Codi Thayer-Jones and Keena Byrd don't feel college is difficult.

The two Casper College students said their secret to making it easy is to study, attend class and hand in their assignments on time.

Thayer-Jones, Byrd and six other college students answered questions junior high and high school students had about college life during the inaugural Let's Talk College workshop panel discussion. The event was sponsored by the Natrona County Public Library, GEAR UP and UWCC Educational Opportunities Center.

"If you make (college) hard, it will be hard," said Thayer-Jones, a freshman business major.

Developing effective relationships with instructors helps, Byrd suggested. That way, they will be able to help with problems.

"That way you can go and ask questions," said Byrd, a junior majoring in nursing.

Shelley Dolinar, a freshman communications and psychology major, said she's learned that organization is key.

"You should learn to prioritize before you go to college," she said. "You should learn to plan your time."

The younger students didn't just want to know if college was difficult. They asked questions about financial aid and scholarships, dorm life, classes, moving away from home and even ninjas.

For the ninja question, one of the younger students wanted to know if college students get to study the popular Japanese assassin. The question at first stumped the panel, but several of the college students said a history class, martial arts or something related could give a student the opportunity to study ninjas.

The students agreed that the college offers a lot of fun classes. Most said the classes they liked the best are in their majors.

"It's really what you're interested in," said Jake Clouthier, a sophomore radiology major.

Organizers said the idea behind the workshop was to get the younger students interested in advancing their education.

"The purpose of this is to give students the opportunity to ask questions and find out what college is like," said Sarah Wilson, GEAR UP site coordinator.

Deb Starks, coordinator of the educational opportunities center, said the event gives the younger students a better idea of college because they're getting the answers from college students.

The college will be holding a similar event on campus that will teach students the value of a college education. College 101 will be hosted from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on April 12. Kyla Foltz, admissions coordinator for the college, will talk about scholarships, jobs and what type of education students need for certain jobs.

"The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that someone with a bachelor's degree can earn $2.1 million over their work life compared to someone who has a high school degree who will earn $1.2 million," she said. "That's a difference of nearly a million dollars."

By investing in a college education, Foltz said students will see their quality of life improve by the wages they can earn. Some of the handouts she will give include a guide that will help students find what careers they're suited for, a federal student aid application and a list of jobs and the average wages in Wyoming.

For example, a fast food worker on average makes $6.52 an hour while a meteorologist makes $22.06 an hour.

Anyone wishing to take the class can register at the door or can preregister by calling 268-2206.

Reach reporter Aimee Tabor at (307) 266-0593 or aimee.tabor@casperstartribune.net.