Generation Hope’s Post

Values? Education? Legacy? Which Gets You Furthest? 🏇🏎️🏁 As Ivy Day 2024 looms next week, a new cohort of applicants are getting ready for their shot. A question that gets asked repeatedly is this👉 What can I do to increase the chances of getting into Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Oxford, Cambridge… Boring as it is, given its popularity, somehow it must be addressed. Here are my thoughts. Getting into the most desired uni isn’t the be-all and end-all in life. If for any reason it’s high on your priority list, then be advised, 👉It takes more than an education to get you in👈 External education, as in school education, can only partially help. More emphasis should be placed on family values. For most families, until they turn 18, teens spend the most time with parents. Parents, if they wish to, are best placed to inspire and motivate their kids than teachers, buddies and Internet influencers. Parents shouldn’t easily relinquish the chance to be their children’s role model. Neither should parents pass on this responsibility to schools, nannies or external coaches just because they pay through the nose for their services. Of all values parents can instill in their children, ACCOUNTABILITY goes the furthest. When children accept that they owe it to themselves, not their parents, to make good of what they learn, how they act, who they become, they are more likely to work towards a goal. The earlier the children realise this, the better they will be at taking their destiny into their own hands. Not all parents can afford the price that comes with studying abroad. Not all parents have worthy inheritance to pass on. But any parent can create sets of values to cultivate their child to have decency, curiosity and good work ethics. A healthy upbringing is a far better gift than school education and family legacy that parents can give to their kids. What say you fellow educators? Andy Kemp Barry Cooper David Turner Nicole Oakes Yasmin Sarwar #HigherEducation #IvyDay #FamilyValues

Meet me, Jason Lokkesmoe, at 5 years old. I didn't learn to read until I was 17. Until my senior year of high school, I was reading at a kindergarten level. This secret stayed with me until just a few years ago when we discovered my son's dyslexia. I grew up believing I was the definition of "stupid," terrified of being discovered. I worked tirelessly to keep my struggle hidden, fearing the magnitude of what exposure could mean for my mom and me. The embarrassment, the shame, the label—I couldn't bear the thought of the world confirming what I already believed about myself. School wasn’t the problem, but it inadvertently highlighted my deficiencies, compounding my shame and heartache. I have walked in the shoes of the 67% of 4th graders who, in 2022, were not proficient at their grade level in reading. Scores decreased in 30 states between 2019 and 2022, and not one state saw an increase (https://bit.ly/4aDMr0U). Back then, I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone. I didn’t realize how many of us were hiding this dark secret. 2.5 years ago, I joined AskMeno, a team dedicated to bridging the literacy divide, driven by a personal desire to infuse hope into the lives of children worldwide, beginning right here in Gainesville, FL. I want these kids to recognize how special they are and to embrace the genius within them. They are not stupid. Please join me. Share this story. Share your story. I had no idea how many people have hidden and continue to hide. The more we share, the more trust we create. Our vulnerability gives courage to others - and gives them hope, because now, they know they're not alone. There are so many of us who are ready - right now - to help shoulder their burden and journey with them to real breakthrough! Discover our approach to bridging the literacy divide at https://bit.ly/3U5ClAG. #LiteracyMatters #EducationEquity #ReadingSkills #DyslexiaAwareness #PersonalStory #LearningDifferences #Empowerment #ChildhoodEducation #TeachTheUnseen

New to following me on LinkedIn? My focus is on equity, authenticity, relationships, diversity, and student-centered education. Have any suggestions on what to share? Let me know! #equityforall #authenticitymatters #relationshipsmatter #celebratediversity #studentcentered ✒️

During the dual-pandemics of 2020, I had a revelation; all of the mutual aid, community collaboration, that my organization )Girls Like Me Project, Inc.) were leading was essentially through a social work framework. Yet, all the research for us and about us was not conducted BY us. Furthermore, all the impactful support and resources were directed upstream. I needed to be a part of the solution. Fast forward Dec. 2020, I applied to UIC-Jane Addams College of Social Work. Due to my undergrad GPA, I was accepted… provisionally. It’s been a journey since then. Tears and moments when I really could not see any Light. The challenge of leading a not for profit, especially when intense grant application season overlaps with multiple 15-20 page paper deadlines and finals, has been grueling. Not to mention, making room for rejuvenation and self care leaves a longing. This semester alone has been an intense emotional roller coaster and spiritual expansion. Honestly, mid-semester I contemplated taking a leave and pausing. Alas, just three more weeks and it will be complete. The lessons are many. This will be an asset to my organization and the community. For that reason… I persist! MSW loading…. May 2024! #communitypractice #socialwork #research

We are excited to unveil our new Five-Year Strategic Path! From now through 2029, we're committing in even more ways to investing in families, forming impactful partnerships, and championing #StudentParentSuccess. From our Founder & CEO, Nicole Lynn Lewis: "The last few years have taught us that families on the fringes are the hardest hit during crises. Yet, we've also seen that bold, collective action can help these families not just survive but thrive. As we embark on our 15th year of service, we're committed to ensuring student parents have opportunities to succeed, achieve economic mobility, and build wealth, all while addressing systemic racism and oppression." Be part of our journey as we continue to create real change for student parents and families. Join us for a virtual event on Monday, July 1, at 1:30pm (ET) as we kick off this transformative chapter in our organization’s history: https://lnkd.in/e5AY_N3x . . . Image description: A teal graphic inviting you to the launch of Generation Hope’s new Five-Year Strategic Path virtually on July 1, 2024 at 1:30 pm (Eastern Time). There is a photo of a child playing with legos. #StudentParentSuccess #2Gen #HigherEd #StrategicPath

