There’s a lot to be thankful for at this time of year – family, togetherness, food, and (if you’re in LA like us slightly) cooler weather. More than anything, though, at Colledge we are grateful for YOU – we love it that you turn to us to share your stories about your children, use us as a trusted resource, tune into our events, and allow us to be your partner during your child’s educational journey.
So as we turn our minds to gratitude, and think about how we can give back, we’re thinking about all of the college-bound students out there to help. And parents, it’s in those moments of giving back that your child can show their thankfulness to colleges.
In a time when students can easily become overwhelmed by the whirl of school, sports, talents, relationships and (of course) their phones, pausing to look outside of their own experience to show empathy and work to support others is one vital way colleges get excited about students.
At Colledge, our students are deeply concerned about issues affecting all of us – some are deeply concerned about the environment, for others mental health has surfaced as a top priority while still others are deeply concerned about the health of our economy. Whatever that “biggest issue” is for your child, encourage them to identify a cause that is tethered to their heart, and then help them find ways to contribute to its solution.
Over years of working with students we’ve seen certain nation-wide organizations bubble to the surface as particularly meaningful – work that goes far beyond satisfying community service requirements and inspires students to examine their own lives, create new initiatives and, of course, write brilliant college essays:
There are so many ways to give back, and so much need, sometimes all it takes is a little nudge and a little information. So as you encourage your family to be thankful for everything they already have, encourage them to give back in a way that holds a place in their heart.
And if as you help your child explore you find you need more information to make sure your child uses their time meaningfully with college in mind, drop us a line. We’ve worked with hundreds of students over the years, and we’d love to learn about yours.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! (Click to watch)
