Grads return to high school to offer advice

A group of Cape graduates returned to high school last month to talk about college life.

Advancement Via Individual Determination recently held a program Dec. 22 at the high school featuring 14 Cape grads who now attend college.

"It was an opportunity for the high school students to get a real taste of college," said Robin Savage, advisor for the AVID program. "I wanted them to see students just like them who were sitting in their seats a year or two ago."

About 90 high school students heard words of advice from their older peers who emphasized the importance of time management and good study habits. Returning graduates represented several colleges and universities including University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wesley College, Hampton University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Seton Hall University among others.

The college students all agreed college is much harder than high school, and some in hindsight wished they had listened to the advice of their AVID advisors to apply themselves harder to their studies, Savage said.

"The high school students received it well because it came from someone their age," Savage said.

AVID gives advice on applying to colleges and other academic support to students from low-income families or others who are not likely to apply to college.

There currently are 114 high school students enrolled in AVID. Savage said participating students enroll in AP and honors classes in high school, take college entrance exams such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, receive help with college applications and take tours of colleges.

Most of all, Savage said, she tries to teach students that it won't always be easy.

"Obstacles are going to come, but you have to learn to build a road around them," she said.