The Magazine for Doers, Thinkers, and Givers
Leadership
Impact
Role Model Entrepreneurship
Innovation Business Community Philanthropy
Founder Changemaker
Winter 2017
Welcome to the very first issue of Step Up Magazine. My name is Seri Roth and I’m a student, volunteer, founder of A Dollar Campaign, and now the creator/editor of Step Up Magazine! I wanted to create a place for Doers, Thinkers, and Givers to come together. Our mission is to inspire a world of action, education, and good, particularly within young people. Step Up magazine will serve as a useful resource for all the motivated and driven people out there. Enjoy the first issue, and remember to STEP UP!
Featured Contributors Weston Lindemann 19-year-old delegate and among the youngest to ever get elected as a National Delegate to a major political convention. Jovan Hayes is a former star NFL defensive lineman. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Bryan Clay is one of the most decorated decathletes of all time. He was the 2008 Summer Olympic decathalon champion and was also world champion in 2005.
Wendi Weiner is an accomplished attorney, former college writing professor, 4X certified executive resume writer and career transition coach, and a top published career expert. Featured in Forbes, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Inc. Magazine and more, Justin Lafazan (20) is an acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author and consultant. Ali Walter is the Founder and Chief Success Driver of Ali Ann & Co. She is a business strategist, and marketing maven.
Dedication This issue is dedicated to Marlo Thomas Many of us adopt early role models that guide us in our formative years. I have had quite a few, and I’ll certainly be talking about them in future issues. But of the many who have inspired Step Up Magazine, one deserves special mention on the occasion of our inaugural edition. Marlo Thomas (yes, That Girl!) has embodied the spirit of Step Up throughout her life. A doer, a giver, a pioneer, someone who has done well by doing good. She has been my north star, and I hope this magazine shines as brightly as she has. The Editor Seri Roth
Step Up Magazine is a digital magazine that is split into three sections featuring doers, thinkers, and givers; in fact, a goal of ours is to create a place that allows these three types of individuals to connect with one another.
Step Up Magazine www.stepupmagazine.com
We provide content from prominent leaders who are making a difference. Our ultimate mission is to inspire a world of action, education, and good, particularly within young people.
Letters to The Editor: sroth@stepupmagazine.com
Additional content can be found on our website: www.Stepupmagazine.com
Step Up MagazineŠ2017-2018 Written permission from the publisher must be obtained before any of the contents of this magazine or associated website, in whole or in part, may be reproduced or redistributed.
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STEP UP Inaugural Issue
A Step Up Magazine Publication
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DOERS 06 Introduction to Doers 07 The formula to becoming a changemaker 09 Be the change you wish to see in the world 10 Featured Doer 12 Interview on Leadership 16 Entertainment Corner 17 Entertainment Corner for Kids 18 Interview with Weston Lindemann 21 How parents can model leadership 23 Interview with Justin Lafazan 27 Our featured entrepreneurs 30 Our featured doer 31 Expert interview on business 35 What we can do about bullying 38 Interview with former NFL player, Jovan Hayes 42 Our doers challenge 43 Olympic Champion insight. 5 questions with world champion, Bryan Clay.
THINKERS 46 Why it’s important to be a thinker 47 Kids also have Opinions 48 Linkedin tips 51 Expert resume and Linkedin tips 52 Expert advice 53 Interview with a college counselor 56 Who is your role model? 58 Education For Everyone 60 Should college tuition be free? 61 Know your news! 62 How to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to action 64 Sources for students looking at colleges
GIVERS 66 Why it’s important to be a giver 67 Charities that make it possible for you to help others live a better life 68 Give to yourself Self by Maintaining a Healthy and Holistic Lifestyle 70 Foster Parents 72 Gifts that give back 73 Featured cause 74 Make an IMPACT! 75 Our givers challenge 76 Worthy causes that you need to know about! 77 Apps for givers
How are YOU stepping it up? Tell us on our website for a chance to be featured in our next issue!
We celebrate…
Doers
What to expect in this section‌
Introduction to Doers
Here are some exciting resources for current and future doers, including insights and advice from an Olympic champion, NFL player, and field experts. And you’ll hear from inspirational doers, who share expert business and social media tips.
The Formula to becoming a changemaker By Carly Hartman
There are so many ways people promote the phrase, "Change the world!� or "You're a world changer!" Sometimes, we hear these phrases SO often that we become numb to them. But what do these phrases really mean?. Being a world changer can sound very intimidating, as it could be a very big task to accomplish! How does one just change the world? It sounds easier to say than to actually DO! I have been told that I am a world changer for as long as I can remember, and I’d like to share a formula that will help you become a world changer, too! And the most important part of the formula is to break it up into bite-sized pieces. Then it seems more manageable!
