For Blue Valley Southwest senior Matthew Cornell and Blue Valley North senior Joshua Ford, college is not far away; however, even sophomore Jessica Bitteker has college on the mind.

 Many students here at Blue Valley Southwest plan on continuing their education after high school and college seems to be rolling closer and closer with every passing day.

The thought of college can be quite intimidating: the harder classes, the new friends and a  new home.

These unnerving thoughts are not just for seniors and juniors anymore; many underclassmen are already planning their futures.

 Though college may be a few years down the road, Bitteker already hopes to attend Baylor where she plans on working towards a doctorate in physical therapy.

 For Bitteker,“the thought of living away from family for the first time,” is the most disheartening idea about college.

 However, for Matthew Cornell the most daunting thought about college is balancing his schedule with extracurricular activities with his school work.

Many college students are involved in extracurricular activities. Students partake in student-run leadership organizations, sports teams, musical groups, and many more.

Getting involved in activities like tailgates before and going to sporting events are a great way to meet new friends.

Matthew Cornell will be playing in the marching band at Kansas State University next year. He will have to attend all of the home football games at K-State.

 “Students will succeed at college if they ask questions during class, participate in class discussions, and complete any and all homework assignments,” said Dave Cornell, Associate Dean of the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri Kansas City.

 “A great student thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond expectations,”Bitteker said.

 Balancing a busy schedule with a social life can be difficult. A solution to a busy schedule can be as simple.

 “Set your priorities,”Ford said “set aside one day where you hang out and work.”

 Although a busy schedule packed full with college classes and extracurricular activities may seem overwhelming, friends and teachers at the university are there and willing to help. College is a big step in life; it is a big transition for anyone. However, with the support from friends and family, college can be some of the best years of a person’s life.

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