The winter storm has caused a halt to many activities across Hardeman County, including causing school closures. The Magnolia Post reached out to Amanda Rau, Ayers Foundation Counselor at Bolivar Central High School, to learn how high school seniors can keep the momentum of college planning going, while stuck at home during severe winter weather conditions.
Ms. Rau shared the following helpful tips, so seniors can stay on track and not miss deadlines.
As graduation approaches, many Hardeman County seniors and parents are thinking about what comes next. While the process can feel overwhelming, there are simple steps students can take now, and support available close to home, to stay on track for college, technical school, and the Tennessee Promise.
Simple Things Seniors Can Do at Home to Prepare for College
College preparation starts with everyday habits. Seniors can work on managing their time, staying organized, and completing schoolwork independently. This is also a good time for students to explore possible majors, careers, or technical programs and begin thinking about what path fits them best.
How Ayers Helps:
Ayers Foundation Trust College Access Counselors work directly with Hardeman County students to explore college and career options, build organization skills, and create clear, realistic plans for life after high school.
Using a Snow Day to Get Ahead
A snow day doesn’t have to mean falling behind. Students can use that time to catch up on assignments, study for upcoming tests, check college and scholarship e-mails, or work on applications.
How Ayers Helps:
Ayers counselors help students prioritize what matters most right now, college applications, Tennessee Promise requirements, scholarship deadlines, or placement tests, so time at home is used wisely.
Financial Aid, Housing, and Paperwork: What Needs to Happen Now
This is one of the most important stages of the senior year. Students and families should be:
- Completing the FAFSA as soon as possible
- Applying to colleges or TCAT programs
- Submitting college housing applications, which are often first-come, first-served
- Staying on track with TN Promise requirements, including mentoring meetings and community service hours
- Applying for scholarships
Students planning to attend UT Martin should note that the Aviator Scholarship deadline is February 1, 2026.
Parents should also know that the FAFSA is not complete unless the parent portion is finished. If a parent does not complete their section, the student will not be eligible for any financial aid, including federal and state grants, institutional aid, or external scholarships.
How Ayers Helps:
Ayers counselors assist Hardeman County families step-by-step with the FAFSA, explain financial aid offers, remind students about housing and scholarship deadlines, like the UTM Aviator Scholarship, and help ensure no important paperwork is missed.
Preparing Mentally for the Transition to College
College requires students to advocate for themselves, manage their time, and ask for help when needed. Feeling nervous is normal, and students don’t need to have everything figured out before they start.
How Ayers Helps:
Through regular check-ins, Ayers counselors help students build confidence, talk through concerns, and develop the skills needed to successfully transition into college or technical training.
Advice for Seniors Who Feel Overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed is common, especially this time of year. The best advice is to focus on one step at a time and lean on available support.
How Ayers Helps:
Ayers Foundation Trust provides consistent, local support for Hardeman County students before and after graduation. Counselors help break the process into manageable steps, remind students of deadlines, and reassure families that there are many pathways to success.
The Magnolia Post