Spring brings transitions

Springtime is here; the wind is blowing, signaling this season of transition. The acequias are running, and many in the community are planning, preparing and planting seeds. In a similar way, students have been cultivating seeds for their future in the form of college, scholarship and financial aid applications.

High school seniors are wrapping up their school year, looking forward to graduation and

looking ahead to their future plans. For these seniors, recent GED/HSE grads, and their families and friends, a spectrum of emotions are likely part of their everyday experience. These emotions can range from excitement, eagerness and nervousness, to sadness or grief about the changes ahead. Most likely, as with any season of transition, it is a mingling of more than just one emotion.

Every year at Bridges, we celebrate all of the hard work and dedication of the individuals with whom we work, and are honored to witness their commitment to pursuing their goals.

This year is no different. Students

and families navigated a challenging year. We acknowledge the magnitude of the pandemic and social upheavals of the past year and its influence on the students, teachers, school districts, and the landscape of higher education.

It was in no way easy, but with every challenge our students and community adapted and made a path toward their futures. Bridges would like to take the opportunity to celebrate both Taos County students and their support networks for their hard work and perseverance. We extend our gratitude to the educators, counselors, staff and administrators at Taos County schools and UNM-Taos for their dedication to instructing and supporting our students. It truly takes the support of the community for them to succeed.

Looking forward and next steps

Students have reviewed financial aid packages, or are doing so to select the school where they will attend this fall. Some colleges, especially those with open admissions, are still accepting applications. There is still time to complete the FAFSA if you have not done so already.

All college students need to determine if they have remaining steps left in the admissions or financial aid process. Do you have paperwork that still needs to be submitted? Do you need to take placement tests? Do you need to sign up for housing and a meal plan? Bridges can help with all of these steps.

Most four-year schools require first-year students to live on campus. Data shows when students live on campus, especially during their first year, they often become involved in the campus community, have more supports and do better in their classes. Refer to your specific school for their requirements

and instructions for orientation.

All students, whether at vocational, two, or four-year schools, need to sign up for new student orientation. It’s important, and often mandatory, to attend orientation. This is a chance to learn how to navigate your campus, know about available resources and get advice on making the most of your college experience. Bridges counselors can help fill out housing and meal plan applications.

Bridges thanks all those who help us continue to support access to postsecondary education. We

thank the students we work with for their dedication to pursuing their goals. We will take a break from writing this column through the summer and resume with the Back-to-School issue in August!

Bridges provides free, one-onone college admissions and financial aid counseling for students of all ages. Come work with us if you’re thinking about attending a vocational, two- or four-year school. We’re open throughout the year, summer included. Call (575) 758-5074 or email us info@ bridgesproject.org to schedule an appointment.