News from the Homefront:
I Will Be Out from 16-18 December
I will be out for an infusion during these dates for my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I do this about every other year to keep it in remission. It's an easy treatment, but it's inpatient so I will be out. Those of you with early January deadlines who want help from me will beed to plan accordingly. Please come see me before the 16th if you want my help. I will not have access to email or phone while I am in the hospital.
Internship Opportunity
The Public Education Foundation of Charlottesville Albemarle is looking for a student intern. The Intern would:
I Will Be Out from 16-18 December
I will be out for an infusion during these dates for my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I do this about every other year to keep it in remission. It's an easy treatment, but it's inpatient so I will be out. Those of you with early January deadlines who want help from me will beed to plan accordingly. Please come see me before the 16th if you want my help. I will not have access to email or phone while I am in the hospital.
Internship Opportunity
The Public Education Foundation of Charlottesville Albemarle is looking for a student intern. The Intern would:
- Visit and videotape teachers in 6 public schools; three in Albemarle County and three in Charlottesville, including high schools, middle, and elementary schools.
- Teachers and school locations will be provided in advance.
- Set appointments with teachers for the taping.
- Project Timeframe: 8 weeks starting in January 2026.
- Estimated time by intern: 24 hours
- Intern will report virtually every week of the internship to PEFCA Executive Director, Penny Harrison.
- A stipend will be provided to include mileage and time. Amount TBD.
- Intern might be eligible for academic credit based on school guidelines.
- Intern will receive acknowledgement by PEFCA on the website and possibly the videos; videos can be used in students’ portfolio.
Reminders from WAHS Admin
WAHS with a Cause:
Help us plan WAHS with a Cause this year and submit your ideas to make our community stronger! Got a great idea? Let Leadership know about it here!
Help us plan WAHS with a Cause this year and submit your ideas to make our community stronger! Got a great idea? Let Leadership know about it here!
WAHS Library Cookie Exchange:
Sign up with Ms. Curry or Ms. Linville and enjoy a super fun cookie swap!
Sign up with Ms. Curry or Ms. Linville and enjoy a super fun cookie swap!
Governor's School:
I will be setting aside 2 warrior periods a week to meet with people who want help with applications. Please look for these sessions in Adaptive Scheduler. I am also free during study halls, lunch periods (not Thursdays), and before school.
Here are key dates you will need:
I will be setting aside 2 warrior periods a week to meet with people who want help with applications. Please look for these sessions in Adaptive Scheduler. I am also free during study halls, lunch periods (not Thursdays), and before school.
Here are key dates you will need:
- Visual and Performing Arts:
- Adjudication films/video/portfolio due to the state: 3 December-14 January (please do not wait until 14 January!)
- Application due: 9 January
- World Languages Academy:
- Complete your online application by 31 January (NB. It must be started by 16 January)
Tomorrow is a(n) B (This is a change!) day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 11 December – Winter Choir Concert
- 12 December – Winter Drama Showcase
- 18 December – End of 1st Semester
- 18 December – Winter Break
- 5 January – Return from break
- 19 January – MLK Day, No School for Students
- 16 February – Teacher Work Day, No School for Students
- 17 February – Professional Development, No School for Students
- 13 March – End of 3rd Quarter
- 13 March – Better Together!
- 19 March – Professional Development, No School for Students
- 20 March – Teacher Work Day, No School for Students
- 24 March – In School SAT Day
- 27 March – Arts Fest in the West
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesHey there history fans, The Sons of the American Revolution have a $6,000 scholarship for those who can discuss the Revolution, Declaration of Independence or the framing of the Constitution.
Never Such Innocence invites youth to submit poetry, art, or songwriting to their winter contest. It's open to students ages 9-18. The 2025 SCP International High School Poetry Contest takes submissions until 31 December. This is open to students under the age of 19. Polyphony is taking submissions of writing for its fall contest. Submit your work by 31 December for consideration. The Poetry Society of America invites you to submit your poems by 15 December. First prize is $250. Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation invites you to submit an essay. The deadline is 10 December. |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMThe Virginia Junior Academy of Science is taking submissions for its conference in May. Get your paper in now!
