Reward your hard work with a thoughtful summer book list
May 29th, 2018Over the next several weeks, millions of high school seniors will don their caps and gowns and receive a diploma they have been working towards for the last 4 years. Here in Kentucky, they’ve already started! I am truly proud of each and every one of the ShropEd graduates and I know major accomplishments are to come. If you are graduating high school, middle school or college this is the time to celebrate!
The school year is filled with projects, homework, sports and many other commitments. Now, warmer temperatures have finally arrived and the days are longer; with the hustle and bustle of the school year behind us, summer seems to be the perfect time to encourage both reading and mindfulness.
Today, I want to share with you a list of books put together by college admissions officers and college advisors. The theme of this list is mindfulness and in this busy world we live in, I hope by reading some of the books from this list we will gain mindfulness and live a more thoughtful (and less stress-filled) life.
Article referenced below published June 14, 2017 from The Washington Post
Each summer I publish a summer edition of great reading with recommendations from college admissions counselors and deans, compiled by Brennan Barnard, director of college counseling at the Derryfield School in Manchester, N.H., and a contributor to this blog. Here is a unique list of 50 fiction and nonfiction books with some titles that can appeal to just about everybody.
Read more at The Washington Post >>Tagged: Boarding school, College, Graduation, High school, Summer
The psychology behind senioritis
April 16th, 2018Not many weeks remain before the end of school and graduation for the class of 2018. Yet while we may be thinking happily of all things summer, senioritis may be rearing its ugly head. Shrop Ed seniors, don’t let it happen to you! There are many reasons to remain focused through the remainder of the school year.
Students who maintain their work ethic transition easily to college expectations. For those who slack off, college-level work feels like an enormous leap. And don’t forget that contingency clause in the admission letter: every offer of admission is contingent on continued success.
It may seem impossible to stay focused while envisioning the amazing future that lies ahead, but remember that you have been working hard throughout your entire high school career to get to this point. Challenge yourself to finish with a flourish.
So what is senioritis and why does it impact so many? In the article linked below, University of Notre Dame psychology professor Darcia Narvaez discusses the psychology behind senioritis. Surprisingly, it doesn’t only affect senior students. It can happen to anyone going through a major transition in life. We think students and parents alike will find today’s article interesting.
Article referenced below from Boston’s NPR news station, WBUR
Published May 27, 2017
The affliction known as senioritis isn’t just about slacking off — and it isn’t just for high schoolers ready to head off to college.
Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with University of Notre Dame psychology professor Darcia Narvaez about what causes us to slack off as a major life project is ending, and how we can handle it better.
Read more at WBUR >>Tagged: Graduation, High school, Summer
Summer Plans
February 19th, 2018The recent glimpse of springlike air coming into Kentucky has me daydreaming of warm summer days. Summer is a great opportunity for students to take a break from their regularly scheduled academic activities and focus on developing themselves in other areas, or go deeper in an area of significant interest.
Gaining experience through volunteer work, internships, travel, research and just taking time to read for pleasure are all important ways to reflect on who you are and begin to discover your purpose. Of course, a little down time is important, too!
Many of our students already have their summer plans well under way. My hope is that today’s article link from the College Board will help you brainstorm more ideas for summer activities that foster personal growth and development. Making constructive use of much of your time in the summer should be your top consideration, and you’ll find myriad ways to do so.
You can change the world. Let your summer experiences help you build your capacity to do so.
Article below referenced from College Board
Summer break is a perfect opportunity for your students to gain experience through paid or volunteer jobs, internships and other summer activities — pursuits that can also demonstrate a student’s sense of responsibility to college admission officers. How can you help your students choose the most rewarding summer activities?
First, encourage students to talk to adults in their lives who can help them find activities that match their interests.
Read more at College Board >>Tagged: Boarding school, College, High school, Summer, volunteer
Make the most of summer
July 10th, 2017Summer is in full swing and for many of you, July and August are packed full of events. However, there may be some wiggle room left to add purposeful activities to the calendar. We want to share a classic list of summer do’s and don’ts for prospective college students from US News. This article is a good reminder that college admission officers like to see students using their time and energy constructively. If you follow your passions and invest yourself in things that you love, that commitment will help you grow and develop personally and have the added benefit of shining through on your college applications.
Article published by US News on June 6, 2011
Written by: Peter Van Buskirk
In the coming weeks, thousands of young people will find their daily routines changing as the academic year comes to a close. Some will go to the beach. Many will sleep until noon. Others will jet off to parts unknown for new, exotic adventures. And, at some point in the weeks that follow, most will find themselves on a college campus or two.
The choices students make as they embrace the summer months can impact their personal growth while providing important clues to college admissions officers about the character and convictions of the candidates they are considering. If you are a rising high school senior, how will you spend your summer months? The following do’s and don’ts provide guidance in making good and productive choices.
Read more at US News >>Tagged: Choices, Opportunity, Personal characteristics, Summer
