Being Intentional

Today, many of our students as young as 2nd graders are struggling with their identity and look for it on line. This is causing a greater increase in unhappiness and suicide.  Did you know right now for 7 year olds-10 year olds suicide is the 3rd cause of death? For 14-24 year olds, suicide is the 2nd cause of death?(https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/LeadingCauses.html) We must be intentional about helping our students understand that their identity is not built around what others think of them. However, the social media apps are created to be addicting.  Addicting so that young minds are tied to them and what others think. How many likes, how many "friends".  It is leading to their destruction.  Young minds need to know they are unique-one of a kind-an unrepeatable miracle.  that they have a destination to fulfill which only they can do.  This begins with their Creator and understanding that the God of the universe loves them even when no one else may seem to.  They need to know they are NEVER alone.  God is always there, always pursuing them, always loving them no matter what.  As parents, we get caught up in who likes my child and who doesn't. We want to rank them on their popularity.  Please be intentional about building character and love for themselves.  Not in a narcissistic way or purpose but in a way that they then can truly love others and make a positive impact  Your kids can be popular one year but not the next.  Or all through high school but thrown into the world where no one knows them. Can they not only survive but thrive? Be intentional about your priorities for your own children but also students placed in our care. It is not about you but helping children discover who they are and whom they belong to. 
Social media causes young minds to never settle, to never really become bored.  Do you know that empathy is developed when we are still and quiet with our minds daydreaming.  Yes, being still and quiet builds empathy towards others.  As parents, we have become entertainers to make sure our children never get bored.  What are we doing to our future? Creating very young people who do not have empathy.  Again, it takes time and energy to be intentional.  But it is worth it. 

Summer Time-Make the Most of It

Summer break is here for many students and you want to make the most of it.  Keep preparing for your future.  You can do it over the summer-when and how you want with no time restraints.  But just make sure you are doing something to show you are growing and always learning. 

Colleges want students to make the most of their spare time--summer time. A productive summer can help you better explore your interests and strengthen you as a person.  Spending your summer wisely is an important college prep strategy and can go a long way toward helping you achieve your college admission goals.

 Here are some simple activities that will help you continue learning and lend to your college prep over the summer!

Outside Reading

We can’t stress the importance of this enough. For many students, outside reading is the first step to exploring an interest and becoming an expert in a certain topic. Reading books, blogs, magazines, and other interest-specific publications can help students determine what you are passionate about and how to be proficient in a field.  You want a way to  set yourself apart in the college admissions process, and outside reading can help you develop one. A question that is asked during an interview process is...what is the most recent book you have read that was not a required reading. 

Summer Courses

Another way to continue learning,  is to take a college course or two at local community college or university. Not only can this help you gain college credit while in high school – a great way to help cut college costs – it also keeps you engaged. 

Test Prep

 Using your free time to take practice tests, work on areas of weakness, or meet with a tutor can help you reach your goal score! Preparing for the ACT  over the summer can also help you fight summer brain drain, as you will be reviewing concepts that you may have learned during the school year – keeping the information and strategies fresh for the fall.

Work on College Application Essays

For rising high school seniors the summer is the perfect time to start on your essay writing. This helps students set  up for a smooth senior year since the bulk of their applications will be completed before the fall. Again, you don’t want to spend your whole summer on just essay application but it can give you a great jumpstart. 

Volunteer

You have time now to give back to your community.  Find organizations that can use your skills and get involved.  You will benefit and so will they. Colleges love students who give freely of themselves. 

Application season for seniors

Seniors should be finishing up at least 2 of their applications.  It is great to have at least 3 applications submitted by December 1.  Be sure to follow up at the school's sites for scholarship applications specific to your college and/or university.  Fill out these applications by Dec. 1. Also, if you are a strong student submit your application to the honor's college.  If you get accepted then that can open more scholarship opportunities.  Still be searching for private scholarships.  Your best way to get the most dollar amounts still is through your ACT being the highest it can possibly be.  Study hard.  Most schools will take the December test as the last score.   Most schools have portals you can check to make sure your applications are complete.  Double check and re-check and please feel free to call the admission's office if you have any questions.  Also, your high school counselor is your advocate so get him/her involved in your process.   Be sure to have a candid conversation with your parents about how much they can afford.  That way your heart won't be set on one school and find out in the end that isn't a great choice.  Don't give up just be realistic.  I do believe dreams come true if you want it badly.

