Valley Junior High Students Visit College Campuses for the First Time
More than 200 Valley Junior High students moseyed their way through Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University campuses wearing new GEAR UP hoodies. For many students, this is their first time visiting a college campus.
Students touring BYU
Exploring northwestern educational opportunities
“Some of these students haven’t been past the point of the mountain,” said Jay Toputapu, Valley Junior High site coordinator.
During the tour, students visited the Woodbury School of Business, home to the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute, which provides support for starting a business. They also learned that Waffle Love, a popular Utah-based company, got its start at UVU. “A few students said they wanted to be entrepreneurs,” said MaKenna Nichols, USU STARS GEAR UP college adviser.
As the groups worked their way around the campus in a large loop, students asked the ambassadors questions about UVU’s majors and whether they could attend the university while living at home in West Valley. Nichols noticed students reading event flyers from upcoming events. Interest was expressed in the UVU rodeo team.
“It was cool for them to see the opportunities to be a part of different clubs and classes they've ever even thought about before,” Nichols said.
Next, everyone headed over to the Brigham Young University Athletics indoor practice facility, where several BYU athletics academic and career advisors spoke with the students. The coaches emphasized that academics are just as important as athletics at BYU.
“It was starting to click to a lot of students that you can be great at both school and sports,” Nichols said. “The coaches were so encouraging, helping the students feel just as excited about school as they are about their sport. I liked the balance they shared.”
The students also heard from Logan Lutui, a West Valley native and a BYU football player who is headed to medical school. Students showed their excitement by taking pictures with the athlete.
The group took a brief tour of BYU Athletics, BYU Marriott School of Business, and Brigham Square on the way to lunch at Cannon Center Commons, which is in the heart of the dorms. Students enjoyed the buffet lunch, the nice plates, and the welcoming environment -- a new, positive experience for many.
Some students entertained themselves by challenging college students to arm wrestling matches. During lunch, BYU football players Orion Maile-Kaufusi and Sione Moa stopped by tables for one-on-one conversations, helping the eighth graders stay engaged and curious.
As the tour wrapped up, staff from the BYU Multicultural Student Services office passed out pens, stickers, and shirts while encouraging them to attend BYU. Students also heard from Moises Aguirre: the Director of BYU Multicultural Student Services. Many students were able to picture themselves on campus through those interactions.
Students also learned from the girls’ rugby captain, the football team captain, the football team’s academic advisor, and the career placement coach, who shared how he helps students land jobs after college.
Both Toputapu and Nichols agreed that the tours were a success.
“It was humbling to be in a position where students haven’t been on a college campus and realize they belong there,” Toputapu said. This experience helped them see college as a real opportunity.”
“I think it was great for them to see two very different campuses and see what options there are,” Nichols said. “It was rewarding to see students connect with current college students.”
Students left the campuses already asking when they can go on another college tour.