In part one of engage curiosity, we looked at what makes you tick? What sparks your interests and how pieces of you come together to form a beautiful mosaic. In part two, we will be looking at our answers to our four questions we asked in part 1.
What extracurricular activities are you into right now?
Let's talk about what you do outside of school aka “extracurricular activities”. What activities make you happy? What's not your favorite? Think about it, even if it's not an official school thing like sports or band. Maybe you're into drawing or running your own little business selling things to your pals. What really gets you going? This is where you gotta think outside the box!
I'll never forget chatting with an MIT college admission counselor. She asked my daughter, "What makes you stand out? Lots of kids have good grades or are in clubs. What makes you special? What shows who you really are?" It was a real eye-opener!
Here's a story to help you see: Imagine you're crazy about gardening. You notice your elderly neighbor's yard could use some love. So, you offer to take care of it for free. Not only does it show off your green thumb, but it also shows you care about others. Pretty cool, huh? And it doesn't cost a thing.
So, go on, explore and dream! Write down all the cool stuff you do. Who knows what you'll discover about yourself?
What other hobbies do you have? What do you find yourself doing just for fun?
This question is like a follow-up to the first one about extracurricular activities. It's a chance to dig even deeper and discover what truly brings you joy. Not only will it help you understand yourself better and improve your resume, but it'll also assist you in exploring colleges and majors. You might find a special quality that only a few schools offer!
What do you love talking about with your friends and family?
What stuff do you usually talk about with your pals or family every week? Maybe you're super into math or always curious about how things work. First, make a list of what you think you talk about a lot. Then, ask your friends and family if they agree or have more to add.
For example, my older kid loves drawing and also likes figuring out how stuff works. She's always drawing and chatting about math and numbers. With this in mind, we're looking at schools that have cool programs in math and animation.
So, look at your list. Did you learn something new about yourself? How can this help you pick a college?
What jobs or industries do you think might match up with your interests?
Now that you've answered all these questions, it's time to think about how they can help you in your college journey. Let's say you're really into STEM but also love art. Ever heard of Disney Imagineering? It could be a perfect fit! But how do you figure out what to major in to get there, especially if you don't know any Disney Imagineers personally?
Here's a tip: Check out job postings for your dream job. What kind of education and experience do they require? This helps you work backward to figure out what you need for your career.
With all this info, you can start making your college list. Look for schools that offer the degree you need for your dream job. And don't forget to consider the campus vibe and community that will make you happy.
This is an exciting time in your life! You're just getting started on an amazing journey. So stay curious and see where it takes you!
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