Shows
SchoolStory by ROE #30The State of the Small School & Why Size Still MattersToday’s conversation feels like a recognition many of us already understand but don’t always value.In an era where bigger is often equated with better, where consolidation is framed as efficiency, and where schools are increasingly discussed in terms of scale rather than soul, we’re pausing to ask a more human question: What do small schools still do better than anyone else — and why does that matter so deeply right now?This episode isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about proximity.It’s about knowing families by name, responding before a crisis becomes...
2026-02-0943 minSchoolStory by ROE #30The Heart of the Community — Schools as Far More Than ClassroomsWhen we talk about schools, we often default to the obvious things — classrooms, curricula, test scores, and calendars. But anyone who has spent real time inside a school knows that what happens there reaches far beyond the bell schedule.Schools are where communities gather. They’re where relationships form across generations. They’re where empathy is practiced, dignity is extended, and care shows up in ways that rarely make headlines.In this episode, we’re joined by Kris Mason, Superintendent of Giant City School District, and Diana Rea, Superintendent of Du Quoin Unit District 300 — two leaders wh...
2026-02-0940 minSchoolStory by ROE #30From Trades to Tech — Preparing Students for a Changing WorkforceFor a long time in this country, we told a very narrow story about success. We didn’t always say it out loud, but the message was clear: a four-year degree was the destination — and everything else was a consolation prize. And while that story worked for some students, it quietly left a lot of capable, talented young people feeling unseen.But here’s the truth: while the narrative lagged, the world kept moving.The trades never disappeared. They just evolved. Welders became fabricators. Auto mechanics became diagnosticians. Manufacturing became precision-driven and data-informed. And now, as tec...
2026-02-0951 minSchoolStory by ROE #30Better Together — Why Collaboration MattersIn this episode, we’re stepping back to look at something both deceptively simple and profoundly powerful: what happens when schools stop operating as islands and start thinking—and acting—regionally.Across Southern Illinois, districts of every size are discovering that collaboration isn’t a sign of weakness or scarcity—it’s a form of stewardship. It’s how autonomy is preserved, not surrendered. It’s how small schools stay strong. It’s how opportunity expands without erasing identity.Today’s conversation brings together superintendents, regional leaders, and partners who are living this work every day—sharing resource...
2026-02-0848 min
Lead with HOPEEpisode 75 | Storytelling, Adversity, and HOPE with Craig Williams of Journey12CEO of Journey12—an organization dedicated to helping schools, especially in rural America, reclaim their narratives and strengthen community connections through authentic storytelling and strategic communication.Craig shares his powerful insights on how storytelling builds trust, how adversity fuels resilience, and how hope and purpose drive meaningful leadership. Together, Brandi and Craig explore what it means to lead with authenticity, connect communities through communication, and keep purpose at the heart of every story.Craig Williams | Journey12📧 Email: craig.williams@journey12.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craighowewilliamsDr. Bran...
2025-12-2732 min
TradingUpSANDBURG IS AT THE HEART OF THE TRADES: Building futures, breaking barriers, and meeting students where they areJoin host Craig Williams for an inspiring conversation with Ellen Burns, Dean of Career and Technical Education, and Jessa Morgan, Trades Program Advocate at Carl Sandburg College. Together, these two dynamic leaders are revolutionizing how students discover and pursue careers in the skilled trades.Discover how Sandburg's "Goldilocks approach"—not too big, not too small, but just right—creates an ecosystem where students thrive through hands-on learning, strong industry partnerships, and innovative technology like VR career exploration. Learn about hidden gem programs like industrial maintenance, where 19-year-olds can earn $70,000+ annually, and medical office administration that offers remote work...
2025-06-3038 minTradingUpREBOOTING AT 40: How information technology careers offer second chances and first opportunitiesJoin host Craig Williams for an inspiring conversation with Nate Budde, a 40-year-old career changer who traded retail management for network administration, and Linda Lee, whose 24-year journey at Carl Sandburg College spans the entire digital revolution.Discover why information technology careers are perfect for both first-time students and career changers, how Sandburg's flexible programming accommodates working adults, and why the best IT professionals often come from unexpected backgrounds. Learn about real earning potential—from $40,000 help desk positions to $55,000+ network administrator roles—and explore how hands-on internships and industry certifications create direct pathways to employment.Nate...
2025-06-3035 minTradingUpBEYOND THE CHAIR: How a career in dental hygiene builds trust, health, and community one smile at a timeJoin host Craig Williams for an illuminating conversation with Ashley Reeves, dental hygiene educator at Carl Sandburg College, and Alan Castro Medrano, a recent graduate now serving rural communities at Eagle View Community Health Center.Discover why dental hygiene is far more than "tooth scraping"—it's prevention, health education, and community care rolled into one essential profession. From cutting-edge laser technology and handheld X-ray devices to the timeless art of building patient trust, this episode reveals the sophisticated training and genuine compassion that define modern dental hygienists.Alan shares his journey from caring for younger si...
2025-06-3041 minTradingUpTWO PATHS. ONE PASSION: Gaming to gears and driveway to dealershipWhat happens when childhood hours spent with LEGO bricks and racing video games collide with real-world opportunity? Brandon O'Reilly's journey from Fast and Furious fan to rising MOPAR technician proves that passion can find its path in unexpected ways. Thanks to Galesburg High School's Promise Scholarship and Carl Sandburg College's dual credit program, Brandon transformed his natural problem-solving instincts into a thriving career at YEM Automotive—earning real pay while building real skills.Joining the conversation is Michelle Batson, whose own automotive journey began with a wrench tossed her way in a childhood driveway. Now a respected se...
2025-06-2838 minTradingUpA HEAD START WITH BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND: Kathy Wight on the power of dual creditIn this episode of Sandburg TradingUp, host Craig Williams sits down with Kathy Wight of the Regional Office of Education to explore the transformative impact of Dual Credit programming for high school students. Kathy shares her passion for helping students earn college credit while still in high school, explaining how this opportunity not only saves time and money—but builds belief. In many ways, Dual Credit is the Swiss army knife of postsecondary preparation. For some students, it’s their first step onto a college campus. For others, it’s the proof point they need to pursue a trade, or the...
