Rhythms of Resilience: Hip-Hop and Personal Reflection
Dr. Christina Maki, LMFT
Fox Valley Institute
Presented by:
College Readiness Redefined: Prioritizing Mental Health, Connection, and Adaptability
College Readiness Redefined: �Prioritizing Mental Health, Connection, and Adaptability
Presented by:
Lauren Buckley, M.A., LPC
Jasmine Sanders, M.A., LPC
Fox Valley Institute is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. Jasmine and Lauren, both Licensed Professional Counselors, share a commitment to helping clients manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges. Jasmine brings her expertise in working with young adults, couples, and adolescents, while Lauren specializes in children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Together, they create a supportive, non-judgmental environment, integrating evidence-based practices and creative approaches to help individuals optimize their potential and improve their overall well-being.
Lauren Buckley, LPC
Jasmine Sanders, LPC
What makes a good college student?
Myth: I know I am a good student if I have a 4.0 or above
�Reality: Success in high school is about learning, growth, and developing skills, not just earning perfect grades. Colleges and future employers often value experiences, soft skills, and practical application of knowledge as much as GPA.
It’s All About Your Grades!
Myth: As a successful college student, I will prioritize my GPA above everything else, even at the expense of my well-being.
Reality: Obsessing over grades can create a culture of fear and anxiety, often leading to unhealthy behaviors like burnout or even cheating. True success comes from focusing on meaningful learning, developing skills, and maintaining integrity. A balanced approach to academics fosters long-term growth and confidence, not just a high GPA
Do All You Can to Raise Your GPA
Myth: To be a good student, I need to be involved in every club, take the toughest classes, and always stay busy.
Reality: Quality matters more than quantity. Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Focus on activities and courses that align with your passions and goals.
Being Busy Equals Being Successful
Myth: I believe that to be a good student, I need to be independent and figure everything out on my own.
Reality: Successful students know when to ask for help, whether from professors, advisors, counselors, or peers. Colleges are designed to provide support—using it is part of being a good student.
You Shouldn’t Ask for Help
Myth: To be a successful college student, I need to attend a prestigious or highly selective school.
Reality: Success is not determined by the prestige of your college but by how you use the opportunities available to you. Great students thrive at all types of schools, including community colleges, state universities, and smaller institutions. What matters is your effort, experiences, and personal growth.
The Best Students Go to Ivy Leagues Schools
Myth: To be college-ready, I believe I need to have my entire future planned before starting college.
Reality: Many students explore and change majors during college. Finding the right fit through experimentation is normal and often leads to better long-term satisfaction
You Should Know Your Career Path before College
Myth: I believe that to be a good student, I have to sacrifice sleep, cram late into the night, and survive on caffeine.
Reality: Sleep is essential for academic success, mental health, and overall well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to poor concentration, weaker memory retention, and a higher risk of burnout. Prioritizing rest allows you to perform better, stay healthier, and enjoy your college experience to the fullest. Success isn’t about how much you sacrifice—it’s about how well you take care of yourself.
You Can Sleep When You’re Dead
Because Parenting is Hard
Myths for Parents
Myth: A good student depends on their parents to manage the college application process, from choosing schools to completing applications.
Reality: While parents can provide valuable support and encouragement, the college application process is a critical opportunity for students to take ownership of their future. When parents take over, students miss out on developing independence, decision-making, and time-management skills. Parents should guide and assist, but ultimately, students should lead the process to prepare for the responsibilities of college life.
Parents Need to Take a Hands-On Role to Get Their Child Into College
Myth: A good college student should handle everything on their own, and parents should step back entirely.
Reality: While college is a time for students to gain independence, parental support still plays a vital role. Offering guidance, emotional encouragement, and being a sounding board can help students navigate challenges. The key is for parents to strike a balance—providing support without micromanaging—so students can grow while knowing they have a safety net if needed.
Parents Should Play a Hands-Off Role in College
Questions?
Further Reading
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Dr. Lisa Damour
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World by Michele Borba Ed. D.
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