What are you going to be when you grow up?
We start asking our kids that question almost as soon as they can talk. Then when they are in high school we put the pressure on….what college, what major, how much debt?
Dr Jean Norris and her son Michael raised some very good questions that we all need to answer as we make these life changing decisions. As we ask….Is College the best choice?
The mother son duo spoke at South Haven high school and then in the evening at the second event of the speaker’s series Thursday March 30th, 2017.
How do you help your student figure out the right path? The Norris team used their interest, value, skill, my life, school and program goal centered graphic to present a series of thought provoking questions designed to help students develop the right path to a successful career. The questions are also helpful for parents and grandparents advising students.
In setting goals ask: why do you want to do this, what does it give you and how will you go about getting it?
Under Interests what programs interest you, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? What do people ask you for help with and what careers are you considering for your future?
What skills do you currently have and what skills do you need to acquire to get to your goal?
What are some of the things that you value about school and/or your work? What do you care about? What are some of your “must have’s”?
Dr Norris and Michael turned to life issues asking: what might get in the way of achieving your goals? How will you manage the change that going to college will create?
Finally, if your exploration leads to college, how will you know when you’ve found the right college for you?
The presentation included links to a variety of Internet tools designed to help make decisions.
The two ended with advice for all to listen, establish a safety net and practice patience.
Watch the video by Richard Brunvand.
