September Edition 2023
Williams Educational Consultants shares five educational topics that offer wisdom, guidance, and fun for the entire family.
Nothing says October better than fall festivals, pumpkin carving, apple picking, and hot air balloons, except for college application deadlines! Seniors are gearing up for October 15th Early Action deadline for schools like Chapel Hill, UGA, and South Carolina. Fall goes by quickly for seniors with their application submissions and college preview days.
If you are receiving a ton of college pamphlets in your mailbox, an influx of college admission emails, high school information about the upcoming Digital PSAT, or deciding on college visits, be sure to take time and get outside. Maybe have a pumpkin carving contest, apple picking day or hike on a trail.
As most of you know, I have a senior in high school. He has officially visited his last college campus last week. He learned a lot about himself along the way. As a parent, I, too, learned a lot by watching him ask questions and explore his interests. We heard some great advice recently: Don't just fall into your future; plan and listen for your calling along the way. No matter your age, let October be the month where you embrace your passion, find your interests and explore all the options available.
5 Wise Words From Wendy:
1. Prepare. It is time to start planning for graduation....okay, not really, but be sure to complete your student's senior portrait, yearbook dedication page, and order graduation announcements. There is plenty of time, but checking off this box early can decrease anxiety! To celebrate the class of 2024, check out Jostens.
2. Plan. Now is a great time for families to connect with financial aid departments and discuss tuition and fees. Over the last year, highly selective private and public colleges have had tuition increases. Families should consider costs as an important factor in college decisions. Check out the article here for more information on tuition rates.
3. Relax. Staying mindful is a great way to refresh. How do you welcome fall? At the bottom of this newsletter, you will find Mindfulness Moment#15: "WORK" by Angela Cominos Koehler.
4. Support. Fall is busy with school activities, sports, and academics. Find a way to embrace the busy schedule by modeling planning and prioritizing activities. These two tools can help your student increase performance and decrease anxiety. Important tip: Support your student by teaching them how to use the family calendar and add their responsibilities every Sunday to start their week off on the right foot.
5. Love. Some hate it, but others love it. It's spice season, especially for pumpkin spice! I encourage each of you to add flavor to your October with pumpkin spice, nutmeg, ginger or cinnamon. Love your students by adding some fall flavor to their coffee or favorite dessert. Check out these great fall treats that you can get in the grocery store this season!
4 Current Conversations:
Here are topics that can create great conversations:
1. Is Admissions going to change how they view the student applicant?
2. Great College Prep List for this Fall.
3. Find out which schools use the CSS PROFILE as part of their financial aid process.
4. The 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be available until December, learn how to prepare.
3 School Snippets:
Colleges often give great information on their sites:
1. Texas A&M explains Self Reported Academic Record in Admissions
2. VA Tech and their Admissions program.
3. Belmont gives great advice for parents on how to support your student.
2 metro-Atlanta opportunities:
A section to focus on news in metro-Atlanta:
1 Recipe Randomness: Nothing says fall like Vegetarian Squash Chili
INGREDIENTS:
2 T. Olive Oil
1 red onion, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. chili powder
Chopped chipotle adobo pepper, to taste
1 tsp. cumin
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 bay leaf
2 15 oz. cans black beans, rinsed
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups vegetable broth
Toppings: diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips
Instructions Warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper and butternut squash and cook, until the onions are turning translucent.
Turn heat down to med-low and add garlic, chili powder, ½ T. chipotle peppers, cumin and cinnamon, about 30 seconds. Add bay leaf, black beans, tomatoes and broth. Stir and cover for about an hour and add more chipotle peppers, if desired.
You will know it is done when the squash is tender and chili is the consistency you like. Top with tortilla strips and avocado.
Mindfulness Moment #15: WORK “Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” -Buddha As you experience the convergence of seasons, you see both flowers blooming and leaves changing colors. You return to school refreshed and rejuvenated from the sultry summer's warmth, fun, and unstructured time. As summer transitions to fall, you can welcome this harvest month filled with beautiful and nutritious treasures to nourish the body and feed the mind. The word harvest means to reap the benefits of hard work. This reminds me of the saying, “Reap what you sow”. Reap means “to gather a crop” and to sow means, “to plant seeds.” Know that the effort you put into your school work will be returned to you. Plant carefully.
What is your WORK?