Students and mentors at Lakewood Boathouse
Earlier this month, FuturesNW hosted QuickStart to College 2024 at Western Washington University, where 26 students took their first steps towards their promising academic futures. The program was a whirlwind of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories– proving once again that time flies when you’re having fun!
Mentors smile for a selfie
On Saturday, August 3rd, students arrived at the Nash Hall dorms, where a rush of excited chatter and nervous jitters flooded the room. Mentors and WWU housing staff excitedly greeted the students, handing out keys and helping them locate their dorms and meet their new roommates. Each student was welcomed with stickers, snacks, a water bottle, and a backpack! They also received a workbook filled with college and financial aid resources as well as information about camp activities.
Camp was kicked off with a “Meet and Greet” on WWU’s Old Main front lawn. Students got to know one another and their mentors, who shared their own personal stories and experiences. This bonding time also allowed students to share their existing knowledge about college planning, express what they hoped to learn, and pinpoint their gifts and strengths.
“I really liked that there was majority POC mentors, it made me feel like I could relate to them more and I liked how welcomed I felt.”
Students participate in an icebreaker activity on “Old Main"
For dinner, students enjoyed “Pizza with Professors”, where they got to exchange stories and bond with WWU professors and FuturesNW board members through insightful conversation. The evening offered various outdoor activities from soccer, to board games, to a campus walking tour.
Dr. John Korsmo chats with students
Students practice their teamwork skills
Later that night, mentors led a self-care discussion, guiding students through the Self-Care Wheel and encouraging them to reflect on their own self-care practices. Arts and crafts time followed, with activities like bracelet-making and coloring, before the evening wound down with a relaxing movie and popcorn session.
The following day consisted of the perfect mix of productivity and fun. Students started the morning with a workshop on “Building Your Application & Scholarship Essay,” where Camp Coordinator Karina and camp mentor Victor helped demystify the college application process and shared tips on crafting compelling admission essays.
Camp Coordinator Karina and Mentor Victor lead the “Building Your Application & Scholarship Essay” workshop
“[What I’m taking away from this experience is] how to apply, where to find scholarships, how to write an essay.”
Kayaking on Lake Whatcom
Mentors Bergen and Victor begin a dance circle
Students spent the afternoon at WWU Lakewood Boathouse, where they took advantage of the nice weather to go paddleboarding and kayaking! Other students relaxed onshore, soaking up the sun while enjoying puzzles, coloring books, and games on a blanket. For dinner, they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sol de Mexico.
That evening, the fun continued with crafts time and a movie. Some students opted for a stargazing session on the campus lawn or a walk with a mentor.
Day three took the students on a field trip to Whatcom Community College (WCC), where they received a warm welcome from Adam Beals, WCC’s Dean for Enrollment Management. Students began with the “College Speed-Dating” activity, where they connected with representatives from BTC, WCC, SVC, NWIC, and WWU. Students then embarked on an exciting campus scavenger hunt, locating various resources and support services across WCC. Afterwards, they created accounts for the Common App and other application platforms.
Student gives a “thumbs up” while holding a WCC folder
Students particpiate in “College Speed Dating”at WCC
After wrapping up a very productive morning, students headed back to WWU to enjoy the Recreation Center’s many amenities such as basketball, volleyball, the gym, weight room, and indoor track!
FNW staff Atiana and Rosemary led the Financial Aid 101 workshop and handed out snacks for brain fuel. Students then participated in a fun game of Jeopardy to put their college and financial aid knowledge to the test.
Before enjoying a dinner from Panda Express, students hyped themselves up by sharing their gifts and strengths with their mentors to earn their “ticket” to dinner. For dessert, FuturesNW staff set up an ice cream bar with a delicious spread of toppings to choose from. During the “Real Talk” discussion, mentors offered students a candid look at college life, sharing personal experiences, realities and advice. The night ended with plenty of singing and dancing with the group.
Students fill their plate with food from Panda Express
Two students pose for the camera during dinner
“There are so many ways to think about and do college. There isn’t one right way, the important thing is to know your options and explore.”
Students gather around for “Real Talk” with mentors
On the last day of camp, students focused on putting the finishing touches on their college and financial aid applications and personal essays. They then attended the “Pearls of Wisdom” panel with FuturesNW Board Member Joe Wooding and Community Volunteer Suneeta Eisenberg from Whatcom Waves. The panelists graciously offered their valuable insights and personal stories, and students had the chance to ask plenty of questions.
The final camp activity was led by Lead Mentor Adilene, where students expressed their heartfelt appreciation for their mentors and the impact their camp experience had on them.
“I learned that I have to put myself out there and there’s always something for everyone.”
Mentors, in turn, highlighted the strengths and talents they saw in their mentees and discussed ways to stay connected throughout their senior year. It was clear from their raw reflections that students were deeply moved by their camp experience. They not only acknowledged the valuable knowledge, resources, and college preparation they gained but also reminisced on the new friendships, belly laughs, and silly dance-offs.
Mentor Bergen takes a selfie
Students smile for the camera
Relaxing on the Nash Hall couch
“It’s showed me that although it’s scary, I’ll be able to find my own community and others likely feel the same.”
After tearful hugs goodbye, students left with new seeds of hopes for the future, strengthened by lasting connections with mentors who will continue to support them as they embark on their exciting journey after high school. Their spirits were lifted, and it was evident they had transformed into more confident, hopeful versions of themselves— and we couldn't be more proud.
Students on WWU's "Comm Lawn"