Get in on Microsoft's Imagine Cup Competition. If you are a tech head, this is for you! And it;'s worth between $50,000 and $100,000! Planning a career in STEM? REVPart wants to help you out. Submit an application by 31 December for a chance at $2,000. Forensic Scientists of the future, how does $6,000 sound to you? Apply for the Fallen "Freaks" Scholarship. Due in January Get in on the Cool Science Extreme Weather Art Contest. It's open to people in grades K-12. Join the Presidential AI Challenge! Do you have a plan for how AI could solve a community issue? Then you have a project! |
Visual and Performing ArtsPolyphony is taking submissions of art for its fall contest cover. Submit your work by 31 December for consideration.
Get in on the Cool Science Extreme Weather Art Contest. It's open to people in grades K-12. Artists, get ready for the New York Times' Local Lens Photo Essay Contest. Can you capture the magic that is WAHS in 6-8 photos? Due 15 January Global Canvas is taking submission from people under 16 years of age. This year's theme is The Book of Life. Never Such Innocence invites youth to submit poetry, art, or songwriting to their winter contest. It's open to students ages 9-18. The Science Without Borders contest is open to people 11-19. This year's theme is microscopic marine life. |
Scholarships for Seniors
The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (TJSWCD) is pleased to announce the availability of our 2026 Scholarship Awards!
The TJSWCD will award up to $4,500 in scholarships to students residing within the District (Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, and the City of Charlottesville). Scholarship funds may be awarded entirely to one applicant or may be divided based upon the merit of the applicants.
The TJSWCD scholarship is available to full-time students who demonstrate an active interest in conservation and are enrolled in, or have applied to, a college freshman level curriculum. The scholarship must be applied toward courses for which the student will receive college credit, and the payment will be made directly to the student’s academic institution. In addition, one applicant will be nominated by TJSWCD to the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) to be considered for one of four $2,000.00 scholarships awarded to statewide winners.
To apply: Students must submit a completed application and have 3 letters of recommendation sent to [email protected]. We also require that official transcripts be emailed directly to us by the school counselor or administrator.
*Complete applications, including transcripts, are due to us no later than Friday, February 06, 2026 by 4:00PM. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.*
Submitted applications will be reviewed and screened by the Education and Water Resources Committee. All applications and information contained therein shall remain confidential. Nominations from the Committee will be submitted to the VASWCD Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors for final approval.
The mission of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Educational Foundation, Inc. is to provide educational opportunities to citizens of Virginia to become good stewards of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of all. Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Virginia Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, memorial gifts and other contributions have provided initial funding for the Foundation
All programs and services of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Educational Foundation, Inc. are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability. All submitted paperwork is confidential and becomes the property of the VASWCDEF.
The Virginia Junior Chamber International Senate (VA JCI Senate), an affiliate organization of the Virginia Jaycees, is proud to continue to offer the future leaders of America an opportunity to earn scholarship money for the pursuit of higher education. The application, requirements, and student checklist may be found on our web site at this link:
https://www.vajcisenate.org/scholarship or here: https://usjcisenate.org/index.php/scholarship-program
Please note that in addition to scholarship funds for four-year colleges/universities, a scholarship offering for students planning to attend trade, vocational, or technical schools is also available. Last year, there was only one applicant for this program from within Virginia and was an automatic winner. We strongly encourage these students to apply. Applicants should select “Vocational Application” at the link provided above.
Application Instructions
Download and complete the application from the link provided above.
Students should assemble their application into a single PDF file ensuring that ALL attachments are included. The pdf document should be no larger than 25 MB. There are two methods of submitting the applications to me. Students may email the completed application in pdf format to this email address by the deadline. The second option is the send the hardcopy application via USPS or other delivery service such at FedEx. In order to send hardcopy, applicants or their parents MUST email me at [email protected] for specific mailing instructions for hardcopy applications. Please see additional instructions at the Virginia JCI Senate website. Emailed applications are not required but are appreciated.
Applications must be postmarked no later than January 12, 2026.
The completed application in PDF format should be emailed [email protected] by midnight January 12, 2026.
Two scholarships for college/university and one vocational scholarship will be awarded by the Virginia JCI Senate. Winners are eligible to compete for additional scholarships from the US JCI Senate and will be notified with instructions for forwarding the completed hard copy application with original signature to Cindy Kinney, Virginia JCI Senate Scholarship chair.
