors, but also see student-run clubs like WHCM in their element — and the WHCM team very much were, seeing as their display table was decked out with a turntable, stereo system and a box full of records, letting the team DJ live to any passers-by.
“I hope that they can see that there are a lot of available opportunities here, and you don’t necessarily have to go to a four-year college,” Byrne said. “You can just go right here: it’s a very unique experience.”
