School children experience college

The eyes of LSA senior Nick Delgado lit up as he listened to group of 10 and 11 year-olds discussing the amount of partying and studying they each did in their first year of college.

"We just finished a simulation of freshman year," he explained.

For more than a month, Delgado visited a fifth-grade class at Washington Elementary School in Flint as part of the College Bound Program, sponsored by the University Office of Academic and Multicultural Initiatives. He taught students different aspects of college from financial aid to how to fill outapplications to doctorate degrees.

The program culminated on Friday when the students visited the University for a tour and a slew of creative activities performed with the help of several campus leaders. "It's so cool for the kids to sit down with the captain of the hockey team or t

JOANNA PAINE/Daily LSA-Student Government President Seema Pai speaks with fifth-grader Richard Tyler, who was visiting the University with other children Friday.

he president of student government," Delgado said. "Top leaders on campus have come to support this."

LSA senior Bryan Ackerman, executive director of Dance Marathon, said that although he came from a different background than the elementary students, he understood the importance of the program, which "instills in kids' minds what's needed to get into college and shows the importance of going," he said.

Kinesiology senior Darius Taylor, a member of the Michigan men's basketball team, met the elementary students at West Quad Residence Hall before weight lifting to sign autographs - a task which he patiently completed. "I hope I can encourage them," Taylor said when he was done, "but I don't want them to think that sports are the only way for them to go to college."

Elementary school teacher Mark Johnson, a University alum, said Delgado chose his class for the project after a discussion with a mutual friend.

Johnson said he uses the program to motivate his students. "They are so excited about this," he said.

Martin Portillo, one of the fifth-graders, said he was glad to be a part of the College Bound program.

"I think it's fun and educational, because when you get to college you won't be confused," he said.

Portillo's fellow student, Treena Saldana, agreed.

"I like it because it tells you about the future so you will be prepared and won't have to go through anything difficult," she said, taking time off from an activity that involved mapping out the next 15 years of her life. "You'll know what to do when you first get to college."

The fifth-graders said they already knew what they wanted to do after high school.

"I want to go to Harvard or Yale and be a lawyer," Portillo said.

"I want to be an archaeologist and go to Harvard or Stanford," Saldana said.

Although some students are determined to attend some of the most selective schools in the country, neither Delgado nor Johnson worry that they are setting the kids up for disappointment. "We've given them exposure to the infrastructure and it's up to them to make the right decisions," Delgado said.

Johnson said students who set high goals now will be the ones to embrace all opportunities.

"They could go to community colleges, learn a trade, or even be a doctor or a lawyer - whatever they find for themselves," Johnson said.

Delgado said he is confident that the results of the program will be positive. "The College Bound Foundation keeps track of all the students throughout their entire education. We should see results in a couple of years," Delgado said.

The program "has given me a greater perspective and taught me to never give up in the public education system. I have a renewed hope," he said.

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