The TJSWCD will award up to $4,500 in scholarships to students residing within the District (Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, and the City of Charlottesville). Scholarship funds may be awarded entirely to one applicant or may be divided based upon the merit of the applicants.
The TJSWCD scholarship is available to full-time students who demonstrate an active interest in conservation and are enrolled in, or have applied to, a college freshman level curriculum. The scholarship must be applied toward courses for which the student will receive college credit, and the payment will be made directly to the student’s academic institution. In addition, one applicant will be nominated by TJSWCD to the Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) to be considered for one of four $2,000.00 scholarships awarded to statewide winners.
To apply: Students must submit a completed application and have 3 letters of recommendation sent to [email protected]. We also require that official transcripts be emailed directly to us by the school counselor or administrator.
*Complete applications, including transcripts, are due to us no later than Friday, February 06, 2026 by 4:00PM. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.*
Submitted applications will be reviewed and screened by the Education and Water Resources Committee. All applications and information contained therein shall remain confidential. Nominations from the Committee will be submitted to the VASWCD Educational Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors for final approval.
The mission of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Educational Foundation, Inc. is to provide educational opportunities to citizens of Virginia to become good stewards of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of all. Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Virginia Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, memorial gifts and other contributions have provided initial funding for the Foundation
All programs and services of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Educational Foundation, Inc. are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability. All submitted paperwork is confidential and becomes the property of the VASWCDEF.
The Virginia Junior Chamber International Senate (VA JCI Senate), an affiliate organization of the Virginia Jaycees, is proud to continue to offer the future leaders of America an opportunity to earn scholarship money for the pursuit of higher education. The application, requirements, and student checklist may be found on our web site at this link:
https://www.vajcisenate.org/scholarship or here: https://usjcisenate.org/index.php/scholarship-program
Please note that in addition to scholarship funds for four-year colleges/universities, a scholarship offering for students planning to attend trade, vocational, or technical schools is also available. Last year, there was only one applicant for this program from within Virginia and was an automatic winner. We strongly encourage these students to apply. Applicants should select “Vocational Application” at the link provided above.
Application Instructions
Download and complete the application from the link provided above.
Students should assemble their application into a single PDF file ensuring that ALL attachments are included. The pdf document should be no larger than 25 MB. There are two methods of submitting the applications to me. Students may email the completed application in pdf format to this email address by the deadline. The second option is the send the hardcopy application via USPS or other delivery service such at FedEx. In order to send hardcopy, applicants or their parents MUST email me at [email protected] for specific mailing instructions for hardcopy applications. Please see additional instructions at the Virginia JCI Senate website. Emailed applications are not required but are appreciated.
Applications must be postmarked no later than January 12, 2026.
The completed application in PDF format should be emailed [email protected] by midnight January 12, 2026.
Two scholarships for college/university and one vocational scholarship will be awarded by the Virginia JCI Senate. Winners are eligible to compete for additional scholarships from the US JCI Senate and will be notified with instructions for forwarding the completed hard copy application with original signature to Cindy Kinney, Virginia JCI Senate Scholarship chair.
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Self Care:
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Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
Horatio Alger is a need based scholarship worth up to $25,000. It opened on 1 December. Juniors and seniors may apply.
The Jackie Robinson Scholarship is for a senior of color who has financial need. You do not need to go to an HBCU to qualify. Apply by 7 January APIA offers scholarships up to $20,000 for students of Asian and Pacific Island descent. Apply by 15 January Profiles in Courage invites high school students to write about the courage of an American. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible. It's worth $10,000. Apply by 12 January The GE Reagan Scholarship awards up to $40,000 to students with demonstrated leadership. Apply by 5 January. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards are given to young people who are making a difference in our world. It is worth $36,000 and open to people 15-19. Live Más invites you to be bold! They offer up to $25,000 to students who live out their bold, passionate dreams. This is a renewable scholarship! Get in on Microsoft's Imagine Cup Competition. If you are a tech head, this is for you! And it;'s worth between $50,000 and $100,000! Coolidge Scholars are juniors in high school who are passionate about government and civics. This is a full ride scholarship to the university of your choice. That means tuition, fees, room and board, everything. Amazon's Future Engineer Scholarship is worth up to $40,000 for students who have demonstrated need. |
Do Good Things for People
Support Hospice of the Piedmont and their Memorial Illumination
Learn Mahjong and support the CASPCA this Saturday!
