Twin Rivers hosts workshop for college bound graduates

by Olga Velichko

The transition from high school to college is a big step, so Twin Rivers created a workshop to help support families and those students going off to college.

"Work hard in high school and make sure you get all your A-G requirements for the college you want to attend," says Elizabeth Chan, a graduate from Foothill High School who will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall.

Nearly 100 students who have been accepted to a two-year or four-year college attended the College Bound 101 Workshop held on July 9. Throughout the morning students attended mini sessions to learn about dorm life, time management, study skills, health and safety, and various resources that will be offered on their college campus.

"Make sure you stay on top of everything, pay attention to emails they send you," recommends 17-year-old Holly Sutton, a graduate from Grant High School who will be going to school at San Francisco State University.

In addition to informational sessions, students had the opportunity to discuss college life, the good and the bad, with a Twin Rivers alumni student panel.

"Clean up your study habits, don't procrastinate, and get organized," advises Highlands High School graduate, Francesca Galvez, who will attend Sacramento State in the fall.

Director of Family and Community Involvement Kate Bishop-Hazarian worked with other Twin Rivers staff to create this workshop and hopes it will be an annual event, offering real life practical tips and support for Twin Rivers families. The event was sponsored by Project DREAM, River City Bank, and UC Davis.

"Follow your dreams, don't give up, and always go for what you want," says Rachel Erickson, a Rio Linda High School graduate pursuing a career in photography and childcare. Erickson is enrolled at ARC for the fall semester.

Thanks to generous donations, 30 of the students attending the workshop received $400 scholarships to purchase school and dorm room supplies they will need when they arrive on campus. 17 fortunate students also received new or refurbished computers for college.

About the writer: Olga Velichko is a student intern from Foothill High School and is working this summer in the Twin Rivers Communications Department through the Sacramento Works for Youth program.

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