New students at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College prepared to take their education to the next level on Tuesday with an orientation session at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.
As the college starts its fall semester, President Dr. Karl Dawson urged the students to help HLSCC make the most of limited resources.
“The more classes are filled with individuals taking classes over, the fewer people the college can serve, and that means we are not being efficient,” Dr. Dawson said.
With the territory facing financial challenges, he added, resources must be put to good use.
“The cost of higher education abroad is rising every year,” he said. “The quicker you can move on, you also save resources.”
More than half of the incoming students plan to pursue higher education rather than entering into the workforce immediately after graduating, according to the college.
Challenges
Dr. Dawson stressed that college is much different than high school, a sentiment echoed by Jareem Williams, who recently returned to the territory after earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Christian University.
Mr. Williams said his time at HLSCC provided a solid foundation for his experiences abroad.
“You are expected to be more independent than you were required to be in high school,” he said of college life. “So that means you would have to be dedicated to your studies, stay focused and avoid distractions in order to succeed. Here at HLSCC, the responsibility for learning rests with you.”
Yvonne Hodge-Grant, the director of the Student Success Centre, also gave remarks, as did Debra Hodge, the director of student life and special events.
Later, peer mentors were introduced, and lecturer Eric Christian performed a song. Classes are to start on Wednesday.
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