Donate food to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Help with the Free Fridge project. People are hungry. Help them out.
In case you weren't aware already, the winter holidays are around the corner. Help out Toy Lift which serves our area. Or consider Mason's Toy Box.
Yellow Door serves families in crisis in our area. They would love some support.
Stepping Stones makes sure that families are off on the right foot. They would love for folks to support them.
Bennett's Village is dedicated to making accessible playgrounds for people in our area. Volunteer or donate!
The Ishan Gala Foundation, whose mission is to help families struggling with childhood cancer has their Holiday Cheer Application up and running!
As the mom of a baby born at 25 weeks, two days before Christmas I know how important Lilypads Housing is. While we only had a 10 minute drive from our house to the UVA Hospital, many families are not so lucky. This is a difficult time of year to have a little one in the hospital. Support their work caring for the families of children in the hospital.
Learn Mahjong and support the CASPCA this Saturday!
Donate food to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Help with the Free Fridge project. People are hungry. Help them out.
In case you weren't aware already, the winter holidays are around the corner. Help out Toy Lift which serves our area. Or consider Mason's Toy Box.
Yellow Door serves families in crisis in our area. They would love some support.
Stepping Stones makes sure that families are off on the right foot. They would love for folks to support them.
Bennett's Village is dedicated to making accessible playgrounds for people in our area. Volunteer or donate!
The Ishan Gala Foundation, whose mission is to help families struggling with childhood cancer has their Holiday Cheer Application up and running!
As the mom of a baby born at 25 weeks, two days before Christmas I know how important Lilypads Housing is. While we only had a 10 minute drive from our house to the UVA Hospital, many families are not so lucky. This is a difficult time of year to have a little one in the hospital. Support their work caring for the families of children in the hospital.
Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further! And also don't skip this!
NASA
Those interested in aerospace should consider NASA's LiftOff Summer Institute! It's a week long program in Houston. This year the focus is on the Moon to Mars.
BLAST
Part of the Space Grant Consortium, BLAST is open to 8th and 9th grade students interested in exploring engineering. For three days students live in college dorms and experience hands on learning. Applications are open right now!
NASA
Those interested in aerospace should consider NASA's LiftOff Summer Institute! It's a week long program in Houston. This year the focus is on the Moon to Mars.
BLAST
Part of the Space Grant Consortium, BLAST is open to 8th and 9th grade students interested in exploring engineering. For three days students live in college dorms and experience hands on learning. Applications are open right now!
The Radford University Summer Bridge Women In STEM program is an exciting way for high school students to engage with science and technology. Students have a chance to participate in fun experiments, learn some basics and beyond in many different fields, and make great friendships. It is a week-long, residential, hands-on opportunity. IT'S FREE! We offer scholarships to students, they just have to make travel arrangements to be in Radford at the start of the program and travel arrangements home. Radford takes care of classes, meals, lodging and any local transportation as part of the program. They take students who will be rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Summer Bridge will take place July 12-17, 2026.
Application process
As a part of the application process for the Summer Bridge program at Radford University you are required to complete the online application form, write a 400-word essay describing your interest in science, mathematics, or information technology and why you would like to attend Summer Bridge, and submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher or adult leader.
We will award scholarship to students and invite them to join us for this program. Scholarships are based on applications and recommendations, so please be sure to make your case within your application below as to why you should join us for the week. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get a scholarship.
Student essay
The essay should be typed, double spaced, and uploaded to the application materials. You will be able to upload your essay at the end of the online application process. This essay is an important component to the application and scholarship selection process.
Letter of recommendation
You are also required to submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, or adult leader in an organization in which you participate. The letter should include the recommender’s name, phone number, and email address. You will have an opportunity to upload this letter at the end of the online application OR you may mail the recommendation letter to:
David Horton
Radford University
Summer Bridge
P.O. Box 6936
Radford, VA 24142
Complete the online application
Once you have your 400-word essay written and saved to your computer, as well as a recommendation letter, please proceed to the online application
Application process
As a part of the application process for the Summer Bridge program at Radford University you are required to complete the online application form, write a 400-word essay describing your interest in science, mathematics, or information technology and why you would like to attend Summer Bridge, and submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher or adult leader.
