How did you choose your major?

I chose my major because growing up in a really small town, there weren’t too many ways to express yourself.  For me, I expressed myself through the clothes I wore.  I worked at Fashion Bug during high school, and I loved helping people pick out clothes because I saw how the right outfit really boosted their self-confidence. People feel better about themselves through the clothes they wear.

What do you love about Fashion Merchandising?

I love everything. It’s a really fun, laid-back environment.  I enjoy going to my classes and learning about fashion. The classes really interest me, and you get to do a lot of hands-on things.  The teachers are really helpful.

What is your dream career?

To work for a non-profit organization, where the money they make is donated to people from poor countries. My big dream for myself would be to own my own clothing store where people could come and get great customer service and talk about life. It would be a Christian-based store. I want my store to be named after a verse from Jeremiah in the Bible.

What advice would you give to middle school students thinking about college?

If you have a dream and you really want to do something, just go ahead and pursue it.  I know everyone says that, but if you really love something and you have a passion for something, college gives you the opportunity to explore that passion and accomplish your goals and dreams.

The College: RockIt! team will return to Stanton Middle School Thursday, Feb. 26.  Don’t forget to come to the Kent State Ice Arena Friday, Feb. 27 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. for fun and prizes!

Parents: The team will host a financial aid information night Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stanton Middle School library.  Learn how to finance your child’s future education with scholarships, grants, loans and saving options.

Listen to Monday’s winning rap by clicking on the “Rap Winners” page.  View the posters students created on the “posters” page, and enjoy some pictures of the speakers and students that rock Stanton Middle School:

Music education major Maurice Martin drops a beat with students. Photo courtesy of Laura Torchia.

Team member Amanda Hayes assists as a student creates a poster. Photo courtesy of Linda Torchia.

Students create a rap with direction from a Kent State student.

(Note: Audio versions of the raps students created will be available on the blog soon!)

Team members Jenn Yokley and Rebecca Odell help students create a rap.

Team member Amanda Hayes tells students three steps to Blastoff! to college.

Groups of seventh grade students create murals depicting "cool" careers.

Looks like Stanton Middle School is ready to College: RockIt!

Check it out!

Others, like Josh Johnston, get paid to watch them.

Josh, a sophomore journalism major, came to Kent State with plans to major in journalism and minor or double major in music.  Although he loved playing his bassoon, he decided to focus on journalism and working for the Daily Kent Stater.
Josh’s love for journalism started when he was the editor of his high school newspaper.

“I loved talking to people and learning about new things,” Josh said.  “With journalism, you’re constantly at the front of breaking news.”

Josh focuses on sports writing and has worked as a sports reporter for DKS for the last three semesters.  He’s covered stories on track and field, volleyball, basketball and golf.  He’s traveled with several of the teams throughout Ohio, Indiana and Michigan to get the latest news stories.

“Being a sports reporter gives me inside connections with the teams,” he said.  “In a typical week, I’ll talk to Kent State athletes and coaches two or three times.”

“I love watching sports so getting paid to watch sports is one of the best jobs in the world to me,” he said.

Check out some of the stories Josh wrote as a sports journalist by clicking on the following links:

The thrill of victory, the agony of injury

A Kent State-World Series connection

Back on the court where she belongs

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, the College: RockIt! team will launch the week with activities at Stanton Middle School.  We have a group of awesome athletes and Kent State students who will share their college experiences with Stanton seventh graders.  We also have some great activities lined up, including a rapping contest.  Be ready to beatbox… I know I am!

Parents of school-aged children in the Kent area are encouraged to attend a financial aid information session Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stanton Middle School Library.  A financial aid representative from Kent State will talk to parents and answer questions about scholarships, FAFSA applications, financial aid, student loans and the importance of saving for college.

College: RockIt! will be present at the Kent State Ice Arena Friday, Feb. 27 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. to bring an assortment of fun, educational programming to students.  We’ll be giving out prizes, so make sure you’re there!

You’d be amazed by the opportunities college can bring.  From trips to Italy to stints with reality shows to internships at major television networks in New York City, you’ll never know where college could take you.  That’s why it’s important to start planning now!

Here’s three steps to blasting off to college:

• Choose your destination.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about your future career.  What are your hobbies?  What topics are you interested in?  Which school subjects do you excel in?  You don’t have to choose a major yet, but it’s great to have direction on what you’d like to study in the future.  It’ll help you pick classes in high school that will prepare you for college, too!

• Pack your bags.

Getting good grades now will lead to success and scholarships in the future.

• Prepare for takeoff.

Contrary to popular belief, your parents know what they’re talking about!  Don’t be afraid to discuss college with your parents.