Random Thoughts,
by Mrs. Whitney
Another piece of advice from the college access coordinator. I love a good simile.
Many students begin high school with the mindset that graduation and college applications are years away. All too often, students make mistakes in time management, organization, and dedication in the early years of high school, only to find themselves trying to improve their GPA's or transcripts in a short period of time during junior and senior year. What all students should know is that high school is like a mile race. There are four laps (years). Each one counts toward your final performance and how you compare to all of the others. If you are in a mile race and you walk the first lap (or two!), then it is almost impossible to catch up. No matter how hard you sprint the last two laps, you may never catch those that have been training for years (middle school and before). They are already in shape and will blow you off the track. Be ready. Do well in the first two laps, and then work to beat yourself with negative splits in the last two laps (by taking harder courses and still making A's because you have already built the skills you need to be successful during the "easy" years). You only get one race. And every lap counts.
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I spoke with the College Access Coordinator last week. She told me that I needed to ensure that ALL students begin volunteering NOW. And not just here and there--in a consistent manner that shows dedication to a cause or issue. Colleges want to see that you are dedicated, determined, and dependable, just like your local news station.
Find something about which you are passionate, be it animals, kids with cancer, hemlock trees, littering, homelessness, elderly care, or any other cause. Then find an organization that helps to alleviate the issue that you see. Contact that organization and find a way that you can pitch in. You might be able to help weekly or monthly, but ensure that you create a relationship and keep it up. If you don't find an organization that supports your cause, create one! Not only will you be showing your passion, you will be showing your leadership and organization. You will be helpful to those that you care and are passionate about. AND you'll build your resume. AND make contacts in the community that you can call on in the future, be it for a job or just a recommendation. |
AuthorLorri Whitney is a Teacher of the Gifted who was once a gifted student. She strives to be a gifted teacher--sometimes she succeeds. Most of the time she over thinks it. ArchivesCategories |