Step 1: I challenge you to love each and every person that you come in contact with, so we begin to see a paradigm shift in the world. I accepted the call to be a world changer when I was a little girl. I have always been passionate about bringing love into a world that is in such desperate need of it. That is the way I change the world: by loving people. There is a canvas up in my room that says, "LOVE can change the world." I sincerely believe this with all of my heart.
Step 2: You can change the world by beginning to change the world around you. We each have our own lives that we live and pursue every single day. We come into contact with people on their way to work, the coffee shop, the grocery store, the bank, etc. Stop taking these people for granted. Trust me, I have totally NOT "gotten there" yet! I work on this every day! However, each day is a NEW day! Each day is a day full of NEW opportunities!
Step 3: Start to open your eyes to the fruit around you. When you start putting steps 1 & 2 into practice, you will start to see a slight shift in YOUR world! Then you will see what I meant about changing the world around you! When the world AROUND you starts to change (YOUR WORLD) then the ripple effect will take place! You'll be surprised at how quickly the people YOU affected will then spread that love to OTHERS!
Are you a changemaker? Let us know on our website for your chance to be featured!
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world� How are YOU being that change?
The way I'm being the change in the world is by standing up for inner beauty. I created an inner beauty pageant called Pageant 360 back when I was just 18 years old in 2014. It's a movement to empower young women to be world changers. Over the years, it has impacted so many lives of beautiful girls around the USA! I'm just trying to change the world around me in as many ways as possible. How are YOU impacting the world that surrounds YOU? - 360 Carly Hartman, founder of Pageant
I am being the change, because I believe that this world is in bad shape. Thinking globally is how we'll solve our problems. Sometimes, I feel really sad for other kids my age because they just don't know about the rest of the world. I think that maybe they just don't know because their parents want to keep them from growing up and are afraid to tell them the truth about the bad situations some people are in. When I learned what a homeless person was, something in my brain changed, and now I only really care about helping people. I am 10 years old, so what do I really have to lose? Plus, I find it's easier to help people than a lot of people think. Sending Legos to Africa seemed crazy, and it has been a lot of work, but anyone could have done it. If you have an idea that could help people, instead of thinking about why it won't work, try to figure out how to make it possible, because it probably is. -Micah Slentz, founder of Play Well Africa
Katie Eder Katie Eder is the Founder of Kids Tales. She is 16 years old and lives in Shorewood, Wisconsin. Katie loves writing and founded Kids Tales to share her passion for writing with other kids. Katie is the youngest person on the International Literacy Association’s 2015 Global 30 Under 30 list
I started Kids Tales (kidstales.org), a nonprofit venture that runs creative writing workshops for kids’ ages 8-12 who don’t have writing opportunities outside of school, two years ago, when I was in 8th grade. During a Kids Tales workshop, kids spend one week brainstorming, writing, and editing their very own short story. At the end of the week, the stories are assembled in a collection and self-published as an anthology on Amazon.com. Each student receives a copy of the book, as well as his or her very own journal and pencils. The teachers who teach Kids Tales workshops are all teenagers. “By starting and growing Kids Tales, I have learned that everyone, even kids, have the power to change the world.” Kids Tales teachers will tell you that getting to teach kids to write is an eyeopening experience. One Kids Tales teen teacher wrote, “As a teenager, it’s sometimes hard to make an impact. Many nonprofits or charities are restricted for teen volunteers. Kids Tales, on the other hand, makes it easy to get involved. Just the idea of an organization that teaches through teenagers is incredibly compelling to me, because I feel it gives a voice and a power to my generation that we aren’t always able to express and act on."
Teaching a week-long workshop to ten younger kids has a big impact on the lives of those kids, their families and communities, and even the world. It also has an equally big impact on the lives of our Kids Tales teen teachers. By starting and growing Kids Tales, I have learned that everyone, even kids, have the power to change the world. Working with them, I have seen time and again that many of them don’t realize that they have a lot of power in the world. Kids are the future, and we aren’t too young to start making the world the kind of place we want to live in. I have learned that I can change the world – and I can help other kids find their voice so that they can change the world. My advice to other kids is: Share what you know. You have a skill or talent that can make an incredible impact on the world today, big or small. There will never be the perfect time. You will never have enough knowledge. If you have an idea — make it happen now.
