Parents

PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT!

A Note to Parents from Dr. Rebecca Dedmond, Director of School Counseling and The Freshman Transition Initiative, The George Washington University

“Research is clear—parents are the most important influence on their student’s future planning. At the same time, surveys of adult workers reveal that, if they had to do it over again, 56% would choose different jobs and career paths!

So how are today’s parents expected to help their teens look at the world that awaits them? One way is talking with them, from a very early age, about work values at home and at school, about the workplace skills that employers require, and about the connection between what they do in school and their future.

In addition, helping them understand their own strengths and abilities and helping them learn a process for making many of life’s transitions is key. Help them discover: Who am I? What do I want in my future? How will I get there?”

Check out How to Pay for College!

Student Testimonials

“This class has helped me a lot because I learned that everything is gained by hard work. I also learned about myself and where I am in life. It also helped me see what kind of money I would need in order to live the lifestyle I want to live.”
~Gerardo, Indio High School

“Freshman Seminar has helped me in many ways. This class has given me an opportunity to see how my future life might be, and what I need to do to accomplish what I want. This class has also opened my eyes to know what career I want and not end up somewhere I don’t want to be or do.”
~Alejandra, Indio High School

“Freshman Seminar isn’t like other classes. It doesn’t teach us fancy equations, grammar, or any scientific formulas… it teaches us about LIFE. Before I came to this class, I can truthfully say that I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I knew I was going to graduate high school and get a four-year degree at a UC college. But after that … NOTHING. This class has already taught me so much about myself, and I’m learning more every day. I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for this class, so thank you.”
~Kristina, Carpinteria High School

“[Freshman Seminar] made me think that I could be somebody in life. When I was in middle school, I never wanted to go to college; I always thought it was a waste of time. But no, it is very important, and this class is not boring at all. I learn lots of things about life and it has changed me and I’m proud of that.”
~Jarrod, Indio High School