We will award scholarship to students and invite them to join us for this program. Scholarships are based on applications and recommendations, so please be sure to make your case within your application below as to why you should join us for the week. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get a scholarship.
Student essay
The essay should be typed, double spaced, and uploaded to the application materials. You will be able to upload your essay at the end of the online application process. This essay is an important component to the application and scholarship selection process.
Letter of recommendation
You are also required to submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, or adult leader in an organization in which you participate. The letter should include the recommender’s name, phone number, and email address. You will have an opportunity to upload this letter at the end of the online application OR you may mail the recommendation letter to:
David Horton
Radford University
Summer Bridge
P.O. Box 6936
Radford, VA 24142
Complete the online application
Once you have your 400-word essay written and saved to your computer, as well as a recommendation letter, please proceed to the online application
The Future Scholars Institute will return for its second year at Bridgewater College. This immersive summer program is designed to empower motivated high school students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to excel academically and personally. Thanks to ongoing support from the Teagle Foundation, the program remains completely free for participants (tuition, housing, meals, field trips, supplies, etc.)—with a focus on students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, as well as others who may lack guidance when navigating the college process.
The 2026 program will be held July 12–25 on our residential campus in Bridgewater, Virginia. Students are required to live on campus for the full duration; we do not accept commuter participants.
The Future Scholars Institute offers rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore themes of leadership, democracy, and civic responsibility through:
More information and the application are available at https://www.bridgewater.edu/academics/future-scholars-institute/ Applications open December 1. The priority deadline is February 15, after which we will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Early submission is strongly encouraged due to limited space.
The 2026 program will be held July 12–25 on our residential campus in Bridgewater, Virginia. Students are required to live on campus for the full duration; we do not accept commuter participants.
The Future Scholars Institute offers rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore themes of leadership, democracy, and civic responsibility through:
- Faculty-led seminars using thought-provoking texts
- • Workshops that strengthen writing, research, and communication skills
- • Experiential learning, including a field trip to Washington, D.C.
- • Peer-mentoring and community-building activities
- Participants will earn two college credits upon completing the seminar, while gaining stronger academic skills, a clearer understanding of civic engagement, and greater confidence in planning for their futures.
More information and the application are available at https://www.bridgewater.edu/academics/future-scholars-institute/ Applications open December 1. The priority deadline is February 15, after which we will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Early submission is strongly encouraged due to limited space.
"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota
Hills to Die on
This is a stressful season for many seniors. Many are applying to college and that brings up a whole lot of feelings. For seniors themselves, it often is seen as a terrifyingly exciting time. While imaging themselves in their future is thrilling, the prospect of leaving home can be scary. And, for us as parents, it is the same: the delight we take in watching our children make these decisions mixes bountifully with the dread of saying goodbye to our babies.
My daughter is going to be 27 in less than two weeks. I cannot believe this fact. But I know it’s true. We sent her off to college in 2017. It was heartbreaking and breathtaking in equal measures. But one thing I learned in the process from working with her and with 100s of students at that point as well is this: there are some hills we should die on. And then there are some that we should not.
When my daughter was applying to college, I was learning this lesson the hard way (which is, in fairness, often the way I learn lessons). While exploring and visiting colleges, my daughter was feeling overwhelmed and tense. When I suggested we start a spreadsheet and list pros and cons, she shouted at me: “What do you even know about applying to college? You don’t know anything about any of this!” To which I responded ok even though my husband looked at me in dismay since this is literally my job. Her frustration wasn’t with the process, it was with me. And I had overstepped. From then on I vowed to be a listening ear and available should she ask me for help (which she did occasionally but not often). I knew exactly which school would be the one she should choose but I never said a word. And in the end, she chose the exact school that was best for her.
Choosing your hills to die on seems an easy thing in some ways, but it’s deceptively difficult. There are some things we need to fight our kids on and they include things they might not want to do including learning responsibility and persistence. But I never fought with my daughter about the following things: hair, dress, friends, partners. Why? Because I needed to save my energy for the big hills: her values and choices she was making.
I am here to tell you that your child’s college application belongs on the list of hills not to die on.