Interview on Leadership With Krista Franks
Krista is a change agent, growth strategist, and culture catalyst. She’s dedicated to helping passionate people grow their business, their teams and themselves. Through her work, she's helped: individuals unlock unknown potential; business owners create sustainable team alignment, and artists scale projects to global movements. She believes that by growing one person, you can intrinsically grow any organization, team or business.
How did you decide to pursue your career?
What are the most important values to you as a leader?
I knew I had a passion for helping people. I just didn’t know how I wanted to help them. So, I created my own 30-day program to assess which career I wanted to pursue. I opted for life coaching. After a few months of developing my coaching business, I signed my first business client, helping them with their team development. Since then, I’ve been able to help business owners with everything from employee engagement to global art movement launches. So it turns out that my true passion is helping passionate people grow their businesses, their teams, and themselves.
Being a leader is so many things, and it’s different every day. One of the most consistent aspects of being a leader is creating a safe and positive environment for others to thrive. That requires trust, honesty, kindness, true collaboration and an environment that promotes learning. The ability to build trust is the cornerstone of a great leader, and the other values help to maintain that trust. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching Brené Brown’s work on the anatomy of trust. It changes your perspective on what trust is at it’s core and how to build it.
Which well known leaders--past or present--do you admire? Tom Bilyeu, co-founder and president at Quest Nutrition, is a newer leader who I deeply admire. Mixing the science of achievement with the art of fulfillment, he’s changing the way I think about life and business with his Inside Quest interview series. Oprah has always been a huge inspiration for me. I’ve always connected with her empathy and passion for understanding people and their stories. Her current work with OWN continues to influence my life. Jason Silva is a modern philosopher and artist who has an incredible view on life. His Shots of Awe videos consistently make me think differently about reality and the purpose of life.
How do you decide who the best candidate is for your team? My team is just starting to sprout, but I’d say that I pick my personal and professional tribes in the same way. I seek those who are motivated and inspired to do good things in the world and who are genuinely good people. I’m more prone to base my decisions on my intuitive judgement of someone as opposed to their resume. People who have a strong skill in a particular area are always more interesting to me because I tend to be more of a generalist. And overall, I look for people who can challenge me, the team and my clients to continue to be better.
Was there a "tipping point" decision you made early on that paved the way to your personal success? I’ve always been the one who wants to journey out on my own and to pave my own path. In high school, I made a gut decision to go to Ohio University, and I was the only one from my class who would be attending. At the same time, I decided not to continue my swimming career and chose to focus on school and work. I changed up my entire life so that I could learn about myself in a new environment. Getting outside of my comfort zone, meeting new people and learning about myself created a pivotal shift in my life’s trajectory. Since then, I’ve regularly made significant, “against-the-grain” life and career changes. Choosing to take the path less traveled has always led me to my version of success and fulfillment.
What are your non-negotiables? The values or principles that you are unwilling to compromise? I live by a set of values and principles that I compiled after reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It’s a personal constitution of sorts and helps me live in alignment with what matters most to me in my life. It includes things like putting faith and wisdom first, making time to care for myself, loving family unconditionally, working to positively influence others, not being afraid of the unknown and always thinking bigger than others dream possible. I review these regularly when making big decisions or whenever I feel in need of a re-alignment.
How do you personally help people bring their ideas to life? My job revolves around helping people get what they want in life. Often people come to me when they’re already a few (or more) years into creating their dream or bringing their ideas to life. They’ve hit a roadblock and are having trouble creating the growth they’re seeking. I step in and provide coaching along with tools to help them and their team move closer to the next phase of that dream. On a macro level, it’s fun to think about the big picture. On a micro level, it’s incredibly fulfilling to help them through the day-to-day challenges that come along with growing as a person, a business and a team.
“The greatest leaders never stop growing and never stop reflecting on how they can get better.”
What advice would you give an aspiring leader who is trying to take the first steps into leadership? Leadership is different to everyone, and it’s different every day. The goal is to define 1) what leadership means to you and 2) what type of leader you want to be. To start, write down your response to those two prompts. Then, seek out people who reflect that leadership style and get as close to them as possible. This is a concept called “modeling.” Simply try to emulate what that person is already doing to be a successful leader. If you don’t have anyone nearby, follow them online. Leaders are more accessible than ever. They’re on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, newsletters...the list goes on. I’ve never met my biggest mentors but I’ve listened to their podcasts, purchased their products and interacted with them online. As you learn from these leaders, something interesting happens. You start to create your own style for leadership, and eventually, people will be modeling you. And finally, remember that your definition of success and leadership will change over time. Continue to reflect back on what it means to you and what type of leader you want to be. The greatest leaders never stop growing and never stop reflecting on how they can get better.
