“Alternative Spring Break” is Magical, Authentic Mentoring

Who do kids really listen to?

All school year long, I pump my students full of advice. Aside from the content of my literature classes, I give out tips on everything from managing time to restaurant etiquette, and let me tell you, it is some darn good advice. Sometimes it’s like group therapy in my classroom.

Alas, my words of wisdom often don’t elicit the mindset-altering effects I aim for. Even with a great rapport with most of my students, there is a real difference when they hear “Do not sell yourself short on your college applications,” from me, a 31-year-old teacher, and when they hear it from someone just a year or two older than them.

Earlier this month, seven Harvard University undergrads stayed for a week at my school on an alternative spring break, or “Service Break” program. Instead of partying in Cancun, they chose service-learning. I brought them into my 11th- and 12th-grade classes as much as I could, and they were phenomenal role models.

Here are 3 comments from SEED upperclassmen that Jake, a Harvard freshman, recorded on their group blog:

“For a lot of the time, for the work that we put in, it’s hard to see the end goal. We’ve been taking standardized tests and writing so many essays for the last two years and thinking this application process is never going to end. But meeting you guys, we feel recharged. I used to feel nervous about college and managing everything, but I know now that I can do it.”

“You taught me not to let the past prevent me from succeeding in the future. I know I don’t have the best GPA and was scared about applying to some of my reach schools, but you guys taught me to go for it and try anyway because I know in the future I can do the work and make the grade.”

“We’ve been working so hard since we got here and now we’re reaching the end and just for you all to get us excited about the next step means so much. Having someone appreciate your work and remind you why you pushed yourself so hard in the first place really picks us up.”

It’s eye-opening. Grown-ups can huff and puff all day long and some of it gets across, but young people really listen to each other.

Do you know any outstanding mentoring programs for high school students?

Comments

[team coaching]

This is an interesting post. Teens can be confusing sometimes. They neglect their teacher’s advice on a particular matter, but follow the advice of another, which is relatively the same as their teacher’s.

[Asics Shoes]

Very nice and helpful information has been given in this article. I must say that this is a very good post.

[D]

Today's luck is good ah, see the first post is so good, the article central thought clear, very logical.
Friend link: http://www.yourshoeszone.com

[Junly]

This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information. Keep it up.

[Regal Tool]

It's so true how even though you have good rapport with them, the words from someone closer to them in age seem to resonate more and really sink in. Great post!

[Victoria Knowles]

That's what I also love about my teachers, they give advice when you don't ask them to. Still they are incomparable to me. Nobody is far better than them.

[free dora games]

In the last a buyer needed to use a distinctive account, reach a quota every month in purchases to try and do the wholesale pricing bracket. To secure the cuff set up repeat your e-stitch as you might have been doing. The pigment wears over surface of denim, revealing the initial white hue of the cotton fibers. Trilby hats possess a narrower brim compared to fedoras, and possesses that distinguishable dent on top in the hats crown. I’ve compiled an index of wholesalers that supply deep discounts around the always popular fitted New Era 5950 hats which Major League Baseball players wear about the field, snapback caps and a lot more. free dora games http://playfreedoragames.com/

[games not blocked]

Some hats serve very only to hide a negative hair day. Away on the market regions, the cowboy hat is defined as given a pass and it is normally not thought to be an elegant choice outside a texas holdem room or country music bar. Although your hat is extremely pretty, please take into account the other folks which might be hanging out you. Kies thought it was important to possess affordable work bonnets for female who worked for very long hours outdoors. The easiest medium to avail these headgears is via the internet. games not blocked http://fununblockedgames.com/