Jude Walker Is Encouraging Parents and Students Alike to Look at SoLACC

As a parent of a recent high school graduate, I know young adults can feel a lot of pressure during their senior year and after graduation. You get to the end of high school and you get the, “What do you want to do for the rest of your life?” kind of questions.

We need to help our children realize that there are many options to explore. You do not need to simply go to a four-year college because “it’s what you do.” Not everyone wants to work in an office or has a firm career plan mapped out.

For me, a community college ended up being my first destination for post-high school learning. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made, and today, I suggest parents and students consider whether SoLACC is a good fit for them.

For example, SoLACC has a flexible nursing program that allows students to make clinical rounds in various settings, from home health agencies to outpatient facilities, and choose which degree level they want to pursue. Their majors include many trades programs, including:

• Carpentry
• CDL / Commercial Vehicle Operation
• Electrical
• Fiber Optic Technician
• HVAC/Refrigeration
• Phlebotomy Tech
• Power Line Worker
• Plumbing
• Practical Nursing
• Precision Machining
• Structural Fitter
• Utility Locator
• Welding

It's also an affordable option for students who want to take some general classes before transferring to a university.

The smaller school environment helped me ease my way into college learning. It was a less overwhelming transition, classes were smaller, and the relationships I made with fellow students and faculty have lasted a lifetime.

Now, while we have many larger universities in the region, it’s good to know we also have a really fine college here in Acadiana that offers much of what I experienced. And that college is going through some exciting times right now. To learn more and apply, visit solacc.edu/nottoolate.