2025-06-2844 minTradingUpBRAVERY + GED + SANDBURG = CNA: Tabby’s storyToday’s episode takes us into the heart of what second chances—and the people who make them possible—can really mean.We’ll meet Tabby Heitmeier, a young woman whose early struggles in a traditional high school setting nearly derailed her aspirations—but who found her way back through the kind of personalized support that only a place like Carl Sandburg College’s Carthage Campus can offer. And joining her is Linda Thomas, the tireless campus coordinator whose quiet commitment has helped shepherd countless students back onto pathways of success.This conversation is raw at times. It...
2025-06-2725 minTradingUpTOOLS, TALENT, AND TENACITY: The Draven Leady storyIn this episode of Sandburg's Trading Up, host Craig Williams sits down with Draven Leady, a recent Carl Sandburg College graduate who’s charted an inspiring course through the college’s automotive and welding programs. Draven’s story is one of resilience—navigating learning differences, family moves, and unexpected detours to emerge as a standout young tradesman at Heat and Control, a Galesburg-based manufacturer of food processing equipment.Joining him is Russ Craig, Draven’s supervisor and a driving force behind Heat and Control’s local talent pipeline. Russ shares why he’s passionate about mentoring students like Draven an...
2025-06-1933 minTradingUpANCHORED BY CARE: Rhonda and Lauren's shared mission to lift othersWhen it comes to helping students find their way, Rhonda Nelson and Lauren Eurales don’t just advise — they invest. In this deeply human episode of Trading Up, host Craig Williams talks with two Carl Sandburg College professionals whose work transcends titles and touches lives. From adult learners re-entering the classroom to teens unsure of what comes next, Rhonda and Lauren meet students where they are, providing not just guidance, but unwavering belief in what’s possible.You’ll hear about the transformative power of wraparound services, the emotional nuance of supporting students with com...
2025-06-1835 minTradingUpWE WILL FIND A WAY: Breaking barriers with ICAPS and ROE 33In this episode of Sandburg’s Trading Up, Craig Williams sits down with Margaret Segerston and Becky Wade of Regional Office of Education 33 to explore how the Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System—better known as ICAPS—is transforming lives across Western Illinois.Through a robust partnership with Carl Sandburg College, ROE 33 is helping adult learners earn their high school diplomas, master English, and pursue stackable credentials in career fields like healthcare, technology, and automotive service—all while navigating real-world responsibilities like parenting, work, and transportation challenges.Margaret and Becky share heartfelt success stories, including that of...
2025-06-1837 minTradingUpTHE HEART OF THE WORK: How nursing heals more than the bodyIn this episode of Trading Up, we explore what it really means to care — not just as a profession, but as a deeply human calling. We sit down with two remarkable women whose journeys began with hardship, wound their way through personal loss and educational struggle, and converged through the healing power of nursing.Diamonique Heyburn, a recent graduate of Sandburg’s nursing program, opens her heart about the experiences that shaped her, especially the impact of nurses who cared for her sister through illness. That compassion — quiet, steadfast, and deeply human — is what inspired her to become a...
2025-06-1131 minTradingUpTHE ARCHITECTS OF POSSIBILITY: How two Sandburg recruiters are changing livesThere's something magical that happens when the right person shows up at exactly the right moment in someone's educational journey. Today, I'm joined by two remarkable women who make that magic happen every single day. Gabriella Hurtado serves as Director of Recruitment at Sandburg, overseeing the Welcome Center team that guides students from that first curious question all the way through enrollment. And Emily Collins, our Recruitment Coordinator for Career & Technical Education and Health Professions, focuses on those hands-on programs that get people working in welding shops, auto bays, and healthcare clinics across our region.
2025-06-1136 minTradingUpTRACY ENGSTROM ON THE MISSING LINK: Why soft skills matter more than you might thinkYou know, you can have all the technical knowledge in the world, a stellar GPA, and impressive credentials, but if you can't communicate effectively, work as part of a team, or present yourself professionally, you're missing that critical transmission that gets all that horsepower to the wheels. Today, I'm joined by Tracy Engstrom, Coordinator of Career Development at Carl Sandburg College, who has spent the last 15 years helping students bridge that gap between academic achievement and workplace success.Tracy's story is fascinating—from growing up on a farm to working as a cosmetologist in North Dakota, to fi...
2025-06-0534 minTradingUpFROM A CURIOUS NUDGE TO CNC CONFIDENCEIn this inaugural episode, host Craig Williams sits down with Madelyn Sell, a Galesburg native and Carl Sandburg College graduate who found her calling not in a boardroom, but in a machine shop.Madelyn’s journey into the world of precision machining began not with a lifelong dream, but with a nudge from her father and an open mind. What started as a simple course in CNC at the Galesburg Area Vocational Center sparked something in her—a curiosity that became passion, and a passion that quickly turned into a career. With guidance from Sandburg’s expert facult...
2025-06-0230 min
The One Podcast - Momence SchoolsOrbert Davis, Jazz Trumpeter on the Genius of Social SymphonyToday’s episode of The One takes us deep into the rhythm of resilience, vision, and heart. I had the great privilege of sitting down with Orbert Davis — jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator, and proud alumnus of Momence Schools. But if you’re expecting a conversation filled only with name drops, accolades, and performance credentials, let me prepare you for something far more expansive.Orbert’s journey from a shy first grader to an internationally respected artist and educator is more than a story of musical mastery — it’s a testament to the quiet power of human connection. A mouthpiece...
2025-04-0147 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsThe Art of Life: Tomlyn BrzaFrom graduating college at the height of a global pandemic to becoming an educator, a soccer coach, and an exhibiting artist, Tomlyn Brza has carved out a path that blends creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to students. Whether she’s guiding young artists through self-expression, leading athletes on the field, or showcasing her own work in galleries, she embodies the power of lifelong learning and exploration.Today, we’ll dive into her unique teaching philosophy, her journey from student to teacher, and how the arts and athletics have shaped the way she connects with young peop...
2025-03-2132 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsPaying the Bills, Powering Schools: A Conversation with Helen GibaToday, we’re taking a look behind the scenes at one of the most essential roles in keeping Momence Schools running smoothly. Often, when we think about the people who make a school function, we think about teachers, coaches, principals, and counselors. But there’s an entire team working behind the scenes to ensure that bills get paid, budgets are balanced, and the financial foundation of the district stays strong. Today, I’m sitting down with Helen Giba, Momence High School’s longtime Assistant Bookkeeper who serves as the Accounts Payable Clerk, someone who has dedicated decades to the d...
