Let's give it the new college try
Some are familiar with the phrase, "Give it the old college try", as it's a way to encourage people to make an effort with the energy, vigor, and spirit of those who attend our institutions of higher learning. And yes, during the dates of September 14-16, 2017 (for my homecoming at Wake Forest University), as well as the date of September 18, 2017 when I'm able to visit Holy Angels Catholic School as part of support for #TheLiteracyProject via the LEAD Foundation, in the form of planting seeds or revisiting those hallowed grounds, it's about reinforcing the notion of the importance and relevance of education.
Even more important is providing access to resources and opportunities for our young people to pursue this avenue if they so choose. On September 24, 2017, thanks to the help of the Iconic Iota Zeta Sigma Chapter (North Atlanta) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the ACT/SAT prep workshop is able to some seed planting and reinforcement of making sure to go beyond high school.
Nearly 30 students sacrifice a part of their weekend to take the time to invest in themselves. That in and of itself is something to celebrate, as far too often, we speak of what young people aren't doing and forget about what they ARE doing.
During the 3-plus hours, we are able to cover a tremendous amount of ground as it relates to the ACT and SAT. These are the two primary assessments used in the college application process. Yesterday provides students the opportunity get an improved understanding of both exams.
The students have a wide range of experience; the high school sophomores (and one freshman) to seniors, regardless if they are taking the exam for the first time or multiple times, are able to identify the similarities, differences, and overall framework for both exams so they are able to make a more informed decision as to which may work best for them. While the one-day seminar is not an "absolute" start and end-all, it is absolute in giving students a better understanding of what they know, where they are, and what direction they need to go.
Given the sorority's beginnings on a college campus (Butler University to be exact, on November 12, 1922), as well as the chapter's charter on March 24, 2001), it only makes sense that education is central to their community advocacy and outreach. With a motto of "Greater Service, Greater Progress", they are able to make and take the time given the workshop as well as their work with the Rhoers (program for middle and high school women) to invest in the lives of others to help them make it happen. And yesterday, under our mantra of "doing good but doing it greater", we are able to do our part in helping a chapter and the young people they work with make it happen.
Employ the "new" college try and keep making it happen.
