SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY :: SPORTQUEST

SportQuest Playing With Purpose Program is a unique program that recognizes and rewards the nation’s outstanding Christian Student Athletes! Since 1998, SportQuest Ministries has taken the explosive combination of sports and missions to the world. They equip athletes and coaches to Play With Purpose, step out of their comfort zone and embrace the heart of God for all people.

CRITERIA ::

1.      Currently a high school sophomore, junior or senior

2.      Maintains a minimum "C" grade average or higher

3.      Currently a varsity level athlete in one or more sports

4.      A committed follower of Jesus Christ

Note: Applicant must meet ALL criteria.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS ::

$2000 to the top 4 national finalists :: College Scholarship

$300 to the top 20 finalists :: International Travel

Click HERE to Apply 

DEADLINE :: February 1, 2014 (Accepting Applications starting 9/1/2013)

For more information please go to www.sportquest.org .

Writing Your College Essay

My seniors, and probably all seniors everywhere, are busy working on their college essays.  They have the new Common Application prompts (although not all of them are using them), and their English teachers are critiquing, suggesting, smiling, frowning - perhaps all of the above.  Many counselors and teachers do suggest student shy away from topics such as "the big game," or "my trip to Spain," but in reality, you can write about those topics as long as they are genuine and true to who you are.  You just have to be careful that they don't sound cliché. But as this author says, "The first-person pronoun is a mighty tool. Use it."  Keep reading for more essay advice.

Liberal Arts and STEM...they go together!

If you've read this blog before, you may have noticed that I am a big fan of the liberal arts, and at times, it may seem like I'm not quite sold on the STEM fields.  While that last part is not true, I do strongly believe that there is still a place for the liberal arts.  So, like this educator, I would like to remind students that the liberal arts also includes the sciences!

Opportunites for Women in the Tech Fields

From the barriers women interested in technology face to the reasons why they would succeed in a tech career to why we need more women in technology, these graphics are a good read.  Plus, three of the best paying jobs for women are in the tech sector. What are you waiting for?

The College Visit

I can't imagine deciding to attend a college without having visited it first.  I've only known two of my students who did that, and one was my own daughter!  To be fair, the school under consideration was in Europe, so we couldn't exactly stop by for a quick visit.  Fortunately for Jordan, it worked out, but the other student only lasted a semester.

When you visit colleges, what are the things you should do? Well, of course you should attend the information session and take the formal tour, but that's not all.  Yes, you should check out bulletin boards and pick up the school newspaper to see what's happening on campus, and you should talk to students besides the tour guide (although you should be at the front of the tour, so you can ask lots of questions of your guide).  And if possible you should attend a class or better yet, two very different classes.  But you should also spend some unstructured time on campus.  Ditch your parents for a while and walk around by yourself. I have a friend who used to say he'd love to make videos of all the parts of campus the school didn't take you to see! Sit in the student center and just people watch. Have lunch or dinner at a local diner or pub (bring your parents for this part, so they can pay).

In addition to the misconceptions about campus visits in this piece, don't rely on the "big game" weekends to tell you what you need to know. Remember, there are only about five or six home football games at any school, so you'll have the rest of the school year to figure out what to do on weekends.

Visiting campus is a little like trying on jeans.  More often than not, you have to try on a lot of them before you find the one that fits just right.  The more campus visits you make, the more you will discover what fits your needs, and the easier your final decision will become.

Heading Off To College...It's Never Too Late!

College freshmen across the country have been transitioning through the American rite of passage into adulthood – moving from home to dormitory – for several weeks.  Cars are packed full with far more stuff than can comfortably fit into a shared 14 x 12 residence hall room.  Excited students will finally meet face-to-face, months after virtually getting to know one another via social networking sites. Parents are panicked – contemplating the most important final piece of sage advice to share with their daughters and sons before leaving them at their new home – University Hall, USA. 

