Freshman can learn need-to-know skills at College-Bound Workshop
At the College-Bound workshop, Tami Grant with USANA Health Services will discuss nutrition and fitness. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – In 2008, Katie Jones was preparing to leave for college but realized she lacked basic ‘survival’ skills.
Her parents realized that Katie needed to learn some practical, life skills to succeed in transitioning from high school to college. “Academia and parents were missing (in helping with) some key skills,” her father Vann Jones said.
Jones organized the first College-Bound Workshop, which will be held again at Asbury United Methodist Church, 970 Hughes Road on July 29-30 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The “Things to Know Before You Go” two-session workshop is free. Students can buy a snack supper for $5.
In 2012, 41 students registered, representing eight colleges/universities in four states.
In the Emergency Road Safety session, State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw will demonstrate jump starting a car, changing a flat tire, changing oil and dealing with an interstate breakdown. Jones’ daughter Jamie completed this session last year and will assist Holtzclaw this year.
Sgt. Drew Westrope with Madison Police Department will train the teenagers in unarmed self-defense techniques and rape prevention. Kent Thompson with BBVA/Compass Bank will explain fundamentals of money management, benefits and dangers of credit, savings and student loans.
Tami Grant with USANA Health Services will discuss nutrition and fitness and avoiding the ‘freshman 15’ weight gain.
“High school students have a very structured environment. In college, there’s more freedom,” Jones said. Students should allot time to study daily. “Every social event and new friend is competing for their attention.”
In addition, moderators will discuss alcohol awareness, peer pressure and social media. “They can find anything they’re looking for on college campuses, but we encourage them to seek out upperclassmen who made good decisions and get involved in high-quality student organizations, including faith-based ministries,” Jones said.
A college panel with about five upperclassmen will answer the freshmen’s questions and “share things they wished they had known or done their freshman year,” Jones said.
To register, visit asburychurch.wufoo.com/forms/z7p9r7. For more information, email to vrjones@knology.net or visit asbury.onthecity.org/plaza/events.
