By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City Middle School teacher Rhonda Clendenin wants her students to know “what’s out there” in terms of post-secondary options.
She’s even more concerned with who and what they become afterward.
Clendenin’s 8th-grade Career Explorations classes recently heard from a pair of guest speakers who shared details about different career paths.
Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee, Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at UT Martin, and Ashley Gammons, a 1990 UC High School graduate and TCAT representative, spoke to students at length about post-graduation options.
Bibbee explained what colleges are looking for in prospective students and the importance of developing good study habits and providing accountability to help them be their best. He also encouraged participation in extracurricular activities and stressed the importance of volunteering in the community.
“Anyone can go to college because scholarship money is out there,” Bibbee said. “College doesn’t have to be a timeline. What keeps people from going to college is the lack of confidence in their ability actually to go to college.”
Gammons spoke about the many opportunities at TCAT Newbern and discussed dual enrollment options and several new programs being added via Job Outlook. Among those being developed is an Aviation program (2027), with Hospitality and Tourism programs on the agenda for next year.
She also reminded students that TCAT provides job placement for students in their chosen field of study.
For her part, Clendenin simply wants students to know and understand their career options as they prepare to enter the high school portion of their education.
“This is such a critical time for them, and I want them to set goals beyond high school and continuing their education,” claimed. “My goal is always to inspire them to be good, productive citizens who give back to our community.”