I embarked on a similar journey last June as I packed a suitcase full of “college clothes”, assorted kitchen essentials and inexpensive sheets for an extra long twin bed.  But instead of hugging Mom and Dad goodbye, I boarded a plane in Chattanooga bound for Buffalo, leaving my husband and two tween daughters for what seemed like an impossibly long two weeks. Twenty plus years after graduating from college, I decided to finally begin work on an advanced degree, pursuing a M.S. in Creative Studies from SUNY Buffalo.  The program is a hybrid which combines summer sessions of intensive, on-campus classes with academic year online courses; an ideal combination for an educator who is old enough to be a bit nervous about learning exclusively online.  Since I guide high school students and their parents through the college search process for a living, I thought I had a pretty good perspective on the transition to college.  And I do – for 18 year old girls, but not necessarily for middle aged moms!

 

I wasn’t expecting to experience homesickness and uncertainty.  Had I made the right decision in going back to college?  Would I be able to balance work/school/family?  Could I generate 10-12 pages of original thought to complete not one, but two papers that conformed to APA style format?  The answer to all those questions proved to be a resounding “yes”, confirmed by the two “A’s” I am proud to share I earned. 

As I begin a new school year, meeting with anxious seniors who are starting their college applications, I do so with a fresh perspective and a kindred spirit. I can better understand students’ nervousness about writing the all important college essay after writing my own “personal statement”.  As I read a text message from my niece who couldn’t find the admission rep scheduled to meet her at the airport when she landed 1500 miles from home, I commiserated, remembering searching for my own driver when I landed in Buffalo at 11:30 pm.  Change - even for those that welcome it - is still hard and stress is the very real outcome of both positive and negative life experiences. 

 So what have I learned after living in a dorm, sharing a suite with three women who were very different than myself and bonding with 25 classmates from around the world?  That being on your own – completely on your own – is scary, exhilarating, intimidating, and empowering, all at the same time.  That taking risks is the only way to stay young and grow.  That gaining new perspectives is imperative to understanding both yourself and others.  To all the college freshmen and their parents, I applaud and congratulate you.

 My advice?  Go to classes and don’t surf the web while sitting in lectures.  Remember that mac and cheese isn’t a vegetable and that the famed “freshmen fifteen” can creep on very quickly.  Keep your dorm room door open – playing lively music - to invite guests and conversations.  Attend the Club Fair and get involved, trying something entirely new just because it’s available.  Smile as you walk across campus and remember that every student was once a freshman who got lost looking for classrooms.  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, balance is critical for success so study and play equally hard.  Good luck, Class of 2018!

 

 

 

Where does the time go?

Now that we're in our second full week of school, the topic of time management seems like a good one to discuss.  If you are a high school student, your school day is pretty well structured, and even after schools hours may already be filled with soccer practice, play practice, or dance rehearsals.  Then there's the homework that needs to be completed, and oh, yeah, some time with your family and friends might be nice. 

When you get to college, you may have only one or two classes day, so there will seem like there's plenty of time to get everything accomplished.  But be careful! Sometimes having so much free time can backfire on you.

Regardless of how old you are, managing your time well will help you stay on task and still stay sane.  The four great tips in this article can get you started on the right time management path, but I would add two more ideas to the mix: exercise and a healthy diet.  Even a few minutes of exercise a day (maybe just a short walk around the block) plus not skipping meals can help you stay alert and focused on the tasks at hand. 

So plan ahead! Use your calendar, and you might find yourself a lot more productive!

The Elevator Speech

I love it when other people agree with us!  Every year we talk to the juniors in college class about preparing an elevator speech - a brief 30-45 second introduction that you can use anywhere.  You might try it when applying for a summer job or when you meet an admissions representative for the first time. It is, as this article suggests, a great opening statement to have in your back pocket whenever you need it.

And as always, the rest of the networking advice is also applicable to college admissions. Being yourself, listening, and knowing what you're looking for are just some of the keys to a successful college search.

Advice for Parents of College Freshmen

"...let your children struggle, up to and including the point of failure."

