Advice from a mediocre student
November 27th, 2017“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” This famous quote from Mark Twain had me thinking about the population I work with. High school and college students are at an age where small choices can have a major impact on their future. Choosing the right school, participating in class discussions, and building relationships with teachers and professors ultimately lead you to what lies ahead.
In today’s article, Susan Shapiro shares some of her regrets as she relives life as a mediocre college student. In her honest and very telling piece she discusses things she missed out on due to some of her poor choices. Much of her advice could also be applied to high school students as they wind down their first semester to maximize their success. This article, we think, is relevant to all.
Article below referenced from New York Times
I taught my first class at Columbia University’s M.F.A. program this month, and even though I’ve been teaching college writing since 1993, I initially felt a little intimidated by the school’s regal campus. That, and regretful.
I enjoyed going to college at the University of Michigan, an hour from home, but my secret humiliation is: I was the type of mediocre student I now disdain. As a freshman, I cared about my friends, my boyfriend and my poetry. Or, I cared about what my boyfriend thought of my friends, what my friends thought of him, and what they thought of my poetry about him. Here’s what I wish I’d known and done differently:
Read more at New York Times >>Tagged: Choices, College, Opportunity
Changing the world one start-up at a time
August 21st, 2017Have you ever had a great idea for a business that you thought could really make a change? Starting a business is not easy and for that reason most great ideas remain dormant. It takes time, resources/money and courage to start up something new, and sometimes it is hard to take that leap of faith and believe that you can make something of your idea.
In today’s article, from NBC News, the story of two young men from Pakistan whose vision became a reality is shared. These young entrepreneurs were encouraged by their Drexel University professor to put forth the effort to create something they believed in. This is a wonderful article that encourages students to harness their creative powers, identify problems in need of solutions, and bring change to the world. To find out more about these young entrepreneurs, click on the article link below.
We’d also like to note that several Shrop Ed advisees have created companies while undergraduates, and some have received wonderful recognition for their ideas. Perhaps you’ll be the next!
Article referenced below from NBC News
Danish Dhamani was painfully self-aware of his accent when he arrived in the U.S. four years ago.
Born in Pakistan and raised in Tanzania, Dhamani was riddled with anxiety at the thought of speaking in class at Drexel University. Worried this would hold him back, he sought out coaching. Dhamani improved over time, and pretty soon it hit him: No one was born a public speaker, but with a little practice, anyone could become one. But what if you don’t have the time, money or motivation to work with a coach?
The 22-year-old mechanical engineering student and his friend Paritosh Gupta, both students at Drexel, decided to create a mobile app that would help users improve their public speaking skills. The duo, who lived in the same dorm their freshmen year and became fast friends, brought that vision to life in the form of Orai.
(You’ll note that sharing the NBC web page with this article are several other articles that do not pertain to to the main story … but if you continue to scroll down once on the page, you’ll find more about student entrepreneurs).
Read more at NBC News >>Tagged: Career, Choices, College, Opportunity, Personal characteristics
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
Summer is a great time to volunteer
February 27th, 2017Given the surge in warm winter weather, we’re thinking about plans for summer. School breaks, especially summertime while in high school, are perfect opportunities to volunteer for something you are passionate about. Not only does it benefit those you’re helping, but it benefits you in many ways, too. Volunteering exposes you to new experiences that you may not have had otherwise, and is a great way to build friendships and a track record of meaningful service.
There are many volunteer opportunities in your own community but if you’re looking for something outside of your comfort zone, then you may want to consider volunteering abroad. We link today to an excellent set of questions to consider as you explore possibilities.
We’re not endorsing a particular program, nor do we feel that there’s greater value to volunteering overseas versus close to home. Significant needs exist everywhere, and our individual efforts to address those needs can make a big difference.
Article below published by Quest Overseas on February 13, 2017
Written by: Jon Cassidy
Overseas volunteering can be a fantastic experience, giving benefit both for the local community and the volunteer taking part. Sadly, it can also be a negative experience for either or both sides, so it is important to make sure any project you want to be part of is not going to be guilty of this.
People who volunteer generally hope to do something they will find interesting, something they will learn from and something that will help other people. However, choosing between all the possible projects and organisations is more complex than just signing up with the first one to show you exciting pictures and an interesting blurb.
Read more at Quest Overseas >>Tagged: Opportunity, Summer, volunteer