2025-02-0133 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsFifth Grade: The 3D TeamWelcome to The One, Momence Schools' podcast where we dive into the remarkable stories shaping our students, educators, and the community. I’m Craig Williams, publisher of The One magazine, and today’s episode takes us inside the classroom to meet an exceptional trio of fifth-grade teachers at Momence Junior High School. Together, Jonna, Kelly, and Ralph are redefining what teamwork means in education, each specializing in a core subject: Jonna leads Language Arts, Kelly handles Math, and Ralph champions Science and Social Studies.In this episode, we’ll explore how this innovative team approach is not on...
2024-11-2636 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsMadison Meyer - Ag, FFA, and the Worlds BeyondI’m excited to introduce you to Madison Meyer, the Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor here at Momence Schools. Madison’s passion for agriculture education goes beyond the farm. She’s committed to fostering leadership, inclusion, and opportunity for every student, whether they come from an agricultural background or not. In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into the incredible work she’s doing with her students, the innovative programs she’s brought to life, and how FFA helps shape confident, well-rounded young people ready to take on the world.
2024-10-0740 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsJodi Tobias, Empathy-Rich InterventionistToday I am excited to introduce you to Jodi Tobias, an interventionist with Momence Schools. Jodi’s story is one of deep empathy, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive. In her role, Jodi works tirelessly to help students navigate academic and personal challenges, from credit recovery to advanced coursework, all with the goal of helping them graduate and succeed. Her dedication shines through in her work, and I can’t wait for you to hear her insights on what it means to be an interventionist and the powerful diff...
2024-10-0644 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsJoey Baud Teaches Kindergartners to Swing for the FencesToday, we have the privilege of sitting down with Joey Baud, a man whose journey from the baseball diamond to the kindergarten classroom has redefined what it means to be a teacher in Momence. Joey is not just any educator—he's a man who embodies the values of collaboration, authenticity, and heart, bringing a unique perspective to everything he does. In a world where kindergarten teachers are often seen through a singular lens, Joey shatters the mold, proving that passion for education knows no gender. His story is one of intentional choices, of coming back home to support his fa...
2024-09-0938 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsDr. Lynette Thrasher: For The Greater GoodI'm honored to bring you a conversation with a truly inspiring figure in the field of education. Dr. Lynette Thrasher, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Momence School District, is a beacon of innovation and dedication. Her journey into education is anything but conventional. From a career in politics to an unexpected calling as a teacher, Dr. Thrasher has continuously demonstrated an ability to see opportunity and to bring it into focus for the benefit of all. In our discussion today, we'll explore Dr. Thrasher's unique path, her impactful work in curriculum, and her relentless pursuit...
2024-06-2152 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsMatt Kelley and KACC: Helping Students Match Hard Work to OpportunityOver the past, nearly two years, I have had a unique line of sight into the lives of dozens of Momence students, their teachers, administrators, coaches, and volunteers. I’ve spoken to young readers, athletes, scientists, and kids who’ve already laid tracks to their future through enrollment in dual credit coursework, preparation for college, and time spent gaining certifications of all kinds in the skilled trades. And it is this latter group — those who have actively invested in their own future through the acquisition of employable skills — that brings me to the mic today. Because today, I have the oppo...
2024-05-2256 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsMegan Barnett, Meditation to AP English: Making an ImpactI have a profound appreciation for the work of educators. I’ve met enough of them to know that they are not perfect human beings but, as a group, they make an incredible contribution to the quality of our communities and to life itself. Through the work they do, obstacles are overcome, paths are paved, and doors are opened. And when I have the opportunity to interview alumni from various schools — including Momence — I find that some of the most deeply treasured encounters of their lives, the ones that had lifelong impact, invariably turn out to be the teachers, coaches...
2024-05-0142 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsDr. Ashley Luft, A Purposeful LifeToday I sit down with Dr. Ashley Luft, a board member with the Momence School District, a former teacher in the district and the current Director of Student Retention at Olivet Nazarene University. She has dedicated her professional life to the support of young people, families, and the communities they share. Ashley strikes me as someone who is living a very purposeful life in the service of a greater good. Someone once said that every person is the sum-total of their experiences. I think that might oversimplify the complexity of becoming, but I do think the lives we touch...
2024-04-1629 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsAmanda Cantwell is Paving the Road to Success Through Occupational TherapyToday, I have the privilege of sitting down with Amanda Cantwell, our district’s Occupational Therapist. when I interviewed Amanda’s son, Gaven, last Spring for our Summer 23 issue of the Momence One magazine, I might have known that he had a pretty special set of role models at home. But my conversation today with Amanda confirmed it. All of us are the sum total of our experiences. They shape us, sometimes according to plan and sometimes against our will, into the people we become. They create in us a deeper understanding of ourselves and of those on this jour...
2024-02-2930 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsKelly Handley: Shaping the FutureIt is always an honor to sit down with educators and others committed to helping our children make the most of their potential. Momence is loaded with people like this. People who volunteer their time for a whole range of support of our youth, from coaching to scouting, to faith-based activities and so much more. But to do so professionally is a very deliberate life choice that creates both liberation and limitation; it is almost always an all-encompassing sort of role that means saying no to another professional opportunity. It can also be one of the most rewarding jobs...
2024-02-1739 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsAll-in on Momence: Lucas BieleckiToday, I sit down with Lucas Bielecki and I couldn’t be happier about it. When Mr. Anderson made the introduction, and explained that Lucas was a Momence product, I had already had a brief opportunity to meet with him as an interview subject for the Momence Magic video we recently produced, and so I was excited to get to know him better through today’s discussion. A 2014 alumnus of Momence High School, Lucas is a lifelong member of the community, who now serves the community of his youth as an educator, a coach and, I suspect, as a ment...
2023-12-2040 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsOraia Jaramillo: The Language of ConnectionToday, I’m honored to bring you an insightful conversation with someone who truly lives and breathes this transformative power of language—Oraia Jaramillo. Serving dual roles as a High School Spanish teacher and the Director of the Bilingual Program in Momence Schools, she is a living testament to the power of words to connect worlds. A Kankakee native and a Loyola University alum, Oraia has had a global journey that took her teaching English in Santiago, Chile, before she returned home to Momence in 2017. As a mother of three, she believes that language is not just about communication but...
