Cameron 7th and 8th grade GEAR UP students recently traveled to Wilburton to tour Eastern Oklahoma State College. Eastern Oklahoma State College is a public community college offering associate degree and certification programs. Students visited the nursing department, radio station, science department, the library/administration building, and student center.
Recruiter Karen Darby led the tour and spoke to the students about the importance of college and the opportunities that Eastern can provide because it is close to home and has a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Students began their tour in the nursing department in Gunning Hall. Darby explained how the nursing students learn how to handle real–life situations by working with the various types of mannequins (also referred to as simulators) in the skills labs. The mannequins provide hands–on clinical experience by replicating symptoms, diseases, and conditions. Students observed mannequins of different sizes and ages.
The next stop was the Bill H. Hill Library/Administration Building where Eastern’s Student Services Representative/VA Coordinator Colby Carpenter talked about the admission requirements, ACT score, scholarships, and degree plan opportunities. Carpenter discussed the benefits of attending a community college compared to a university the first two years.
From the Administration Building, students entered Sullivan Hall where the Science and Math Division is located. Microbiology and Biology Professor David Juarez explained how science affects our lives every day. Students participated in an experiment to see how fast a virus is spread from one person to the next. Juarez then talked about the importance of science courses and the different career opportunities available.
Students ended the tour at the Mountaineer Radio Station, located in Baker Hall. The Mix 93.1 is the campus radio station. Eastern students have the opportunity to get real life experience in the broadcasting industry by interning at the radio station. Cameron students visited with Derek, “the Rowdy Ranger,” and saw the studio where the radio personalities produce the programming.
Cameron students enjoyed eating lunch on campus at the Great Western Dining. They also visited the EOSC Bookstore.
“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Tara Martin. “The students enjoyed getting a first-hand look of what a college campus is about.”
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. In 2017, Eastern recently received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and serves over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.
