Give thanks, and take a chance

Each year Thanksgiving provides us with an opportunity to pause and be thankful for all that we have. For college bound seniors, a quick thank you to those who have supported you throughout your college search can go a long way!

As you think about your child’s upcoming transition to college, their education will go beyond their time in the classroom – community engagement, volunteering and service can be a rewarding part of their four years.

For high school underclassmen, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to get a jump start on summer volunteer opportunities. Not only will this help build a foundation to your child’s extracurricular profile, it can help push them outside their contained ‘bubble’ of high school. With that in mind, let’s look at some ways in which students have given back while also taking a chance.

• Teaching at an ESL language center. This can be a great way for students to connect with international students and adults, helping them improve their language skills and transition into American culture.
• Help coach a local sports team. Coaching, even at a younger age, can be extremely rewarding for high school students. Not only does this show a high level of maturity, responsibility and leadership, but it can also be a challenging test of patience and collaboration for students to undergo.
• Start your own volunteer organization. For budding entrepreneurs, starting a volunteer organization in your community, no matter how small, can be an exciting test of strategy and problem solving. In the world of admissions, this type of engagement is almost always viewed in a favorable manner, especially when students are committed over a longer period of time.

Showing bold and purposeful action is an important part of putting together a meaningful extracurricular profile. Don’t be afraid to encourage your son or daughter to step outside their comfort zone to do so. As your child begins to think about their plans for the summer, keep these ideas fresh in your mind. The sooner they can get a jump start on a volunteer opportunity, the more time they’ll have to demonstrate commitment and purpose over time.