2023-10-3137 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsRyan Drenth on Teaching: Greater Than the Sum of Its PartsToday, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Ryan Drenth, 6th grade math teacher at Momence Junior High School. But Ryan is a man who devotes time and energy in several other important ways to the development of our young people, as you’ll learn from our conversation. The work of teachers at Momence like Ryan is critical to the opening of doors our children experience and to the positive outcomes to which those doors lead not only while still in school but for the years that will follow. Teaching is a bit like academic gymnastics because, in la...
2023-09-3036 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsAlexis Johnson: Well-Wishing and Bridge-BuildingToday, we hear from someone who is shaping young lives at Je-Neir Elementary—Alexis Johnson. Like other professional educators in the Momence District we’ve spoken with, Alexis is building bridges for learning through the power of relationship. Her Fourth Graders know she is there for them. They understand that they are important to her. And they see empathy, kindness, and humor modeled in her classroom every day. The role of teachers in our society, like Alexis, is absolutely key to our best future as a community, a Nation, a world. And when I have the opportunity to see thos...
2023-09-0131 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsA Versatile Voice for Education: Frank Petkunas, Regional Superintendent, Iroquois and Kankakee CountiesToday, I have the pleasure of speaking with Frank Petkunas, the Regional Superintendent for Iroquois and Kankakee Counties. As the head of the Regional Office of Education, Frank plays an important role in the delivery of a range of services with which many of our listeners may not be particularly familiar. Sometimes, in education, we speak in what seems like a foreign language to some, using acronyms and jargon for things that attach to real, every day lives, so I thought it would be interesting to dive into and decode some of the behind-the-scenes work of the ROE—the Re...
2023-07-2234 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsJack Richards, Principal of Momence High School and Master Relationship BuilderIn this episode, I have the opportunity to speak with a man who worked with students in, perhaps, one of the most challenging environments in the country. Before he came to Momence, Jack Richards taught in an Alaskan community where the only packaged meat he purchased was bacon. Everything else was freshly caught. Hard work was in no short supply, but neither were deeply impoverished children a thousand miles from what you and I might consider a proper metropolitan area. A native Midwesterner raised in Chicago gives Jack as divergent a look from the great Northern Tundra of Alaska...
2023-06-2045 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsKristi Porter: Start small, finish big—the undeniable implications of Pre-K educationSchool is out, baseball and grilling are in full swing, and our summertime rituals have us about as far away from the day-to-day, kids-to-school rituals as they could have us. And yet, speaking with educators, the lives they lead, and the impact they have is still our favorite thing to pack into a podcast. Today, we have the privilege of chatting with 19-year teaching veteran, Kristi Porter, who joined us here in Momence about 9-years ago and has some powerful observations to share about why early childhood education is so important and how we can build better outcomes by...
2023-06-0726 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsTed Petersen: Hard Work, Community, and A Little EncouragementToday, you’ll hear from someone who has been shaped by the Momence community in profound and fundamental ways. From his work ethic to his love for community, Ted Petersen credits Momence for the incredible journey he’s had in sport, in life, and through the people he’s met along the way. The owner of not one, but two Super Bowl rings, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ted remains Momence Humble and takes on much more of a philosopher’s tone than the self-promotion we so often hear from professional athletes today. This was a conversation I was very much loo...
2023-05-0232 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsReading is Foundational: Sandi Trubach, Reading Specialist ExtraordinaireToday, I have the privilege of speaking with a remarkable educator who makes a difference in the lives of young people every day, as a reading specialist. Sandi Trubach is one of those educators who not only has a heart for teaching and for the kids in her classrooms, but for the advancement of her craft. She is a tireless researcher and continues to seek out new ways to reach kids at all different levels with ideas and techniques that connect.Full disclosure, we recorded this episode on St. Patrick’s Day amidst some technical difficulties, which we...
2023-04-1333 minThe One Podcast - Momence SchoolsA Trajectory of Doing Right and of Legacy: John Cherry“Doing right by kids” is something many of us would certainly identify as a worthy target, but not all of us are able to lay claim to the daily level of commitment to that notion we see from educators. In that simple act, doing right by kids, teachers in Momence are making a profound difference in not only the lives of hundreds of young people, but in the future life of this community. It is something that John Cherry and his wife, Sarah, have been doing for more than 20 years, through their work as educators. It is something that John...
2023-02-1823 min
The One Podcast - Momence SchoolsA conversation with Superintendent Shannon AndersonToday, I have the privilege of speaking with a professional educator who has been making those kinds of differences in individual lives for more than a quarter of a century. He has taught in widely ranging environments, has served in several unique administrative capacities, and now very capably leads Momence Schools. I first met Shannon Anderson shortly after we recorded this podcast remotely, and I immediately sensed that this was someone who knew how to get things done; who had a demonstrable track record for doing so, and who really cared about kids and their families.
2023-01-0346 min
Engaging BobcatsMarleis Trover: A Lifelong, Dedicated EducatorWe sit down this month with Marleis Trover, someone who brings immense passion, not only to her role as an educator, but to her role as an advocate for educational equity and a passer of the administrative torch. I’ve known Marleis for years, and have seen her on numerous occasions, standing up for our kids, and making pathways for the betterment of her fellow educators through her work at McKendree University with doctoral candidates and superintendent candidates. In a word, Marleis is dedicated, perhaps on a level you’ll rarely see, and I think that warrants a conversation with...
2022-12-0536 minEngaging BobcatsPromoting Healthy Futures: Environment is EverythingWe welcome Meridian teaching phenoms Jennifer Beshue and Lisa Thomas aboard our podcasting ship to talk about Meridian schools' unique, organic culture and how it benefits everyone involved. The pair break down the reputation of Meridian as a "family" and highlight the exceptional support they receive from other faculty. We brainstorm about what can be done to provide better resources for students outside of the school, and we're so grateful to receive their insight into the challenges and scenarios that young people face today. Our professional educators also discusses community engagement activities and the variety of district e...
2022-10-2237 minEngaging BobcatsMaking yourself available for your best future: Pathways & PossibilitiesWe had the honor to speak with Teale Betts at Shawnee Community College about some of the programs and pathways she has to help Meridian students not only prepare for their success while still in high school, but to provide postsecondary support once they’ve graduated. The Meridian School community is so lucky to have access to education advocates and career professionals like Teale, and, as you’ll hear in our conversation, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for the work she does or for the kids for whom she does it. She is 100% in your corner and is, like...
