Fairgoers learn how to blaze career path

LAKEWOOD RANCH - Future doctors, businessmen and crime scene investigators mingled as they tried to determine their next step in life.

"We help people find their dreams," said Tom Davenport of Manatee Community College.

MCC was one of 12 Florida colleges represented at the casual information event that drew high school students, retirees and others to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Tuesday.

Schools urged students to apply early in order to have better luck securing needed financial aid and to put minds at ease. The sooner you apply, the sooner you know.

"People need to be thinking right now in the spring semester about applying for fall," said Julia Steele of the University of South Florida.

The message wasn't lost on Bradenton Academy junior Darrell Poole. Though he has another year of high school left, Poole has already visited several universities that offer the major he is interested in, forensic psychology.

"I'm kind of hoping to stay kind of close to home," Poole said.

For Diana Lockhart, getting an education is as much about her children as it is herself.

"I realized, 'oh gosh, I've got to get a college education to be able to give my children the life they deserve,' " Lockhart said.

The 34-year-old recently divorced mom is already taking prerequisite classes online and would love to find something where she could study meteorology, but she's leaving her options open.

"Something else may jump out at me," Lockhart said.

A lot of the universities that were on hand focus on students like Lockhart who are going back to school to further their education and need flexible hours.

St. Petersburg-based Eckerd College has been teaching classes in Sarasota for about 18 years. The program for experienced learners caters to a 25 and older crowd who can receive credit from learning done by experience.

"We maintain a steady group of students," said Linda Johnson of Eckerd College.

One of Lakewood Ranch's newest neighbors was on hand to get the word out about their school. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's first year is in full swing and they are looking forward to the next batch of students.

"It's never too early to start preparing for medical school," said Lisa Cambridge, communications coordinator for LECOM.

Whether taking classes for fun or planning to be full-time students, options abounded at the event.

"Almost everybody that has visited has been a good prospective student," Johnson said.