Community Matters

     Hello! We are excited to make a big announcement! We are teaming up with the Martin de Porres Center in Columbus, Ohio to offer general sessions followed by 1-on-1 mini appointments on Wednesday evenings in December. More details at the bottom of the post!
     This week, I want to talk about why community matters and you’re looking to apply for colleges or universities and how they increase in importance as you move through the college environment. Communities are where things happen, take place and many times where we find refuge. My advice to parents or students who are looking to go to college is be smart about the communities you build. Include the cheerleader, mentor and friend. Include people who will help you without any motive because they see themselves in you. These are the people you want to surrounds yourself with- those who believe in you and will fight and advocate for you to succeed. 
      Where do you find these people? In your own schools, communities and in unexpected places as well. I would encourage students to start with teachers who may have impacted through school or extracurricular. Coaches and counselors can be great resources too. Look for others that may be a good member for your community outside of your school like anyone who through work with religious affiliations and community groups.  Share you plans with them. You may even want to have them help you fill out the My Map to College Plan on the Students and Parents Resource Page.  
       Sharing your plans helps others see what you want for your life and can also help you figure out what you do and don’t want for your life. Build a relationship with them and start to ask them questions. By learning their stories you can learn what you would like to do and how you can avoid some of their mistakes as well. This is important because it allows you to see yourself in different position and build relationships with others who may have had different experiences than you.
      As you move through college, and life, you community will change. And that is okay- it’s expected. But at the end of your day, you community should consist of people who are in your corner, cheering you on offering your words of wisdom and insight that will leave you better in the end. Use these people to help shape your actions which will ultimately shape your character and who you become. 
     Let us be a part of your community! We will be visiting with students and  families who are interested in learning more about going to college on the following dates at the Martin de  Porres Center from 6:00pm- 8:00pm on the following dates: December 11th and 18th.  More information to be posted in next week’s blog update or you  can email [email protected] for additional information.