2022-08-3026 minEngaging BobcatsA behind-the-scenes visit with Meridian’s education enablerRandy Gardner is the Director of Maintenance for Meridian, and he supervises a 10-person crew who make sure the buildings and all the mechanical systems serving them remain clean, functional and safe. When there’s a new playground, roof, or fencing system to install, Randy is the person the district turns to to make sure it’s done right. In advance of last month’s Field Day, Randy even saw to it that a 100-foot Zipline was installed on the grounds. In short, there isn’t any aspect of the school day that doesn’t directly benefit from the work Randy...
2022-06-2023 minEngaging BobcatsMr. Malcolm Larry and a shout-out to the Class of ’22Today is Friday, May 20th, one day before the Meridian Class of ’22 walks across the stage and receives their high school diplomas. I just want to say how proud I am of the young people of this remarkable school community. During this past year, I have had the opportunity to speak with dozens of these kids and have come to better understand their hopes and dreams as well as their tragedies, setbacks, and frustrations. But, to a person, each and every Meridian student I have had the honor to meet has a kind of buoyancy and positivity that you ju...
2022-05-2027 minEngaging BobcatsMeridian Rising: On the strength of their wingsNapoleon Cook, Ben Tucker, and Jabron Bedward have plans for the days, months, and years that will follow their graduation on Saturday. They’re pragmatic young men. But they’re also brave young men, willing to dream and to take risks necessary for positioning themselves for a positive future. And as I held a nearly 30-minute conversation with them, it occurred to me that everything is created twice: First in the mind, and second in reality. No one thing worthy of pursuit happens without first appearing in the mind as a goal or a dream. And to have this cour...
2022-05-1731 minEngaging BobcatsExploring Postsecondary Paths: The Big 8This month we discuss the 8-primary postsecondary paths taken by high school seniors after graduation. While Beyond the Tassel’s primary focus is on strategies and insights to make the most of the college admissions process, we recognize that college isn’t for everyone. In our episode for April, we lift the hood on, and take ‘The Big 8’ for a spin. Military, Trade School, Community College, Travel the World, Family Farm or Business, Start a Business, 4-Year College, and World of Work. We examine the pros and cons of each option and learn a secret about novelist, John Grisham. Learn mor...
2022-04-2619 minEngaging BobcatsExploring Postsecondary Paths: The Big 8This month we discuss the 8-primary postsecondary paths taken by high school seniors after graduation. While Beyond the Tassel’s primary focus is on strategies and insights to make the most of the college admissions process, we recognize that college isn’t for everyone. In our episode for April, we lift the hood on, and take ‘The Big 8’ for a spin. Military, Trade School, Community College, Travel the World, Family Farm or Business, Start a Business, 4-Year College, and World of Work. We examine the pros and cons of each option and learn a secret about novelist, John Grisham. Learn mor...
2022-04-2619 minEngaging BobcatsThe Joy and Positivity in Celebrating Progress NOT PerfectionOn this episode, we’ll hear two outstanding Meridian educators talking about how they’ve navigated Covid along with the importance of ‘seeing students,’ of helping them to understand the joy in accountability, and of finding the positive in even our most challenging circumstances. You’ll hear the conviction in their voices, and as you listen I suspect, like me, it will occur to you that Lisa Harris and Maryanne Boren are exactly where they should be, and that the students in their care at Meridian are all the better for it.
2022-01-2030 minEngaging BobcatsMeridian: What makes us who we are and how have we changed for the better?Today we meet 5th grader, Reign Green, and discuss her plans for the future along with LaTasha Mandrell’s ideas about what makes our school community so unique. Superintendent, Jon Green, also weighs in on how far we’ve come in the last nearly half-decade as a school. Despite the challenges that we’ve all experienced through the COVID-19 crisis, Meridian Schools have made huge strides over the last several years and it’s worth noting the educational investments being made in the future of our children.
2021-11-1527 min
Beyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - Major Undertakings, Pin Action, and Bowling MetaphorsI think hustle, exploration, and throwing a 15-pound ball down 60 feet of hardwood is entirely underrated, vastly underappreciated but it plays a huge role in so many of the success stories we hear about. And not just the success stories that we hear about, but the quieter ones too. The ones that never appear in the national media or on the first page of a Google search. And, for the record, the success I’m talking about is the kind I heard defined by a man named Earl Nightingale many years ago. This episode may be a bit of a...
2021-10-2709 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - The Extraordinary in the Ordinary: Authenticity of Story in College ApplicationsIf you’re going to make a dent in this world, you’re going to need to take a big, authentic swing at it. This week, we discuss the importance of positioning yourself as your own authentic brand with respect to your college applications. The aspects of your story you may find uninteresting or ordinary may often be the most differentiating aspects of how admission officers may see you. Your most extraordinary self is often hiding in plain sight in your everyday self. Sharing your interests and expressing them through bedrock authenticity can be a very compelling component of your...
2021-10-2014 min
Engaging BobcatsKeyth Blissett and Maryanne Boren on Meridian’s Key Strengths (It’s the kids)For our September episode, we sit down with Maryanne Boren, Principal of the Junior High and High School, and A/V Teacher, Keyth Blissett. We explore Meridian’s ‘secret sauce,’ talk about its uniqueness as a school community and chat about a few of the programs that have caught our attention, including a personal finance class and some audio-video programming, both taught by Mr. Blissett.
2021-09-1329 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - Affording College: Finding the Money Through Merit, Aid, and MoreWhere will the money to pay for college come from? Some parents were able to sock away enough money from the time their children were very young to be able to draw on that account now, and fully fund college, but many families just didn’t manage to do that. In fact, about half fall into that second category. So when it comes time to talk about the college option, there’s usually plenty of anxiety and even more than a little panic to go around. I’m fond of saying where there’s a will there’s a way, and t...
2021-07-1612 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - The Extraordinary in the Ordinary: Authenticity of Story in College ApplicationsIf you’re going to make a dent in this world, you’re going to need to take a big, authentic swing at it. This week, we discuss the importance of positioning yourself as your own authentic brand with respect to your college applications. The aspects of your story you may find uninteresting or ordinary may often be the most differentiating aspects of how admission officers may see you. Your most extraordinary self is often hiding in plain sight in your everyday self. Sharing your interests and expressing them through bedrock authenticity can be a very compelling component of your...
