As college application pressures persist, Lake High School seniors strive to pinpoint their perfect university fit. In hopes of aiding this imperative decision, Lake High School staff members have shared the essence of their alma maters.
Information has been collected from alumni across four different colleges; a MAC school, a local private university, a Big Ten school, and an out-of-state university. The candidates for these categories include social studies teacher Mr. Zackery McCoy, principal Mr. Dan Harold, assistant principal Mrs. Lee Munoz, and assistant principal Mr. Steve Lippe.
Beginning with the featured MAC school, Mr. Zackery McCoy, a graduate of Kent State University’s education program, shared his experience as part of the Class of 2010. Although initially a communication major, Mr. McCoy ended up pursuing a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in adolescents and young adult social studies.
Regarding the Kent State staff, McCoy relayed that the University’s professors were knowledgeable and helpful, providing leniency and conflict resolution. However, in larger class environments, students may struggle to develop personal relationships with staff members because of unequal student-to-staff ratios and limited personal attention.
As for the student life on campus, Mr. McCoy quoted the diversity in the student body as “eye-opening,” especially after transitioning from a predominately white, Christian high school. Kent State University prides itself on fostering community and connection, offering a large variety of intramural, club, and school-affiliated sports.
Regarding education preparation, McCoy states that Kent State’s program prepared him beyond that of his fellow student-teaching colleagues, allowing him to thrive in his resident educator program. Mr. McCoy expressed that he was very satisfied with his experience with Kent State University and only wished that he would have further self-controlled his class catalog so that he could have graduated earlier.
Moving on to a member of the Malone University Class of 1984, Mr. Dan Harold relayed his college experience at what he refers to as the “Ivy League school of Northeast Ohio.” Mr. Harold pursued a degree in business administration with a minor in sociology in which he also received a teaching certificate for high school business courses.
With respect to Malone’s staff, Mr. Harold emphasized that professors focused personally on each student, fulfilling the small school’s reputation of peak staff relations and effort. However, as Malone is a quite conservative Christian college, they are not recognized for their student life but rather for their exceptional academic programs.
Mr. Harold shared that Malone’s education allowed him to enter the teaching profession with his “eyes open,” granting him experience and opportunities that prepared him beyond what was simply sufficient in his desired field. When asked what he would change if he were to go back and do it over again, Mr. Harold stresses that he does not regret much and would not alter his experience in any way.
However, Mr. Harold encourages students to evaluate the schools within their area rather than getting caught up in attending larger, more well-known schools that may be farther in distance. Individuals must recognize their own goals and needs, some of which would be better served at a smaller school.
Continuing to the featured Big Ten university, Mrs. Lee Munoz told her story as a part of The Ohio State University’s Class of 1997. In fact, Mrs. Munoz is a member of the only class in OSU history that had their graduation ceremony canceled due to inclement weather. During her time at Ohio State, Mrs. Munoz pursued a degree in special education, graduating with a license as an intervention specialist.
Mrs. Munoz shared that specifically within major-oriented classes, professors put forth the effort to fulfill individual students’ needs, even striving to understand them on a personal level. However, like many large, well-respected schools, students may come across professors who do not speak clear English, creating language barriers that may raise confusion.
As for the student life on campus, Mrs. Munoz stated that OSU has a “lively atmosphere” with a great deal of tradition and opportunities to get involved on campus. Munoz herself was a member of the Ohio State University cheerleading team her freshman year before later deciding to commit fully to academics. With Ohio State’s exceptional cheerleading team and academic programs, Mrs. Munoz relayed that she wouldn’t have changed anything regarding her time at the university.
Lastly, Mr. Steve Lippe has shared his experience as a football team alumni of the Class of 1998 at West Virginia University. Through the assistance of West Virginia, Mr. Lippe attained a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in mathematics after a series of modifications in majors.
Mr. Lippe recalled that West Virginia held a great panel of passionate professors who provided an exemplary support system. However, similar to that of OSU, students may encounter high-level professors who struggle to speak clear English, possibly causing rifts in communication.
Shifting gears to the student life on campus, West Virginia University provides a series of activities on campus and is ranked as one of the top party schools in the nation. However, Mr. Lippe states that, like most large schools, different sorts of “trouble” often arise on campus. He emphasized that in order to avoid such situations, students must maintain self-discipline and recognize what scenes not to partake in.
As mentioned above, Mr. Lippe was a member of the West Virginia football team for the entirety of his college career. He expressed that this was quite a unique experience in which he was granted opportunities that normal college students don’t have the privilege of encountering. However, although being a member of the football team has its advantages, it is still a full-time commitment involving a great deal of pressure in performance and time management.
West Virginia University made it possible for Mr. Lippe to step into the classroom environment and feel prepared in the subject area as well as the skills of educating. The only opportunity Mr. Lippe wishes he would have taken would have been exploring other universities and opportunities such as the military academies before deciding to commit to WVU for athletics.
After reviewing the nature of each mentioned staff member’s university, students can reflect on which college route best suits their goals and necessities. Beyond those schools mentioned, there is a variety of career opportunities lying just beyond the walls of Lake High School. Staff members encourage graduating students to explore all that is available to them, including aspects of the trades. The decision of education following high school lies solely in the hands of each graduate, personally constructed for the prospect of success.