If only all parents would do this. Whether you are the parent of a new college freshman or the parent of a high school senior who is preparing to send your daughter off to school in a year, at some point your son or daughter will have to learn how to handle disappointment and even failure.  As Dr. Groesbeck, our Head of School, said in our opening assembly, students need to learn resiliency, so perhaps that's why this "Open Letter to Parents of Incoming Freshmen" struck a chord with me.

As a parent, I know firsthand how difficult some of these suggestions are to put into practice, but I believe they will ultimately lead to a happier child and happier parents.  Sometimes the bleacher seats are the best place to watch the game.

When Your Daughter Leaves for College....

The other day I read an article written by a college student in which she reflected on what she learned about her parents after she went to college.  Basically she realized her mom and dad were real people, with genuine feelings and real hopes and dreams, not at all the people she thought they were during her high school years. 

But what do parents think when their child goes off to college? What is going through their mind as they drop their son or daughter off and get in the car for the long ride home?  What is it like to come home to an empty house or even a house still bustling, but minus one?

Reading Michael Gerson's op-ed piece "Saying Goodbye to My Child, the Youngster" made me remember back to when my own daughter left for college.  I stoically put her on a plane and waited until I got home to dissolve into tears.  The house was very, very quiet.  I did my best to stay busy - and the house was never cleaner! - but like this author, I too couldn't avoid the quiet at the end of the day.  I remember fielding the first panicked phone call and knowing I could do nothing but reassure her that the moment would pass, and yes she would make friends, and yes it would be okay.  And you know what? It was okay.

Maybe it doesn't hit every parent the same way, but I think every parent would agree with the author:

"Parenthood offers many lessons in patience and sacrifice. But ultimately, it is a lesson in humility. The very best thing about your life is a short stage in someone else's story. And it is enough."

My advice? Well, I guess I would just encourage you to sit back and enjoy watching your own daughter write the next chapter in her story. Trust me, you will be in for an amazing ride. (And thank you, Jordan, for letting me still have a role in your own play.)

Surviving the First Few Days of College

Because this article is about surviving the first few days of college, we might ordinarily wait and post it toward the end of the school year or perhaps during the summer.  But it does include some advice that we begin sharing with our seniors early in the year, so we think it's worth posting now.  Besides, it includes some of our best advice like "leave your dorm room open."  That is one of the best ways to meet new people. Of course, we would add that you should always have some music playing too.  That's also a good way to draw people in.

Another suggestion is "don't stay in your dorm room," especially the first night . Or as we say it, don't wait in your room for someone to ask you to come out and play.  You may be tired, nervous, or even a little scared, but staying in your dorm room is a sure way to become homesick fast!  And just because you may have a boyfriend back home doesn't mean you can't go out and have fun.  You need to develop your own life at college, and the rest will fall into place.

Confused about your career?

Only minutes after my last post about majors and careers, I ran across this great article "Why It's Okay To Be Confused About Your Career."  Did you know that only 27% of college majors are actually working in jobs directly related to their major? My daughter has a degree in history but discovered a passion for (and a career in) working in student affairs on a college campus. 

There's a lot of practical advice in the article, but for me, perhaps the most important thing the author said was "you don't need all the answers to succeed."  So true!

Engineers’ Day at UTK :: October 24, 2013

October 24^th  marks over 100 years of tradition for The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Engineering. They will host undergraduate students from at least 50 high schools to engage in discussions, project demonstrations and exhibits prepared by UT engineering student clubs and societies.

During the course of this year’s event, participants will once again get an overview of the different engineering disciplines and see examples of how an engineer’s work impacts daily life.

IMPORTANT DETAILS  ::

TIME :: Thursday, October 24^th, 2013 at 10:00 – 10:30 AM

LOCATION :: The Alumni Memorial Building, Cox Auditorium (1408 Middle Drive). 

INFORMATION :: All information for the event can be found at:  http://www.engr.utk.edu/ed/. OR contact the Engineering Academic and Student Affairs office at (865) 974-2454. 