2021-07-0814 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - Debunking College Myths: What It Is and What It Isn’tThis week we go into full myth-buster-mode and explore some of the things you might have thought you understood about college as well as some of the things that probably never occurred to you. In short, we debunk some myths about what college is, what it isn’t, who goes, and who doesn’t. Bonus: We break down the economics of what a 4-year degree can mean over your lifetime as compared to a high school diploma. And, newsflash, it isn’t quite as obvious as you might think.
2021-07-0115 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - Public vs Private Colleges/Universities: Pros and ConsThe differences between the actual degree earned at a public institution versus a private one are fairly inconsequential. But between the two formats, there are plenty of variances to consider: Cost, selectivity, culture, social vibe, and more. We explore the primary differences in this episode between public schools and their private counterparts. Both have their strengths, and, in the end, the choice is yours and should always be about fit. Listen, as we provide you with a few insights you may not have considered.
2021-06-1516 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - Leveraging Your Network For Post-secondary Success and For LifeIn 1624, an Englishman by the name of John Donne wrote the words, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” What he meant was we are all connected, one-to-another. Not only connected, but dependent in ways we may not even entirely understand. And, while that sentiment may fly in the face of the the ascendant rugged American individualism so popular in some quarters today, the fact is, John Donne was right; we really do need each other. I’ll illustrate what I mean and then I'll walk t...
2021-05-2613 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - The College EssayThe college essay is an essential piece to your college application. The common app calls it your personal statement. And, in many ways, this essay is as personal as it gets. But more people than you’d imagine consider a request to write something meaningful as a stressor on-par with skydiving or giving ones self stitches. And, I get that. Writing something meaningful can be really hard. Most admissions people tell us that the college essay most applications require can be responsible for as much as 30% of the admissions decision. So it’s definitely something you’ll want to priori...
2021-05-2014 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel - College Choice, Near or Far: Considering the Distance FactorHeading off to college after high school is — let’s face it — a huge adventure in and of itself. But when a student leaves their family and the home they’ve lived in for 17 or 18 years to attend college in a completely different city, state, or even country, it is a genuine life-event. This week we explore the idea of attending college more than a short drive from home. There are enormous benefits in terms of confidence and independence building, as well as in seeing the world through a new set of eyes. We visit this idea through o...
2021-05-1210 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Navigating the Anxiety of the College Application ExperienceRamping-up for the college application process is part preparation, part inspiration, and part anxiety navigation. This week, we discuss the steps of a solid application, the keys to making the most of each of them, and the importance of keeping your eyes on your own work, of being somewhat circumspect or even private about your progress toward admissions to your dream school. You’ll find supplemental content at our website, journey12.com.
2021-05-0516 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Seeking Programmatic StrengthIn the world of things that matter to your academic outcomes, I cannot overemphasize the importance of understanding institutional programmatic strength. That’s just gotta be job one, if you’re primarily concerned with the strictly academic outcome. But here’s the thing, college is about more than strict academic outcomes. Sure, it matters. It matters a lot. But there are other things that also matter. How those other things compete for attention in your mind is something only you can answer. But I know enough about the college experience and talk to enough students, moms, and dads, to know t...
2021-04-2811 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Plotting Your Trajectory and Choosing Your MajorWe’ve come through infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Each and every one of us is made up of uniquely individual characteristics and experiences, which give shape to who we are, and hopefully each of us will plot a path forward that best aligns with our interests, aptitudes, and capabilities. The post-secondary transition is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ program. There are those who will serve our Nation by enlisting in the military. There are those who will join a family business or a family farm right out of high school. There are those who will head-off to a trade school...
2021-04-2116 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The College Roommate DynamicRoommating is hard. And sometimes — more frequently than you might imagine — roommate situations erupt into really tough, super distracting outcomes. I spoke with a few current college students and several recent grads for this episode, and let me tell ya, this is one of those things your guidance counselor probably isn’t talking much about very much. We examine a few ideas, here, about the best way forward as both a roommate and a student with roommates. There are a few things you can do to make the potentially difficult road ahead much smoother, and we discuss them here from t...
2021-04-1317 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The Different Flavors of Public UniversitiesWhen most students think of where they’ll go to college, many immediately consider the three schools with which they’re most familiar: their state flagship school, their regional university, and their community college. I’m going to talk about those first two today. We covered Community College pretty thoroughly a few months back, so we’ll leave that option out of today’s discussion. For many students, these schools are outstanding fits for all kinds of excellent reasons. But just like any other collegiate consideration, there are pros AND cons. We’re going to examine them here.
2021-04-0812 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Behind the Admissions CurtainThe post-secondary path often takes a circuitous route through a series of dark tunnels, switchbacks, dead-ends, trial balloons, and unknowns but at the end of the day, those who remain true to the journey, approach it with an open mind, and retain a willingness to put their back into it, stand a very good chance of finding excellent fit. And if there’s anything I love, it’s good post-secondary fit! But when we’re wrapping-up the Junior year in high school and heading into Senior year, it can seem a daunting task to find our way onto the right...
2021-03-3111 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Community Leadership and its Impact on Local Education: An Interview with Norma LansingEducators tell me all the time that it takes a village to successfully build a robust, energized school community with positive outcomes. And that’s not something that happens automatically. The state can’t do it. The school board can’t do it. The best faculty in the world can’t do it. And it cannot be administered into submission. It takes everyone. Parents, students, teachers, civic leaders, community volunteers, the business community, alumni, and a kind of cohesion of purpose that is difficult to conjure. But every now and then, I come across a community that has landed on a win...
2021-03-2221 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Social Media & Our Post-Secondary HopesWe live in an extraordinarily interconnected society. But that’s really not new. Truth is, we always have. And those of us who grew up in small towns understand that reality, perhaps, better than most. Seems like having the inside scoop on the goings-on of my hometown, population 3,372, was almost an olympic sport when I was growing up. There was a crowd-sourced web of information gathering woven into the fabric of daily life. And, for the most part, the intel delivered through this web was fairly accurate. But it was also a powerful source of discomfort for those who su...
2021-03-1609 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The Golden Keys: Passion, Intellectual Curiosity, and PerseveranceToday, I want to explore these three important attributes of successful people. What they are, how we can acquire them, and how we can leverage them to accomplish remarkable things in our lives beyond the high school tassel. Not coincidentally, these are also the three things most often sought by college admissions departments, and so we’ll talk about what that looks like, as well. Those things? Passion, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance — The Golden Keys.