How are you a leader? Tell us on our website for your chance to be featured!
Entertainment Corner... Ted Talks for Doers
“Why 30 Is Not The New 20” This is the perfect Ted Talk for any person in their 20s. Clinical psychologist Meg Jay shares her message that what you do in your 20s is what vital to how your adulthood will unfold.
Apps that inspire productivity
Highrise is a great tool to manage communication, share information with your team, and set tasks/reminders.
Justin Lafazan has an inspiring message to share! All young people should watch his Ted Talk “Why All Young People Should Be Entrepreneurs.” Go to page 23 for an interview with Justin!
Inspire! is an app you can use to organize all parts of your life. This app also helps you to create and achieve goals.
Books that inspire action
Shonda Rhimes takes us with her through her journey of saying yes to everything for one year, and how it changed her life.
Buzz Aldrin shares with us how no dream is too high. Buzz shares his list of principles he most values.
Originals by Adam Grant shares many ideas about leadership and originality.
Entertainment Corner for Kids Documentaries that will inspire kids to take action… A Place at The Table discusses the problem of food insecurity. This is the perfect documentary to inspire kids to help. The Dream is Now features kids who share their daily challenges. This documentary is sure to grab your kid’s attention.
Educational & inspirational sources for kids…
Hutch is a kids’ literary and creativity magazine. It features stories, art, poetry, book reviews, travel logs and interviews submitted by kids.
Kids are Heroes is on a mission to feature hundreds of kids who are making an impact. This organization aims to empower kids to become leaders and changemakers.
Our Favorite Kids Books Follow The Moon Home inspires young people to make a difference in the world, through teamwork and perseverance.
This story highlights an idea and the child who brings that idea to life. This is the perfect book for inspiring young kids to turn their ideas into action.
How to Catch a Star is about reaching for the stars and never giving up on your dreams.
Featured Doer
Interview with Weston Lindemann: Among the youngest to ever get elected as a National Delegate. Please tell us who you are, and what you do.
What led you to become interested in politics?
My name is Weston Lindemann and I was a Bernie Sanders delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Aside from being a delegate, I also work at a political consulting firm in Jackson, Mississippi.
I became interested in politics at an early age. The 2008 financial crisis hit my family hard, and it’s the sort of impact that these type of events have on everyday Americans’ lives that we often take for granted. Going from a comfortable middle class life to being trapped in foreclosure left my family and I asking questions and wondering how this all happened. As I got a little older, I began learning more and more about politics. Finally, around the age of 16, I began getting involved in local politics. Becoming active in my county’s Democratic party, as well as participating in local political races.
“Going from a comfortable middle class life to being trapped in foreclosure left my family and I asking questions and wondering how this all happened.”
What exactly is expected of you as a delegate? As a delegate, the primary duty is to choose the nominee of the Democratic Party. Each delegate pledges their support for a candidate when they decide to run for delegate. I chose to support Sen. Bernie Sanders for President, because I believe that big money has been influencing politics for far too long, and it is time that economic opportunity is restored to all Americans and not just the top 1%. Delegates also vote on the Party’s platform and the rules that govern the Democratic Party. I am pleased to say that we were able to pass the most progressive platform in the history of the United States.
What were some of the challenges you faced during the process of becoming a delegate, and how did you overcome those challenges? During my initial run for delegate, at a Congressional district convention, I ran against two other candidates for one open spot. Unfortunately, I did not have enough votes at this convention to be selected as delegate. I was sure to prepare even more for the state convention, where I was on the ballot as an “at-large” delegate. Thankfully, I was elected to the only spot at the state convention.
What were some important steps you took to pursue your goals? Meeting with my Political Science professor, Dr. Nathan Shrader at Millsaps College, was instrumental in getting me elected. He offered the advice and guidance necessary to run an effective campaign for delegate. I also wrote a speech, and had plenty of business cards to pass out as part of my campaign.
What are some issues that you’re particularly passionate about? Economic inequality is perhaps the greatest issue to me. I want to see the gap between rich and poor close. For far too long we have allowed big money to pollute and corrupt the political process, and in return we’ve been left with a tax code that doesn’t make sense, along with horrible trade deals and weak regulations on Wall Street. Other issues that I think are extremely important to many Americans today are the implementation of universal healthcare, common sense gun control to include universal background checks, and a fair immigration system that allows people to enter the United States.
Which personal traits have helped you the most to become a successful doer? I think one of the most important traits to my successful endeavors has been the ability to think for myself. It’s way too easy in today’s 24 hour news cycle to just listen to the talking heads on TV without making an informed, independent decision. I have always valued independent-mindedness and I believe that it is important for the younger generations, like millennials, to bring fresh, progressive ideas to the table.
