The BIG C's: character, collaboration, and curiosity are now in vogue
Here are some examples of ways teens get stuck and how you, as a parent, can help your teen get unstuck and on the road to college.
The Spring Break We All Need
Rest, replenish, and express gratitude
The light is returning. Spring is here and each day is brighter. Our teens have endured much over the past year, but we are approaching warmer weather and safer times. Although we’re not there yet, we have begun to map the way forward. Our teens have had an entire year in quarantine, yes, but during that time they have become stronger. They’ve grown emotionally as well as physically. They’ve built relationships and learned new skills. They’ve changed perspectives and overcome obstacles. Even if they only spent the year being still while the ground beneath them felt unstable, it is worthy of praise. Whatever they have learned over the past year will serve them in the future. We hope they spend some time celebrating these victories during spring break.
We hope you have a wonderful time and offer the following advice for our teens:
High School Freshmen
If you are the parent of a 9th grader, we know you’ve spent the year expanding your skill set in order to support your child. School has had a whole new set of challenges and it’s been an adjustment for both of you. We salute your efforts! We hope that young students will take time over spring break to relax, have fun, and get outside. Our ideas include going for a run or a hike, helping with a project at home, or doing some volunteer work. Students might spend some time reading or writing in a journal. They might like to express their creativity through drawing or playing an instrument. They may discover how to feel more centered by practicing mindfulness. If your child needs a change of scenery, they may want to explore their city or town (safely). Even though the two of you have been in close quarters, it might be nice to reconnect by playing a board game or cooking a meal together. Let this spring break allow your child to take the time they need to recharge.
High School Sophomores
Your sophomore also needs time to replenish. Like our Freshmen, they should rest, yet we also suggest they let themselves dream about their future. Chances are, school life will look more normal next year. Have they thought about the classes they’d like to take? What activities are they eager to rejoin or begin? What interests and motivates them? Encourage them to begin thinking about college - not which college they want to attend, but rather what kind of college. What qualities and features do they want in a college experience? This will be an ongoing exploration and discussion that can begin now, when they have time away from the pressures of high school. Perhaps they might like to go on a couple of virtual college tours? Taking some online personality or career quizzes could inspire them, too. It’s not time for big decisions, however it’s a good time to start thinking about the future.
High School Juniors
11th Grade Spring Break is the traditional time for college visits. This year, most colleges are either limiting visitation or they are closed to visitors; however, there are other ways to get to know them. While your child is taking time to recharge, we also suggest they start thinking about colleges, start building a college list, and consider “who” they want to present to colleges when they complete applications later this year. This may seem like quite a challenge, but there are plenty of resources to help them. They can use some of the free websites for narrowing down colleges by various majors and features. They may like to sign up for virtual college visits (this is a good activity to do together). They may enjoy watching Campus Reel videos (short student videos that are not produced by admissions). Now is a good time for students to request information from colleges of interest. Spring break is also a great opportunity to create a system for organizing and tracking college information.
High School Seniors
It’s decision time for your child! Maybe you have plans to visit a couple of colleges where your child has been admitted. If that’s not possible, make sure to take advantage of exclusive virtual offerings for admitted students. Compare financial aid and scholarship packages. Get the information you need to make an enrollment decision on or before May 1st (the universal reply date). We hope your child will take some time to relax, but this spring break requires some serious adult multitasking. Devote time for college research and decision making while also reserving time for that much needed break from school and computer screens.
One additional piece of advice for all students: There’s growing evidence that practicing Gratitude is psychologically uplifting and contributes to our well-being. Ask your child to make some expression of gratitude this spring. Maybe it’s a note to a teacher who has made online learning an enjoyable experience. Maybe it’s a call to a grandparent. Maybe it’s simply saying “thank you” more often. Seniors could consider expressions of gratitude to their teachers, counselors, coaches, tutors, mentors…really anyone who has helped them on their path through high school and into college.
We here at Creative College Connections are going to shut down for a Spring Break too. We look forward to doing some self-care, reading, enjoying time with our pets and families, and getting some fresh air. We hope you do, too.
With enormous Gratitude to you for taking a moment to read our Blog,
Hannah Serota and the Creative College Connections Team