2021-03-1021 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Dual CreditFirst of all, can we all just accept that learning new things, along with the practical insights and strategic advantages they bring, is really one of THE most remarkable things about being human? I mean, sure, you could argue that all our fellow phyla in the animal kingdom do their share of learning and adapting, too, but best we know, none of them have quite the intellectual leveraging capabilities of humankind. Because of the way we’ve developed, and the resulting extent of the raw computational horsepower nested in our brains, we’re able to make all sorts of conne...
2021-03-0315 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Leveraging Local ResourcesThis week, I’d like to do something a little different than usual. I’d like you to meet two students with rural roots but very different personal stories. Jackeline Garcia is a senior at Effingham High School in Effingham, Illinois, a county with a population of just 34,000. She is the first generation daughter of Mexican immigrants and she has an acceptance letter from The University of Notre Dame. We’ll hear from her and learn more about her Journey. We’ll also speak with a third year student at the University of Chicago and discuss his unusual route for gett...
2021-02-2419 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Major Undertakings, Pin Action, and Bowling MetaphorsI think hustle, exploration, and throwing a 15 pound ball down 60 feet of hardwood is entirely underrated, vastly under appreciated but it plays a huge role in so many of the success stories we hear about. And not just the success stories that we hear about, but the quieter ones too. The ones that never appear in the national media or on the first page of a Google search. And, for the record, the success I’m talking about is the kind I heard defined by a man named Earl Nightingale many years ago. This episode may be a bit of...
2021-02-1609 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The Extraordinary in the Ordinary: Authenticity of Story in College ApplicationsIf you’re going to make a dent in this world, you’re going to need to take a big, authentic swing at it. This week, we discuss the importance of positioning yourself as your own authentic brand with respect to your college applications. The aspects of your story you may find uninteresting or ordinary may often be the most differentiating aspects of how admission officers may see you. Your most extraordinary self is often hiding in plain sight in your everyday self. Sharing your interests and expressing them through bedrock authenticity can be a very compelling component of your...
2021-02-0914 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Affording College: Finding the Money Through Merit, Aid, and MoreWhere will the money to pay for college come from. Some parents were able to sock away enough money from the time their children were very young to be able to draw on that account now, and fully fund college, but many families just didn’t manage to do that. In fact, about half fall into that second category. So when it comes time to talk about the college option, there’s usually plenty of anxiety and even more than a little panic to go around. I’m fond of saying where there’s will there’s a way, and that f...
2021-02-0312 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The College EssayThe college essay is an essential piece to your college application. The common app calls it your personal statement. And, in many ways, this essay is as personal as it gets. But more people than you’d imagine consider a request to write something meaningful as a stressor on-par with skydiving or giving ones self stitches. And, I get that. Writing something meaningful can be really hard. Most admissions people tell us that the college essay most applications require can be responsible for as much as 30% of the admissions decision. So it’s definitely something you’ll want to priori...
2021-01-2614 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The ACT and/or the SATIt is January 19, 2021, and at this moment, nearly 2 million high school juniors are beginning to ramp up to take the ACT and/or the SAT this spring. By the time Halloween rolls around, more than 50% of the class of 2022 will have taken one or both of these standardized tests. Even though many top colleges and universities were already going test optional before COVID further accelerated an institutional relaxation of the testing requirement in 2020, having your best score tucked in your pocket can still be an excellent part of your college application strategy.
2021-01-2012 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Why Would a Top College Want ME?As I talk to students and their parents from around the country living in rural communities, I’m always impressed with the commitment to hard work and a willingness to make the most of resources. But there is this tendency toward ‘not-good-enough-ism’ that rears its head far too often. I see kids choosing not to even apply to top schools because of this notion that somehow they’re not sufficiently accomplished, academically, or that their ACT scores aren’t high enough, or that they couldn’t afford it anyway even if, by some miracle of miracles, they did get in. The trut...
2021-01-1212 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, College vs. UniversityWe hear the term college interchanged with university fairly regularly, but are they the same thing? Or are they, in fact, quite different? Generically, most people would say that they’re the same, and they’d be right, but there are a number of differences, some quite pronounced and others quite subtle, that are worth a bit of exploration. We dive into the origins and the meaning of both in this episode, and also take a moment to brush-up on our liberal arts!
2021-01-0509 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Community College vs 4-Year CollegeMany rural high school students choose community college as their post-secondary go-to. Some choose a 4-year college. Both can represent an excellent fit, so long as you’re making your choice for the right reasons. In this episode, we explore the relative merits of community college and the traditional 4-year college experience and we discuss the critical differences between the two. Hint: It’s not as much about the money as you may think!
2020-12-3013 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Navigating the Anxiety of the College Application ExperienceRamping-up for the college application process is part preparation, part inspiration, and part anxiety navigation. This week, we discuss the steps of a solid application, the keys to making the most of each of them, and the importance of keeping your eyes on your own work, of being somewhat circumspect or even private about your progress toward admissions to your dream school. You’ll find supplemental content at our website, journey12.com.
2020-12-2216 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Debunking College Myths: What It Is and What It Isn’tThis week we go into full myth-buster-mode and explore some of the things you might have thought you understood about college as well as some of the things that probably never occurred to you. In short, we debunk some myths about what college is, what it isn’t, who goes and who doesn’t. Bonus: We break down the economics of what a 4-year degree can mean over your lifetime as compared to a high school diploma. And, newsflash, it isn’t quite as obvious as you might think.
2020-12-1615 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Building Post Secondary Castles with Solid FoundationsI started this Podcast because I have long valued the benefits of engaged learning and the pursuit of greater understanding of our world. But there’s more to the story that most of my listeners may not know. And it is actually quite personal. I’d like to share it with you this week with a particular purpose, which will emerge toward the end of today’s episode.
2020-12-0911 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, What About For-Profit Institutions?This week, we examine the for-profit education sector, and provide a bit of clarity as to how the three main formats of post-secondary schools compare and, in particular, what you need to know when considering a for-profit school, because there are some differences which are quite significant. I’m going to put this right up front: For-profit educational institutions have cropped-up everywhere, and along with them, some of the worst cases of academic misrepresentation, corruption, and ethical abuse. I’m not saying there isn’t value in for-profit educational institutions, but I am saying that there is ample reason to be...
2020-12-0214 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Determining Your Match, Safety, and Reach SchoolsWe discussed finding college fit back on November 3, and part of that discussion centered on making a list of your targeted schools. I dropped a lot of information on you during that episode, having to do with making the choice that would best assure fit. But this discussion is different. This discussion has to do with how high up the selectivity ladder you can jump; what rung can you safely grab a hold of, which rungs are within reach even without jumping, and than which rungs are so high on that ladder that you’d have to count on a...
