On September 30, the AVID class visited San Francisco State University for a campus tour, giving students the opportunity to explore college life up close and learn more about what a four-year university has to offer.
For many students, this was their first time visiting a college campus in person. It gave them a chance to walk the grounds, ask questions, and see firsthand what college life is really like instead of just reading about colleges or looking at them online.
“It’s one thing to see pictures on the internet. It’s another to be standing on the campus and experiencing it for themselves,” said Mrs. Veronica Seaborn, the AVID teacher who organized the trip.
Field trips like this one are about more than just seeing a campus, they help students figure out what kind of college environment might be right for them.
“I think it’s important for students to see what’s possible for them,” Seaborn added. “It’s important to get a feel for the campus.”
For many students, this tour was more than just a field trip, it was a moment to imagine their futures. Ariana Padilla (12) shared how the tour changed her perspective. “Touring the campus showed me I’d be in a bigger atmosphere than what I’m used to. It helped me picture myself in college, going to lectures and using all the resources the campus has.”
Beyond just touring the campus, students also had the opportunity to interact with college students and staff. These conversations helped bring the experience to life and offered a more personal look at the reality of college. “Talking to the students made me see that you can enjoy college and learn at the same time,” Padilla said.
Trips like this one help students prepare for life after high school and make informed decisions about their future. Whether or not they end up applying to SFSU, the experience gave them valuable insight into what college life can be and motivate high school students to keep working toward their goals.
AVID has more college tours planned, with the next visit scheduled for Santa Clara University on October 21.