Your child will not stop needing you when they go off to college. They will be faced with many choices that they will need your support with. Should she join a sorority? Should he apply to be a research assistant while doing all of his school work? Is it really a good idea if they live off campus? How do they support their friend who is going through a mental health crisis? Does she want to work for that company or the other one? Which one is more in line with what is important to him? Is my relationship with this person good for me?
If you spend your time fighting with your child about their college application, the colleges they should apply to, or other small hills, I can promise you they will be less likely to come to you with the big hills later on. Every time you fight over the names of schools you want your child to apply to, over the supplemental essay that you know you could write better, about who their recommenders should be, you make the valley between yourself and your child larger and harder to cross.
I love it when a kid comes to me and says that their adult at home is supportive of the decisions they are making. But it makes me so sad when they come to me and tell me that home is hard because of it. Be your child’s cheerleader. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be a port in a storm. But don’t be the storm
My daughter is going to be 27 in less than two weeks. I cannot believe this fact. But I know it’s true. We sent her off to college in 2017. It was heartbreaking and breathtaking in equal measures. But one thing I learned in the process from working with her and with 100s of students at that point as well is this: there are some hills we should die on. And then there are some that we should not.
When my daughter was applying to college, I was learning this lesson the hard way (which is, in fairness, often the way I learn lessons). While exploring and visiting colleges, my daughter was feeling overwhelmed and tense. When I suggested we start a spreadsheet and list pros and cons, she shouted at me: “What do you even know about applying to college? You don’t know anything about any of this!” To which I responded ok even though my husband looked at me in dismay since this is literally my job. Her frustration wasn’t with the process, it was with me. And I had overstepped. From then on I vowed to be a listening ear and available should she ask me for help (which she did occasionally but not often). I knew exactly which school would be the one she should choose but I never said a word. And in the end, she chose the exact school that was best for her.
Choosing your hills to die on seems an easy thing in some ways, but it’s deceptively difficult. There are some things we need to fight our kids on and they include things they might not want to do including learning responsibility and persistence. But I never fought with my daughter about the following things: hair, dress, friends, partners. Why? Because I needed to save my energy for the big hills: her values and choices she was making.
I am here to tell you that your child’s college application belongs on the list of hills not to die on.
Your child will not stop needing you when they go off to college. They will be faced with many choices that they will need your support with. Should she join a sorority? Should he apply to be a research assistant while doing all of his school work? Is it really a good idea if they live off campus? How do they support their friend who is going through a mental health crisis? Does she want to work for that company or the other one? Which one is more in line with what is important to him? Is my relationship with this person good for me?
If you spend your time fighting with your child about their college application, the colleges they should apply to, or other small hills, I can promise you they will be less likely to come to you with the big hills later on. Every time you fight over the names of schools you want your child to apply to, over the supplemental essay that you know you could write better, about who their recommenders should be, you make the valley between yourself and your child larger and harder to cross.
I love it when a kid comes to me and says that their adult at home is supportive of the decisions they are making. But it makes me so sad when they come to me and tell me that home is hard because of it. Be your child’s cheerleader. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be a port in a storm. But don’t be the storm
On the Town
- Tonight AHS's Choir is featured on WTJU
- Try a Kokedama Plant Workshop tonight
- Bluebird is the place to go this evening for a Mend and Mingle Class
- Tonight is Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- A Christmas Carol continues its run
- Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown also is ongoing
- Scrooge continues its run this weekend as well
- Tomorrow CHS's Choir will be on WTJU
- Let There Be Light is at PVCC tomorrow
- Tomorrow Snowbound will premier
- Sean Heely's Celtic Christmas is tomorrow
- Tomorrow and Saturday you can hear Zephyrus' The Radiance of a Spanish Christmas (see you Friday!)
- Saturday Dave Frank is performing
- Hear the Vienna Boys' Choir on Saturday
- Saturday is the Christmas Celebration at Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
- Noah Aronson will be in concert on Saturday, just in time for Hannukah
- Sunday you can see some Christmas Shorts with Live Music
- It's A Christmas Story on Sunday (I double dog dare you to go!)
- Tuesday is a Lantern Tour at Frontier Culture
- Enjoy a Country Christmas Concert starring Jim Curry on Tuesday
- Tuesday is Béla Fleck and the Flecktones: Jingle All the Way
- Wednesday is Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