REGISTER HERE :: http://www.engr.utk.edu/ed/register.html

If you are unable to register on-line, please print the registration form and either fax or mail it in to the office location.  Space is limited, so be sure to get your group registered soon.

Majors, Careers and More

If you're like most high school seniors, you probably don't really know what you want to do for the rest of your life.  Perhaps your talents are in the sciences or maybe foreign languages, but what are you supposed to do with those majors?  At least one person thinks that as long as you study what you love, the rest will follow.  You'll develop the soft-skills that most employers are looking for - things like time management, teamwork, and the ability to work independently.

Looking back on his early college life, another former college freshmen offers perspective on what he wish he'd known back then.  His ideas are also worth considering as you start your senior year in high school.

But let's talk about a few specific careers.  Perhaps you've always thought you would be a lawyer.  Some people have said that the current market for attorneys is not that great, so is law school worth it?  There are things you should consider before making the leap into law school.

Maybe you fall in that undecided career category, but you know you like technology.  Read this college student's (and computer science major) reasons why studying the computer science is a worthwhile major. Or you could just go talk to Ms. Pala!

Finally, you've probably heard that journalism is a major on the decline, or at the very least newspapers are a thing of the past.  Not so, says this recent article.  Although only a slight improvement, the future for journalists is not as bleak as you may believe.

We'll be posting more career ideas for you to think about, so stay tuned.

What NOT to say to a teacher

As you start back to school, consider these five things you should never say to a professor or teacher.  For example, you should never say "I didn't know we had anything due!"  Or if you're absent one day, don't come back to class and ask "Did we do anything important yesterday?"  The answer is always going to be YES!

What is a balanced life?

I saw this on a tweet the other day:  "Fill in the blank. My definition of balance is _______________."  What an important statement to consider!

With cat/rat, classes, clubs, sports, friends, college applications, and classes (they're worth a second mention), it's going to be a very busy year.  But we really believe you should work to find that balance, and that may mean something needs to give. So before things get out of control, take some time to prioritize and get your head on straight.  We know you have the skills to do it!

We all need some balance in our lives...how will you find yours?

Financial Matters and Other Considerations in Choosing a College

Are you trying to figure out what type of school is right for you? Do you know the difference between a college and a university?  If you're like most people, finances will be a big part of your decision, but are you automatically assuming that a public institution will be cheaper than a private one?  You may also be asking whether or not you can graduate in four years or will your education help you achieve your career goals?

You probably never thought to ask about the financial health of the schools on your college list.  Maybe that's something your parents want to consider, but certainly with state budget cuts or low enrollment at other institutions, you want to make sure you can get the classes you need to graduate.

If you're just starting this college process, there are so many factors to consider beyond just the obvious.  Be a smart consumer and take the time to investigate all the possibilities before deciding on the type of school that is right for you.

Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors

The Women's Economic Council Foundation announces scholarship awards for $2,000 in each division of the state.  The criteria includes:

• record of academic achievement
• participation and leadership in school activities
• participation in community activities
• demonstration of need
• letters of recommendations

To apply, visit: http://www.womenseconomicfoundation.org/scholarships.html.  The deadline is SOON - September 6 - so if you are interested, please talk to your college counselor about recommendations as soon as possible.

The Truth About College Life

I've told this story many times before, but I can vividly remember two GPS alums sitting in my office complaining that "we just don't have friends like we had at GPS."  Problem is they'd only be in college about a month!

It took you six or seven years to develop the lasting friendships you made here at school, so why do you think you're going to have the same relationships in only a few weeks time once you get to college?  You may not find "your people" right away. In fact, in could take you the whole year to find the right group of friends.  Likewise, even if you were dying to leave home and get to college, you still may be homesick, at least for a few months.

So before you start thinking about transferring, give yourself some time and read these ten things no one tells you about your freshmen year.  And take them to heart.  You too will find your group of friends, figure out what you should wear, and eventually figure out your major.

What should you ask your professor?