2020-11-2411 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, College Choice, Near or Far: Considering the Distance FactorHeading off to college after high school is — let’s face it — a huge adventure in and of itself. But when a student leaves their family and the home they’ve lived in for 17 or 18 years to attend college in a completely different city, state, or even country, it is a genuine life-event. This week we explore the idea of attending college more than a short drive from home. There are enormous benefits in terms of confidence and independence building, as well as in seeing the world through a new set of eyes. We visit this idea through o...
2020-11-1810 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Rural vs Suburban vs Urban College Settings: Environment MattersChoosing for best fit is important when you’re considering college options, and environment plays a huge factor. Big city, suburban, or smaller communities can all present hundreds of outstanding options for your ideal college or university. You will find some of the nation’s best schools in each category. But not only is backdrop community size and density important, so is the environment, period. It can be an amazing part of your college education, so make an effort to leverage it however you can.
2020-11-1009 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Developing and Refining Your Target Schools ListMaking the decision to attend college is the first of many important decisions, but of all the decisions you’ll face in the process, the choice of school itself may be the most important. Weight the factors carefully in order to find the best fit. Use our self-guided tour of what matters most to you as your punch list for refining your choice of reach, target, and safety schools. Remember, this is your college experience, not someone else’s and it’s all about fit. For you!
2020-11-0318 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Public vs Private -- Pros and ConsThe differences between the actual degree earned at a public institution versus a private is fairly inconsequential. But between the two formats, there is plenty of variance to consider: cost, selectivity, culture, social vibe, and more. We explore the primary differences in this episode between public schools and their private counterparts. Both have their strengths, and, in the end, the choice is yours and should always be about fit. Listen, as we provide you with a few insights you may not have considered.
2020-10-2716 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Affording College: Finding the Money Through Merit, Aid, and MoreWhere will the money to pay for college come from. Some parents were able to sock away enough money from the time their children were very young to be able to draw on that account now, and fully fund college, but many families just didn’t manage to do that. In fact, about half fall into that second category. So when it comes time to talk about the college option, there’s usually plenty of anxiety and even more than a little panic to go around. I’m fond of saying where there’s will there’s a way, and that formu...
2020-10-2012 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, The Different Flavors of Public UniversitiesWhen most students think of where they’ll go to college, many immediately consider the three schools with which they’re most familiar: their state flagship school, their regional university, and their community college. I’m going to talk about those first two today. We covered Community College pretty thoroughly a few episodes back, so we’ll leave that option out of today’s discussion. For many students, these schools are outstanding fits for all kinds of excellent reasons. But just like any other collegiate consideration, there are pros AND cons. We’re going to examine them here.
2020-10-1312 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, College vs. UniversityWe hear the term college interchanged with university fairly regularly, but are they the same thing? Or are they, in fact, quite different? Generically, most people would say that they’re the same, and they’d be right, but there are a number of differences, some quite pronounced and others quite subtle, that are worth a bit of exploration. We dive into the origins and the meaning of both in this episode, and also take a moment to brush-up on our liberal arts!
2020-10-0609 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Community College vs 4-Year CollegeMany rural high school students choose community college as their post-secondary go-to. Some choose a 4-year college. Both can represent an excellent fit, so long as you’re making your choice for the right reasons. In this episode, we explore the relative merits of community college and the traditional 4-year college experience and we discuss the critical differences between the two. Hint: It’s not as much about the money as you may think!
2020-09-2913 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Navigating the Anxiety of the College Application ExperienceRamping-up for the college application process is part preparation, part inspiration, and part anxiety navigation. This week, we discuss the steps of a solid application, the keys to making the most of each of them, and the importance of keeping your eyes on your own work, of being somewhat circumspect or even private about your progress toward admissions to your dream school. You’ll find supplemental content at our website, journey12.com.
2020-09-2216 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel, Debunking College Myths: What It Is and What It Isn’tThis week we go into full myth-buster-mode and explore some of the things you might have thought you understood about college as well as some of the things that probably never occurred to you. In short, we debunk some myths about what college is, what it isn’t, who goes and who doesn’t. Bonus: We break down the economics of what a 4-year degree can mean over your lifetime as compared to a high school diploma. And, newsflash, it isn’t quite as obvious as you might think.
2020-09-1515 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel Episode 35, Sorting Through College Choice and Finding College FitThis week, we explore college choice and finding fit. Just as every student is unique, every educational institution has its unique characteristics and makeup. We walk through some basic definitions of various institutional types and then dive into a range of things to examine when considering your college choice. Public vs private, Community College vs 4-year institutions, close to home vs out of the region, state, or country, and much more.
2020-09-0824 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel Episode 34, The Pros and Cons of CollegeThis week, we talk about big decisions. Specifically, the decision of whether or not to attend college and earn a degree. It’s a big decision, after all, and getting a college degree will take some time. For most people, four years. So, you might be asking yourself, "Is it worth it? Should I go to college?” In this episode, we discuss the benefits of going to college and candidly detail a few of the potential drawbacks. Spoiler alert: a college degree and the experience behind it is an amazing asset. But no two high students are identical and I wi...
2020-09-0116 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel Episode 33, Exploring Postsecondary OptionsThis week we discuss the 8-primary postsecondary paths taken by high school seniors after graduation. While Beyond the Tassel’s primary focus is on strategies and insights to make the most of the college admissions process, we recognize that college isn’t for everyone. In Episode 33 we lift the hood on, and take ‘The Big 8’ for a spin. Military, Trade School, Community College, Travel the World, Family Farm or Business, Start a Business, 4-Year College, and World of Work. We examine the pros and cons of each option and learn a secret about novelist, John Grisham. Learn more here and on o...
2020-08-2518 minBeyond the TasselBeyond the Tassel Episode 32, The Financial Broad-strokesGetting into college is one thing, paying for it is quite another. Parents have so much anxiety about how they’re going to pay for their students’ college education, that often they view the range of college options as quite narrow based on financial limitations. We help anxious parents navigate the maze of financial aid and learn more about options for needs-based admission to some of America’s top private colleges and universities where the cost to attend is, in many cases, far less than a typical public university. There are a range of little-known admissions tactics and strategies that c...
2020-08-1712 min