Seniors of Taft High spent their Tuesday at Taft College for the annual Cougar Day last week. This event gives local students a chance to preview the college community in their transition to the TC. Teachers Wesley Morris, Marsha Eubanks, Bradley VanRoekel, and John Usrey, along with counselor Tammy Sutherland led a group of about 85 students who intend on being apart of the TC experience. Upon arrival, students were greeted by several administrators and current student, Chase Brown, who gave a little insight on what campus life is like and how different it is from high school.

Groups of ten seniors were sent into the main building to give their name and receive a folder filled with information about the TC campus. Students were then ushered into a presentation room to receive information from Barbara Mariam in the financial aid department. She discussed the many types of programs and scholarships you can apply for and the different vocational programs that TC offers. Mariam explained the benefits of applying and being accepted into EOP (Extended Opportunity Program), such as field trips to CSUs and UCs, paid cap and gown, free ASB sticker, and books services. They accept about 150 incoming freshman who aren’t quite sure why they are attending college but want to further their education.

Students were also given information by Access Specialist, Amar Abbott and Dr. Vicki Jacob, who discussed the many different classes the college offers. She also touched on her personal experience with TC and what she has done in life to lead her where she is. During the presentation, students were called back to meet with their counselor where they selected their major and classes for the fall school year. Once finished, students were to head to the library and receive their student ID and take a personal tour of the campus.

Students enjoyed tacos for lunch from local Mexican restaurant, Maria’s, and chatted about future classes and their excitement for college life. The final process was to register for classes and receive a Taft College PopSocket, a cell phone accessory. While other students finished up, registered seniors played ping pong and pool in the Student Union and headed back to campus by the beginning of seventh period.