National Honors Society visits UCLA

The National Honors Society is a group of driven, hardworking students that were selected by this program to be recognized for their outstanding academic achievements. The NHS students are tasked with being leaders of their school, providing service to their communi

ty, and developing character in secondary schools.

This week the National Honors Society of Frazier Mountain High School were invited to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to take a tour of the campus. UCLA is a beautiful college located in Westwood, covering 419 acres. It is the smallest UC size wise, yet it still is a miniature city with Romanesque Revival style buildings giving it a historical feel. These buildings are really a sight to behold, giving the campus a mid-19th century touch among more modern style buildings and towers. Five of the NHS students went on the trip, led by Bill Shillig, the advisor of the Frazier Mountain Chapter. A few of the students were interested in applying to UCLA, while others went along to enjoy the sights and learn more about college in general.

The trip was eye opening to the five seniors prepared to apply to colleges within the next few months. What kind of college would best fit their needs? Would they want to go to a big college or a small one? How would they be able to afford a college that will set them up for their future? Along with unavoidable anxiety for the future, viewing the campus was exciting and rewarding in the end. Bianca Mechelin, a member of the NHS, says she really benefitted from the tour guide, Will’s, advice on reaching out to clubs and making new friends. She appreciated his enthusiasm about college in general and his advice to look for a major that would be enjoyable to study. Rachel Hallmark thought that the campus was beautiful and reflects that “You really have to work hard in order to make it to a prestigious University such as UCLA.

Overall, visiting colleges is something the NHS may continue to do in the future. As Ambitious students, environments such as college campuses only further stimulate the minds of these specially selected NHS students. Of course, not only specific groups of students are limited to visiting colleges. Everyone should have the opportunity to open their minds to the world of life after high school. Who knows, maybe just one visit could change someone’s entire outlook, and perhaps their entire life.

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