SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- College classes are well underway across the Ozarks.? Educators want to make sure students, especially freshmen, stay focused.? To that end, Drury University has a program aimed at making sure young people make the right choices.
The transition into college life in a new school and, often, a new city can be a tough one.? Drury officials want students to start the semester on the right foot.? That?s why they want them to Soak Up Springfield.
?A really important part about coming to college is connecting to the community you?re a part of.? You are a part of the Drury community as well as the Springfield community,? said Colleen Pace, a graduate student who is coordinator of Drury?s Soak Up Springfield program.
More than 50 local businesses and not-for-profit groups gathered outside on the campus in one place on Wednesday to meet students and offer their services.
?It's an excellent opportunity to come out and meet a lot of new faces,? said Matthew Plank of Dynamic Earth Equipment.? ?It's great exposure for community businesses.?
Many of these agencies have job openings and internship opportunities. ?It was a way for students to see what's in their backyard and get involved.
?It helps you meet new people,? said freshman Jocelynn Trent.? ?I came up here and I don't know where anything is or what things are out there.? So it really helps you know what's around you and what's in the town.?
Drury has more than 1,600 students enrolled this fall.? About one out of every three students is new to the school.
Educators say college freshmen decide within their first six weeks of classes if they are going to stay at that specific school.? Drury officials say events like this help with their retention rate.
?That's why we try to do a lot of different things right at the beginning to try to connect the students to the university and to Springfield.
Educators want students to find their niche now so they will stay focused and make the right decisions.
?I?ve got a future.? I want to keep having a future,? said freshman Logan Kensinger.? ?It's important to spend your time wisely, because all the work you do is outside of class.? I think probably the main point of college is not only learning but immersing you into adult life.?
This is the fourth year for Soak Up Springfield.? Organizers say every year it grows because it's a win-win situation.? Businesses get to advertise and meet potential workers and students get to make those connections.
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