These five questions to ask your professor don't just apply to college classes.  Think about it. What if you start the school year by asking your high school English teacher what his or her top three expectations for students are?  What if you schedule a meeting with your physics teacher to find out what it will take for you to be successful in the course? Just think what that might do for your classroom experience.  I've never met a teacher who didn't want her students to be successful, but instead of just showing up for class, what else can you do to ensure your success? 

The answers to these questions can not only help you be academically successful, but having the conversation also helps you establish a relationship with your teachers.  And that might make your life easier all year long.

Building Strong Relationships

Every time I read an article on career networking, I cannot help but think of college admissions as well.  So many of the suggestions can apply to both areas.  For example, this article - 5 Ways to Build Strong Networking Connections - includes one of my favorites, the importance of sending a handwritten note.  If you have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a college admissions representative, take the time to write a thank you note.  Don't consider it your ticket to admission, but simply a way to make a good impression.

Once you've submitted your application, it is also a good idea to update it if you have new information.  Perhaps you have been inducted into the National Honor Society, or you were named first chair violinist for the orchestra.  A quick note asking them to include that information in your application is always appropriate, plus it reminds them of who you are.

One more example: when you have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a college admissions rep, don't pass up the opportunity.  You may not have time to have a lengthy conversation with them during the school day or an evening program, but take at least a few minutes to introduce (or reintroduce) yourself and remind them of your interest and your credentials. While you're at it, fill out their information card! It may seem tedious to you, but it is a take-away reminder for the counselor.

Not only are these suggestions good for you now, but making them a habit will be beneficial for you when you do start your career.  Take a few minutes to read all five ideas and then see how you can incorporate them into your college search.

How far away are you willing to go?

Every student's college search is different.  Some are more comfortable living in a big city, while some girls need to have the great outdoors at their fingertips.  There are students who want a small college environment, and there are others who want a large, thriving state university setting.  Although some want to stay relatively close to home, we have students who can't wait to leave the southeast, not because they don't like it, but because they want to experience a whole new way of living. These pictures illustrate how fascinating and stimulating a real change of scenery can be. 

SAT v. ACT

This almost seems like a no-brainer to me.  Since almost every college accepts both the SAT and the ACT, why wouldn't you take both and then submit your best test score?  We've always encouraged our students to take both tests, so I guess the rest of the world is catching up with us.

However, what will those tests look like in the future? The College Board is currently redesigning the SAT to get rid of arcane vocabulary, and the math sections will "be about being able to explain, and see, the applications of this math.” Meanwhile, the ACT, the more curriculum based test of the two, is experimenting with an on-line version of the test and may include more "creative, hands-on questions."

So if you're a high school freshman, your standardized test might not look the same as the current one.  Stay tuned.

What if social media didn't exist?

I love social media almost as much as everyone else (I'm blogging, aren't I?), but this article - 8 Reasons Why I'm Glad Social Media Didn't Exist When I Was in College - says almost everything about the subject that I want to say. 

The College Essay

College applications tend to be fairly cut and dry.  They ask for your name, address, parents name, school information, and activities, and some of them will ask you a few additional short answer questions like "Why do you want to go to school here?"  That one is actually important, but the real opportunity to say something about yourself is the long essay (or if you're doing the Common Application, the 650 word essay).  The essay is, as this article states, your chance to say something about who you are - something that doesn't otherwise appear on your application.  So, when you sit down to write you that essay, you might do well to consider these five simple rules.

Speaking of applications, here is some additional advice on what not to do on your college application.

Are you a helicopter parent?

Of course you want nothing but the best for your daughter (or son), but are you overdoing it? I love that this article - 7 Things Helicopter Parents NEED to Understand - was written by an eighteen year old, and personally I agree with everything she says.  We've said this many times before, but the college process belongs to the student, and we hope she will take ownership of it.

Are high school and college classes the same?

Even though there may be some similarities between high school and college classes, there are some important differences.  So whether you're packing for college right now, or you're a high school student about to start the college process (that means you,  juniors and seniors), here are some important distinctions between your high school classes the ones you will encounter in college.  There are also some good tips for how to handle them as well.  It never hurts to be prepared!