With the third trimester recently starting at MC, students have become excited to be yet another step closer to the end of the school year. This time of year also means that college and other post-secondary options have become a point of interest for students, particularly as juniors gear up for the college application process. 

Along with some members from the trade unions, 77 colleges sent a representative for the fair that took place in the Cacciatore Gym on the night of Wednesday, March 21st. Guidance Counselor Mrs. Vanessa Miguez organized the event, and this was her first year doing so.

“When I started working here in August, I met with Mrs. Luster and we talked about different responsibilities we would have throughout the year,” said Mrs. Miguez. “That’s when I first found out I would watch over the college fair but also college visits.”

Throughout the school year, students have had the ability to visit nearby colleges such as DePaul University and the University of Chicago. The college fair not only allowed students to learn more about those schools they visited but also more about schools that aren’t in the Chicago area. 

“There were a lot of options and a lot of college reps to talk to,” said junior Marty Wilmes. “I was able to learn about some big name colleges like Michigan, Notre Dame, U of [Illinois-Champaign], and a couple of other schools. It was a good experience overall.”

While some students may attend the college fair with a preconceived notion of the schools they’re most likely to apply to, they might leave with a handful of different schools or opportunities on their mind. 

“I think it’s very nice that Mt. Carmel attracts such a wide variety of schools to the fair,” said junior Dominic Mancilla. “It’s also nice that the union is there as well. I could see how juniors and seniors could have a lot on their mind after going to the fair.”

Students appreciated that there were so many colleges at the fair, but they also appreciated the fact that it was an in person event. 

“I just learned so much,” said junior Dale Twine. “It was really nice to talk in person with people and schools that have emailed me. There was also a lot of information about applications which was great since that’s coming up.”

Attendance for the fair was mandatory for all juniors, but it was also clear that many underclassmen and seniors benefited from the event as well.  

“We had about twenty to thirty freshmen who attended,” said Mrs. Miguez. “There was a great showing for sophomores as well and some seniors who had already committed to college but wanted to talk to reps from the schools they had committed to.”

The fair came at a nice time for the juniors who are currently taking a class once a week that goes over college applications, scholarships, standardized testing, and many other focuses for the future. 

“It always makes me very proud to see students asking smart questions about their future,” said Mrs. Miguez. “I’m glad other people were able to see that at the fair.”