Decisions That Create Your Future

The decisions that we make when we are young can have a direct influence on our future. I was reminded of this simple truth while perusing my connections on Facebook:

“Did you know? Eighty-five years ago today, Ronald Reagan embarked on what would be a formative part of his journey as a leader. On September 15, 1928, he opened doors of discovery as he began the registration process at Eureka College.” (Ronald Reagan Foundation)

The greatest achievements in life begin with decisions made while we are young.

“Reagan was the poor kid who grew up during the Depression and, to his own surprise, made it to college at a time when less than 7% of the population attended. From there, he felt that anything was possible - and it was - the presidency.” (http://reagan.eureka.edu/lead_applied/index.htm)

This is NOT an article about President Reagan or his road to the White House. It IS about the possibilities created by the decisions he made in the formative stages of life.

Choosing a college major and deciding on a career plan are two of the most important decisions facing young adults. As with all decisions, learn to center your decisions on your character and values. Don’t compromise for a short term solution.

The average college admission counselor reads over 600 applications. Just let that little fact sink in for a second. What about your college application will make them stop and think about you? If all that they know about you is on the application and essay, what do you think your chances are of getting into their college?

Your chances of gaining admission will increase dramatically if you have connected with the admission counselor assigned to your area by email, attended a college fair and visited the campus. The campus visit is the key that helps unlock the college admission process.

When you visit the campus and meet the admission staff, two things are likely to happen: 1) you get to interview the college, and 2) the college WILL interview you. Both of these processes help you determine if the college is the right fit for you.

Don’t let your circumstances determine your dreams. Peruse the internet and look at college websites. Explore their online catalogs and view books. Look at what they have to offer in academics, student life, athletics, missions/community service, and amenities. If at all possible, go visit their campus and explore for yourself what they bring to the table.

You have gifts and abilities that are uniquely yours. The more you develop them, the more you give God to work with.

Take a leap of faith and trust God. Your future is waiting!

Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.

Ninety Seconds or Five Hundred Words

How well can you describe who you are in about 90 seconds or in less than 500 words?

This is the time of year when many high school seniors are focusing their attention on college applications and writing the required essay or interviewing for a job. Here are four things to remember as you prepare:

1. Keep it simple – you are not writing a book about your life history. So, stick to the point and don’t ramble off on a rabbit trail.

2. Answer the question. This is very important. Stick to the question and be concise. Think of an experience that describes the point of the question. College personnel will see a better picture of who you are through the windows of your descriptive answers.

3. Yes, THIS time it IS all about you. It’s OK to talk about yourself and your experiences. Admission personnel do not want to read about your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or your bff. They want to read about you.

4. Use your own voice. No one can write your story like you. Admission personnel expect it to sound like it was written by a high school senior and not your English teacher. However, DO refrain from using “text-speak”. College professionals and employers want to know that you are at least articulate enough to use proper grammar.

Writing a college essay or interviewing for a job have one thing in common; answering the questions of “who are you” and “why should I admit/employ you”? Life is a journey of finding our place and how we fit in with the rest of humanity. Finding our place requires a lot of hard work and diligence.

It would be nice if God gave us a detailed strategic plan for our life, but it doesn't work that way. Instead, He has given us a book of Truth to read and master. As we spend time reading and understanding His principles, our way in life becomes clearer.

As you prepare for the next step in your journey keep in mind these steps: keep it simple, answer the question, it’s your story, so use your own voice.

So, who are you?

Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.