Paving the way for future generations! 🎓 As the first in your family to embark on a college journey, you're not just achieving a personal milestone, you're setting a new course for your family's legacy. Dive into our latest blog post: 'Top 10 Things For First-Generation College Students to Know' and discover essential tips and insights to navigate this exciting, transformative experience. From tackling financial challenges to overcoming imposter syndrome, we've got you covered. 📚 Embrace your unique path and make your mark in the world of academia. Read our new blog post here: https://hubs.la/Q02b2Q9d0 ✨ . . . #FirstGenerationStudent #CollegeLife #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #UniversityJourney #Trailblazer #AcademicAchievement #ScholarshipOpportunities #EducationalEmpowerment #FamilyLegacy #BreakingBarriers #EmpowerEducation #FutureGraduate #CampusLife #StudentResources #FinancialAid #CollegeReadiness #AcademicGoals #StudentWellbeing #CulturalDiversity #CollegeApplication #FirstGenPride #AcademicSupport #EmpoweringStudents #CollegeBound #AcademicInspiration #StudentLeadership #CollegeDreams #EducationMatters #FutureLeaders

The journey of a college freshman begins—a step into the unknown, a pursuit of knowledge, and a path to self-discovery. Let your college freshman have the distance they need, but do not underestimate the support you still provide. As parents, our role extends beyond the tangible. Amidst the novel experiences and challenges, the comfort of a heartfelt text resonates deeply. It speaks of unwavering encouragement, a safe haven for sharing struggles, and a reminder that they are never alone. Our teen still needs us, even if it is to send money 😉 These initial weeks, a blend of anticipation and adaptation, hold immense significance. Our timely outreach offers not only solace but empowerment—a chance for them to voice their triumphs and tribulations, and for us to provide guidance and support. So, let us cherish the significance of every exchanged message—a connection that bridges the physical distance, nurtures their resilience, and reinforces the bonds of love and understanding. Here's to embracing this transitional phase with grace and fostering a foundation of strength and growth. 🌟📱 #ParentingBeyondDistance #SupportingCollegeFreshmen #EmpowerThroughConnection

Embrace fresh inspiration for the upcoming semester! Explore these examples of how schools are leveraging #familyengagement for positive change. Let these ideas give you inspiration for the new academic term. ✨ #EducationInspiration https://bit.ly/49EGroW

After thorough consideration, we've made a decision regarding our daughter's schooling! My trip to the United States earlier this year had a specific purpose: to find a school that would allow my daughter to pursue her dreams in professional sports while also providing a nurturing environment for her academic growth, equipping her with essential skills for the future. As a parent, I firmly believe that the most valuable gift we can offer our children is access to top-notch education. Yet, top-notch education isn't solely defined by grades or the prestige of a school. It involves wholeheartedly supporting our children's aspirations, guiding them with our experience, and engaging in open and meaningful conversations about the choices available. It develops their critical thinking and decision-making skills. I can assure you my 12-year-old isn't one who is mollycoddled! Ultimately, I've chosen to take an active role in fostering her life skills and assuming greater responsibility rather than entrusting decisions about her education solely to a group of academics and bureaucrats. After all, possessing intellectual knowledge is truly meaningful when we can apply that intelligence effectively! #Education #Home #Family #Growth

As a parent, one of our most important roles is to help our children discover and nurture their natural talents. At Wisdom Tree Communities, we understand how crucial it is to provide the right environment and opportunities for our children to flourish. Today, I’m sharing five practical ways to identify your child’s natural gifts early. 1. Observe Interests and Passions: Children often show enthusiasm for activities they love. Pay attention to what excites them and where they spend their free time. 2. Encourage Exploration: Give your child a variety of experiences to explore. This can include sports, arts, science, and more, allowing them to find what they truly enjoy and excel in. 3. Seek Feedback from Teachers and Coaches: Those who spend a lot of time with your child can provide valuable insights into their strengths and areas of excellence. 4. Listen to Their Play: Children's playtime is revealing. The stories they create and the roles they assume can indicate their imaginative and leadership abilities. 5. Assess Academic and Extracurricular Performance: Monitor where they excel academically and in extracurricular activities. Success in specific areas can highlight their strengths. In addition to the tips above I am also making a book recommendation called #mygeniusme by an the author #MelenieHibbert that is a tool that can help you the journey to your child’s discovery of the genius within. At Wisdom Tree Communities, we are committed to supporting parents and their children on their educational journey. Don’t miss out on our upcoming summit on inclusive education. Purchase your early bird tickets today! [Get your tickets here](https://lnkd.in/eQVdpwwn). #ChildDevelopment #NaturalTalents #ParentingTips #Education #EarlyLearning #WisdomTreeCommunities #InclusionInEducation #ParentingHacks #SupportYourChild #DiscoverTalents #mygeniusme