Category: Life Skills

How to Adult

Posted by: admin on August 16th, 2019

By Joi Donaldson  As you may have heard, we millennials have ruined everything. You, the person sitting in the Gen Z driving seat, are careening towards a world already on fire. But fret not: here are a few tips to navigate the holes we’re trying so desperately to fill on this side of adulthood. Your […]

The Lessons of Jim Fowler

Posted by: admin on July 9th, 2019

June 4, 2019 I used to joke about being the “Marlon Perkins of test prep.” To better understand the experience of taking standardized tests, I “go into the field,” sit with a room of teens, and take official ACTs and SATs. This keeps me familiar with the energy — and the stress — often found […]

When I Was Your Age

Posted by: admin on May 21st, 2019

Last week, a student walked into our office looking a little down. He was less zippy than usual. No smiles or jokes. He surrendered himself to a lobby chair and stared into space rather than chatting with the other kids. Missing was the banter that is typical of this kid. Clearly, he was not himself. […]

Plan: Think Before You Act

Posted by: admin on April 30th, 2019

By John Jones & Maureen Delaney “Look before you leap!” This phrase means you should think, pay attention, and have your wits about you — before you make your move. It is important to think ahead and make up your own mind about what to do next so that you don’t wind up with an unwelcome […]

Is Working Too Hard Holding You Back?

Posted by: admin on April 30th, 2019

It’s easy to tell ourselves that we just have to study more. Work harder. That’s it. Just buckle down, put in more time, and we’ll all get the grades we want. It’s rare that we look up from our frantic activity to ask: Is putting in the time really equivalent to hard work? Does hard […]

Why Parents Should Act as Consultants

Posted by: admin on March 19th, 2019

You just have to study more. Work harder. That’s it. Just buckle down, put in more time, and you  will  get the grades you want! Right? Perhaps you have heard these statements before. Well, my response is this: “Kudos for your willingness to work hard.” And this: “maybe.” However, the questions remain: Is putting in […]

Why You Should Unplug This Thanksgiving

Posted by: admin on March 19th, 2019

Please don’t post pics of your turkey dinner. Don’t Instagram your far-flung family with photos of your goings-on while ignoring your present company. Do not tweet, hashtag or snap. For a few days, or at least on Thanksgiving Day, unplug. An App cannot enhance or replace the connection of face-to-face human interaction. Giving your full […]

Well, How Did I Get Here?

Posted by: admin on March 19th, 2019

Just 10 or 15 years ago, before we could rely on our phones and satellites to keep track of us, we had to keep track of ourselves. And we did so imperfectly. At least, my friends and I did. Often, we’d plod along until we registered something recognizable – the Citgo sign by Fenway Park […]

Brain Feeling Sluggish? Play in the Dirt.

Posted by: admin on March 19th, 2019

Yay, spring! Hey, juniors! How are you doing? I understand that this question from a college counselor can immediately prompt feelings of stress, strife, and perhaps a strong desire to run, scream, or just take a nap. You could go all consumer on us and order the t-shirt popular on Amazon, “Don’t Ask Me About […]

Water Your Brain

Posted by: admin on March 19th, 2019

My colleague Jeff takes care of a plant in his office. Well, “takes care of” might more accurately mean, “mostly ignores.” Fortunately, Jeff’s plant is kind enough to let him know by wilting in the most dramatic of fashions. Now imagine if that were your brain. “Please,” you may be thinking, “I would never be […]