Quinton seventh and eighth 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. The students visited the Nursing Department, radio station, Science Department, and the Bill H. Hill Library.
Recruiter Karen Darby led the tour and spoke to the students about the importance of college and the opportunities that Eastern can give them because it is close to home and has a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Students began 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 give students hands–on clinical experience by simulating symptoms, diseases and conditions. The students looked at mannequins of different sizes and ages with unique health problems. Darby talked about EOSC admission process to the respiratory therapy program, LPN, and RN nursing programs. Upon completion of these programs, students can take a National Board test and become licensed in these fields.
The next stop was the Bill H. Hill Library where Eastern Librarian Maria Martinez explained the importance of using a library. She discussed the differences between a high school and college library. Students walked through the computer lab and learned about the different resources the library has to offer to not just the students, but the community as well.
From the library, they entered 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. Quinton students visited with Station Manager Doug “Dougo” Sims and saw the studio where the radio personalities produce the programming.
The tour ended in Sullivan Hall where the science and math courses happen. 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.
Along the tour, Darby explained where various departments are located on campus.
“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. Eastern recently received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and serves over 3,000 students in 39 area schools.
