On April 3rd and 4th, tenth-grade students at Meridian took part in their annual college field trip—a much-anticipated event that gives sophomores a first real glimpse into life beyond high school. This year, students explored Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to touring college campuses, they also attended the Tibbs College Fair, where they had the opportunity to speak with representatives from schools across the country.
As the 2024–2025 academic year nears its end, many sophomores are beginning to seriously think about their futures. Deciding what life after high school will look like can feel overwhelming. With so many options—public and private universities, community college, trade school, a gap year, online school, or even entering the workforce—it’s no surprise that many students find the process stressful.
Meridian sophomore EriAnn Cruz shared her perspective:“The college field trip was a great way to interact with friends while also learning more about your future and where you might want to go to college. I went to the visual tour at UNT, which really helped me to see if I want to pursue a creative field.”
The college field trip is not only informative—it’s also fun. It marks the first overnight school trip for Meridian students, making it even more exciting. While Meridian offers a variety of enriching field trips throughout the year, there’s something special about staying in a hotel with your friends and taking a short break from everyday school routines.
Beyond academics, the trip is also a chance to bond with classmates. Spending two full days together, students grow closer and build lasting memories. Tenth-grader Eden Linnartz reflected on her experience, saying,“The college field trip was so much fun! I became a lot closer to my friends, and I really enjoyed it.”
Ultimately, the purpose of the trip is to help students start thinking seriously about what comes next. By visiting college campuses and attending the fair, they get a clearer picture of what higher education and life after graduation could look like. Whether students leave with a new dream school in mind or simply a better understanding of their options, the experience is valuable.
Meridian is a school committed to preparing students for the future. No matter the path—college, trade school, or entering the workforce—Meridian supports students in finding the route that’s right for them. And for many tenth graders, this college field trip is the first big step on that journey.