Tagged: Graduation

Words of wisdom to all graduates

May 28th, 2019

Graduation season is in full swing! The sacred tradition of the graduation ceremony is an opportunity to honor each graduate and share one last bit of advice through a commencement speech. Colleges and universities with big name celebrities often garner the most attention for their commencement speeches, and this year is no different.

Time’s list of best commencement speeches in 2019 is full of inspiring and powerful commentary by notable celebrities. These speeches provide a valuable message to each person, not just the college graduate but also high school graduates, younger high school students and working professionals, too. We hope you’ll take a moment to read and get inspired, and we congratulate all of our graduates on reaching this significant milestone. What a pleasure it has been to see so much growth and accomplishment!

Article linked below from TIME, published on May 21, 2019 by Mahita Gajanan

Graduates at universities and colleges around the United States are wrapping up the academic year, preparing to face a new era of life. As part of that tradition, celebrities, politicians, athletes, CEOs and artists are offering a range of life advice in commencement addresses.

Here are some of the best moments and words of wisdom from commencement speeches in 2019.

Robert F. Smith: ‘We’re going to put a little fuel in your bus’

Ready, Set, Go: finishing the year strong

April 30th, 2019

Warm weather is bringing about much excitement in the Bluegrass. As flowers bloom and Derby Day nears, we know that summer will soon be here.

With celebrations and year-end activities being planned, it can be challenging to maintain plenty of energy for the final weeks of the school year. Don’t let that end-of-the-year fatigue set in! Consider the school year a marathon, not a sprint – do you really want to slow down and walk across the finish line? Or would you rather push yourself to finish strong? Remember your long-term goals and how important your academic success is to achieving them.

Students at all grade levels can still make the most of the remainder of the school year. Yes, even seniors who have college plans secured should strive for their strongest finish yet. With the right effort, you can keep it all together through this home stretch. Summer will be your near-term reward.

When thinking of ways to encourage all of you to finish the year with a flourish, an email surfaced in my inbox. Jim Siverts, a retired business owner, sent a link to his exceptional website built to help college students manage their time effectively. His site helps students create a solid study plan, which can increase success dramatically. We think it may also be a great tool for high school and middle school students, and hope you’ll give it a try. The best part is, the web version is free and there could soon be a mobile app version. If you’d like to learn more, visit Siverts’s website: www.howtostudyincollege.com.

Tagged: Boarding school, College, Graduation, High school, Summer

Reward your hard work with a thoughtful summer book list

May 29th, 2018

Over 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.

The psychology behind senioritis

April 16th, 2018

Not 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.