Guest Blog from B.T. Peake, Information Systems Management, Belmont University

_ For many high school seniors, November is a time for putting the finishing touches on your college applications as well as making the final decisions about what school you will make your college home. TSA ended up being an integral part of this process for me, looking back on my experience. There are several events that help students prepare for college and the challenges that lie ahead.

One of the first aspects of TSA that prepares students for college is the interview process that is part of many of TSA’s events. Some colleges require an interview as part of the acceptance process. Additionally, obtaining internships and getting accepted into various student organizations on campus requires that students have exemplary interview skills. Many students go into these interviews unprepared due to lack of experience. TSA graduates, however, can go into these interviews with confidence, knowing that they have gained the valuable experience and feedback that even the most demanding circumstances require.

Another example of a way TSA prepares students for college is through public speaking. Most colleges require students to take some form of public speaking course. Students who have gained experience with this skill through TSA generally represent the top-tier of their class and are sought after for group presentations. I was able to receive many awards in my public speaking course, and it was undoubtedly due my experiences in TSA.

Finally, TSA prepares students for college and beyond through the networking opportunities it gives students. As you progress through your college career, you will hear the phrase “It’s not about what you know, but it’s about who you know.” This statement is very true. By staying in contact with friends you have made in TSA, you will be presented with unexpected opportunities for jobs as well as friendships. Any business professor will tell you that good networking skills are a cornerstone to finding yourself in a successful career. By becoming a member of TSA, you have already begun honing these skills and will find opportunities surprise you around every corner.

I would encourage you to get involved in college, just as you have done in high school, in order to create an environment conducive to success. The more experiences you can gain, the better prepared you will be for the obstacles that come your way, and the easier the transition from high school to college will be.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at peakeb@gmail.com.