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Calumet youth connect with Mesirow interns for a discussion about college

Thank you to our friends at Mesirow for creating a unique and powerful opportunity for youth in our Calumet Center’s Summer Youth Employment Program! Our teens connected with a group of Mesirow interns for a discussion about what college is like and how to prepare.

Mesirow’s interns answered questions and shared first-hand information and advice on topics from making friends to expectations around coursework, and especially reassurances that it’s okay to not have everything figured out just yet, but with commitment and self-belief, they can achieve their goals.

“This was an invaluable experience for our youth,” shares Calumet Executive Director Carrie Pullie. “I’m inspired by the impact of their takeaways.”

Our youth reflected on what they will take away from this experience; read their thoughts below.

De-Arion, a rising 12th grader with aspirations to attend Missouri University:

  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is to talk to as many people as I can. Find the people that can help you.
  • I was inspired by the interns when they said that you do not give up if you are failing a class. I realize the importance of not giving up on myself when life gets hard. I am stronger than I think.
  • I hope to use what I learned from the conversations to help me look for scholarships. Scholarships are important and I look forward to reaching out to the interns for help.

Special thank you to DeArion for taking photos!

Darnell, a rising 11th grader with aspirations to attend Michigan State University:

  • My favorite part of the day was meeting all of the interns. They provided a lot of information about majors and colleges. This was definitely helpful because I am not sure what to major in.
  • Something surprising I learned is that college is a really big opportunity for shy people to come out of their shells and express themselves.
  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is to get outside more and try new things. Step outside of your comfort zone.
  • I related to the interns when they said that college can be hard but that it does get easier through the years. It is good to know this information.

Ayanna, a rising 12th grader who wants to major in Social Work: 

  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is that grades count during your senior year of high school, so it is important not to slack because it is your last year.
  • I related to the interns when they said that they did not necessarily know what they wanted for their future in their senior year of high school.
  • I was inspired by the interns when they said that in-state tuition is cheaper than out of state tuition. That was something that I did not know.

Michael, a rising 11th grader who wants to major in Engineering:

  • Something surprising that I learned is that I need to start preparing for college in my Junior year. This was important as I am going into my Junior year of high school.
  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is to manage my time wisely and fun will come later.
  • I related to the interns when they said it is hard to build your GPA. So I will work hard to keep my grades up.
  • I was inspired by the interns when they said that college is not as hard as people make it out and that classes can be fun.
  • I hope to use what I learned from the conversation to help make it easier to decide on a college.
  • My favorite part of the day was having the opportunity to talk with so many different people of different backgrounds.

Reginald, a rising 12th grader with aspirations to attend Columbia College:

  • Something surprising I learned was that a lot of people are from where I am from. I can be successful as well.
  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is to be truthful and know your worth.
  • I related to the interns when they said it is going to get hard. So I will be prepared.
  • I was inspired by the interns when they said that it is going to be easy to make friends in college.
  • My favorite part of the day was connecting very well with the interns and learning so much!

Jayden, a rising 12th grader who wants to major in Business & Engineering:

  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is to join clubs and make friends fast.
  • I was inspired by an intern when they said that they grew up where I lived. So that showed me that I can do it too.
  • I related to the intern when they said he likes playing sports like me.

Kayla, a graduate who plans to attend Illinois State University:

  • Something surprising that I learned is how to adjust to college better. College is very different from high school.
  • A piece of advice I will definitely use is to think of going to my early classes as if I am going to work.
  • I related to the intern when they said that school was hard. But I know I can do it.
  • I hope to use what I learned from today’s conversations when I attend college this upcoming fall. All of the information was great.
  • My favorite part of the day was learning about things I need to know before going to college. It was so helpful.

Ania, a graduate who is undecided:

  • I was inspired by the interns when they said to bring the fire and thunder to every position my name is under. I will always put my best foot forward. I may make mistakes, but I have to take the loss and keep going to be successful.
  • I hope to use what I learned from the conversation to be great. If I know better, I will do better. Now that I know a little better, I believe I will do better in life.
  • My favorite part of the day was when the interns reassured me that I am on the right track and in the right direction for a better way of life. I had a very emotional moment with the interns. I want to thank them for the support.

Tatiana, a graduate who plans to attend Olive Harvey: 

  • A piece of advice that I will definitely use is that it is really good to mingle and join as many clubs as possible going into college.
  • I related to the intern when they said that they struggled with the impact of COVID-19, which is very comforting because it is so relatable.
  • I was inspired by the interns when they said that there are a lot of fun and exciting things to look forward to in college. Since I was unsure of going to college, I found that very inspiring.
  • My favorite part of the day was getting to know everyone. I learned about their interests, goals, and accomplishments.