Kindness: one key to success for college admission
May 14th, 2019
Earlier this month, I toured several boarding schools on the east coast. The visits were great and I was particularly struck by the last school visited, where students displayed an uncommon degree of kindness and compassion. This was manifested in part by their warm descriptions of not only teachers, but staff members performing important but less prestigious work on campus. Students’ smiles were huge as they described these individuals’ roles in their lives and I left wondering why that isn’t the norm.
The admissions scandals are bringing up important conversations among parents, teachers and students. How can we improve the system so that we are considering the best fit for each individual instead of ignoring core values just to get into the most selective schools?
My trip sparked ideas about character development and made me think about the second “Turning the Tide” report released earlier this spring. Turning the Tide stems from the Making Caring Common campaign based at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, focusing on character building in schools, at home, and during the admissions process. It is a great read for people of all ages and I hope it provokes thought about which values are really important to become a good citizen, which in turn will lead you on the right path through the college admissions process … and through life.
Article linked below from Making Caring Common Project, published in March 2019
Our new report calls on parents and high schools to put young people’s character and well-being at the center of a healthier, more sane college admissions process.
Three years in the making, Turning the Tide II: How Parents and High Schools Can Cultivate Ethical Character and Reduce Distress in The College Admissions Process, offers guidelines for high schools and parents in promoting ethical character. It also describes how Tsome high schools and colleges are working to promote greater ethical engagement among high school students, level the playing field for economically disadvantaged students, and reduce excessive achievement pressure. The report also includes a pioneering statement from admissions deans seeking to advance Turning the Tide’s goals.
Read more at Making Caring Common Project>>
Tagged: Applications, College, Community service, Opportunity, Personal characteristics, volunteer
‘Tis the season of giving
December 11th, 2017There is no better time to spread kindness throughout your community than this season of giving. There are many ways to lend a helping hand and we want to encourage our students to consider the best way of all to give: community service.
Many Shrop Ed students are already involved in truly significant work in their communities, but some have room for growth. A recent meeting with a staff member from United Way of the Bluegrass included discussion of great opportunities for Lexington-area students who want to make a difference. Whether you’re in Kentucky or New England, the Midwest or farther afield, the needs are great. If you can commit time to help a meaningful cause, you can truly leave your mark on this world.
Lexington area students, please read on. Students beyond Lexington, please think about ways in which you can address needs in your area … and let me know if I can be a helpful sounding board.
United Way service opportunities:
Students can have a huge impact serving as volunteers. In the words of Frederick Douglass, for whom Lexington’s newest high school is named, “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” Indeed, support given to children has enormous long-term benefits to the entire community. It builds strong men AND women, benefiting volunteers as much as those on the receiving end of positive energy and attention. You can make a difference!
Here are a few of the ways to become involved:
- Mentors/tutors – help reduce the achievement gap and increase student achievement in reading, math, social studies, etc.
- Career Day for 5th Graders – volunteers help provide schools with presentations regarding college/career readiness
- Job Shadowing – volunteers help arrange job shadowing opportunities for high demand occupations for middle school kids to help them connect the dots between school and careers
- Houses of Faith – volunteers provide after school sessions to assist with homework & social/emotional concerns at Houses of Faith locations
- STEM Programs – female volunteers introduce elementary, middle & high school females to the world of STEM to encourage interest
Interested in learning more? Please contact Roy Woods at United Way of the Bluegrass, 859-977-7382. Mr. Woods will be happy to hear from you and provide more information.
Wishing everyone a season filled with giving, peace and joy!
Tagged: Community service, United Way, volunteer