College Success=College Degree=Good job

School is getting ready to start soon and very soon.  It will be a numbing feeling for the Class of 2015 as their classmates head back and college has not started, yet.  That will be one of many feelings to deal with as change and transition happens in life.  You’ve selected to pursue college for yourself and now you must be sure to chart your course to be successful over the next few years. Here are few things to keep in mind and achieve your goals:

1.     Always  keep your graduate requirements in mind as you are choosing your courses.  Staying balanced is key.  You don’t want to take all hard courses so be sure to enroll in a topic that you have been wanting to explore

2.     Connect with your professors and advisors-they are there to help you and make sure you succeed.  Professors want their students to be engaged and contribute to the learning environment-so ask questions to understand and share answers for discussions. 

3.     Is choosing a seat in the classroom important?  Studies have shown over and over that students who choose to sit toward the front are more engaged learners and tend to stay focused.  Get to class early enough to have a seat closer to the front.

4.     You get to reinvent yourself to be different than what you were in high school-if you desire to do so. You get to hang with whomever you choose.  Still choose wisely.

5.     College brings together all types of people from all walks of life. So have rich discussions and listen and learn so you can form your own thoughts and opinion.  There will be people from other countries who have had different experiences culturally, economically than you-learn from them.

6.     Be caution with alcohol-you are still underage and being in  and around it can mean you are guilty.  Be wise.  There are all kinds of ways to have fun that don’t involve alcohol.

7.     GRADES-GPA your freshman year stays with you.  It is difficult to bring up your GPA so start strong.  You may choose only 12 hours your first semester just so you have a strong GPA

8.     Roommates will teach you more about yourself than you may want to know.  Be open. Try not to have expectations with roommates that you will be the “best of friends” etc. Don’t be afraid to make a change if you need to in order to get enough rest.

Parents: The transition is new to you, as well.  Some points for you to keep in mind that may help with this transition:

1.     Do LISTEN to your son/daughter-don’t try to solve all their problems just help them solve it for themselves.

2.     Do remember your role has changed from manager to consultant.  Embrace it-they are moving toward total independence. Your goal all along.   One area to encourage is to make sure the student does not overcommit to too many activities. There is so much to do and to be involved but they have plenty of time. 

3.     Don’t let you college-bound student get overwhelmed.  They are dealing with a lot emotionally. Talk to them about time management and balance.

4.     Do encourage access to  the University’s counseling center.  A lot of college students need these services-Have them take advantage of it while its affordable. 

5.     Don’t be a helicopter parent. Letting go is not easy.  Set up a time that is great for all parties that you can look forward to facetime, skype or just a phonecall. Write your questions down to ask. You may want to set up texting boundaries about questions etc.  Students really want their parents to trust they can do this and we need to let them know that we know they can.

Good luck on a fantastic journey of new friendships and new memories.  It is definitely and exciting time.  Embrace it and make those memories. 

School is Getting Ready to Start-Are you Ready?

It's important for you to have a plan as you begin a new school year. If you are starting your freshman year you have 48 months to make the most of high school but to prepare for life after high school, as well.  It is difficult laying down tracks for your future but just like railroad tracks you must lay down on both sides-one side for now and one side for the future.  It must be done at the same time.  You must look long range and then place short range goals to achieve those goals.  List your goals for the year in each area: physical, spiritual, academic, and emotional.  What steps will you do to achieve those goals?  It is important to write those down so you can look at them and check those off as goals are achieved.  This gives a sense of accomplishment and energy to keep moving forward.  Have people in your life that can hold you accountable as you share your goals with them.  Good luck.  The world is yours!

May 1

Today is the deadline to let your college choice know they are the one.  Please take the time to let the other schools that offered you admissions that you will not be attending next fall.  Sign up for your summer programs at the college so you can register early for classes.  Do you have your roommate? Start gathering items for your dorm life and talking what you can share.  These last few days of high school will go by in a blur.  So, pay attention, stay involved and finish strong!

Prepare to Ask Questions and Take Notes on College Visits

Spring time is a great time to take college tours-especially with spring breaks. Scheduling them can take time but preparing for the visit takes time,too.  Do both!

Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you will be certain where you want to visit on campus.  Also, bring a camera -those snapshots will come in handy when you want to recall;  a notebook and a pen-make notes of those dates and deadlines;walking shoes- you will walk the entire campus; your appetite- plan to grab a bite in the dining hall.  You will taste the food and observe the student body.     Do you know any students from home that attend there? Be sure to have their contact information so you can visit with them and ask questions! Leave at home- headphones and a negative attitude. Most of all enjoy and take time to watch the  student body's interactions. Can you really see this place being home? You want to be certain because it is your home for four years!!!