King’s Page
As students at San Marcos navigate the uncertainty and confusion of planning for their futures, they have a compass to guide them along a clear path of success: the College and Career Center. Located in room B-6, the College and Career Center is open every day from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with counselors equipped to answer any questions students might have regarding their unique college and career planning process. Whether you are searching for volunteer opportunities, applying to colleges, or joining the workforce, the College and Career Center provides all of the resources necessary to accomplish your future goals.
The College and Career Center has countless services available to provide clarity for students overwhelmed by the various academic and extracurricular roadmaps to choose from. College and Career Counselor Ms. Woodard and College and Career Technician Ms. Lupita De Jesus are both available to aid students in ensuring that they are on track to meet all of their graduation requirements. They have connections to different community service partners and often refer students to these organizations, allowing them to complete their 60 hours of community service needed for graduation. Additionally, they assist students in entering their completed community service hours in Aeries, making sure that students receive credit for their work. College and career counselors also help students find jobs fit for their schedules and interests. They are able to assist students with resume writing, interviews, and processing work permit applications. Students can attend career-talks in the spring hosted by the College and Career Center, and also take their career assessments to guide their search for a college major or future profession. College and Career Counselors are also available to help students choose classes to best fit their academic needs and aspirations, and also advise students looking to enroll in SBCC classes or other outside programs.
“I would like to stress that college and career plans are unique to each student,” said Ms. Woodard, “Make an appointment with me so that I can help you design a plan that will get you to your post-high school goals.”
Along with guidance in finding volunteer and work experience, the College and Career Center is there to help seniors overwhelmed by the stressful and confusing college application process. They regularly host college representative visits in the fall and special college-related events throughout the year to expose seniors to different colleges across the country and the numerous possibilities that exist. Ms. Woodard also leads weekly grade-level First-Generation Scholars groups to ensure that all students have the resources and guidance they need for college and career readiness.
When asked about how to stay updated on college-related events on campus, Ms. Woodard said, “Because there are so many college and career-related events happening every week, students should be checking their email once a day for messaging from me. They can also check the chalkboards around campus regularly for flyers with information, and they should pay attention to the daily announcements during second period.”
Ms. Woodard also offers around 35 one-on-one appointments each week, as well as meetings on Monday evenings for students and families that can’t make it to the College and Career Center during the school day. For students looking for personalized assistance with writing their college essays, finding and applying to scholarships, and navigating the UC and Common Application, personal meetings can be very beneficial.
“Not only has the college and career center itself helped me find colleges through emails, flyers, and reminders about opportunities, but Ms. Woodard has been critical in my college application journey,” said senior Mya Shenoda.
For students just getting started in the application process, the college and career counselors provide helpful advice on building a college list that is balanced with schools that are academic, social, and financial fits for students.
“I regularly visit college campuses all over the country, and there are so many wonderful schools that you’ve probably never heard of that could be the perfect fit for you,” Ms. Woodard said, “Get clear on your needs and wants when it comes to a college experience, bring those to me, and we can build you a list of many colleges where you will have not only an affordable, fantastic experience but also excellent post-college outcomes.”
Ms. Woodard’s work hours are 8:30 am-7:30 pm on Monday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Fridays. Students can also schedule individual appointments with her through the following QR code. Whether you are a freshman looking for volunteer opportunities or a senior applying to college, a visit to the College and Career Center is the perfect starting point to building a strong foundation for your future!