What is your message to other young people who want to act upon their passions? Whether you want to be President of the United States, find a cure for cancer, or become a Broadway sensation, do what makes you happy, take your life in the direction that you want it to go. Alan Watts said, “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”
What’s your definition of success? Success is a word that is too often associated with some sort of materialistic connotation or a point in which a certain social status has been reached. I believe that success is finally reaching the point in your life when you can look around and be satisfied with what you’ve accomplished. I think it’s important for people to follow their dreams and their own path in life, and not let others dictate how they should live and define their own lives. “Whether you want to be President of the United States, find a cure for cancer, or become a Broadway sensation, do what makes you happy, take your life in the direction that you want it to go.”
How Parents Can Model Leadership By Lukasz LaniEcki Former lawyer turned parenting and career blogger. His focus is on awareness, connectedness, parenting in the digital age and future careers. Also a negotiator and mediator helping people handle their differences and conflicting needs. He can be found through his blog Err Like A Parent.
A
ll parents can become leaders. With or without
a title, all parents can model leadership and instill their children with leadership qualities. Leadership is not limited to the people who are called 'leaders' by media, because they are heads of states, or giant corporations The only requirement: an individual must choose to be, and act like, a leader. There are two ways ordinary parents can instill their children with leadership qualities. Through their own actions and everyday choices, and by allowing their children some degree of autonomy. The essence and purpose of leadership always remain the same – to give people compelling enough a reason to follow you. A leader is not immune to flops but he is well aware of the fact that it’s not his flops that matter most (we’re all only humans after all), but what he does in reacting to his flop. The biggest leadership mistake most parents make is adopting the philosophy of never apologizing. The thinking goes, “I’m in an authority position and I don’t apologize because I don’t want to undermine my position.” Leaders, on the other hand, take responsibility and apologize. Some parents think that the way to instill their children with leadership qualities is to send them to a good school/college.
This might work in some cases, but not all. Some kids soak up so much of the "bad stuff" from their parents, peers and other adults, that a school/college program alone will not help them become true leaders. They will also need a great amount of awareness, which they might, or might not have. It is more probable that a person will become a true leader when she is able to observe leadership qualities on a daily basis in her parents (or at least in one of the parents). Thus our biggest responsibility as parents is to work on ourselves, and develop leadership qualities that are displayed in our interactions with our children on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many parents have it backwards - they’d rather focus on things like the school they will send their children to and forget that what they model for their children matters far more than any other thing. What they don’t understand is that by the time their children attend college they have almost
20 years worth of a parenting imprint (and counting), and that's either a solid leadership base or harmful training they’ll need to unlearn. The second biggest leadership mistake most parents (adults in general) make is that they say “I’m not responsible for that so it’s not my job to do something about." It’s really about the small things...like cleaning up after someone else's dog, repairing that fence, picking up that bottle (when we have no chance of finding out who is responsible for this mess). Or admitting that actually it was our fault, being able to say, "I’m sorry”. Or helping that stranger, or disabled person. Those little, seemingly insignificant, acts of good will or kindness help grow future leaders. There’s a great chance that whatever it is we show them, they will do too. Another leadership mistake is that most adults choose to complain instead of questioning the status quo. We would have more leaders if we complained less and questioned the status quo (created new realities) more often.
How do you model leadership? Let us know for a chance to be featured on our blog!
Autonomy is also very important. In terms of fostering the development of leadership qualities in children that can lead to those found in great individuals who make a positive difference in our world (decisiveness, the ability to dream big, courage, self-awareness, persistence, belief in their ability to achieve big dreams, and passion) more than anything else we need to get out of the way and trust that our children will figure things out by themselves. As I’ve said before, true leaders are leaders not because their job titles say so. They’re leaders because they're able to dream, and ACT on their dreams. If we want our children to be bold and take the lead, we need to allow them to think for themselves and make important decisions by themselves. That’s what I mean by getting out of the way and trusting them. Because if we always demand that our children fit in, live the way we and others do, they will always seek to blindly follow others like they blindly followed their parents. And that is not a recipe for leadership.
JUSTIN LAFAZAN
Featured in Forbes, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Inc. Magazine and more, Justin Lafazan (20) is an acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker, best-selling author and consultant. The Founder of Next Gen Summit and best-selling author of What Wakes You Up?, he’s on a mission to inspire the world’s young people to design the lives they want to live, through entrepreneurship.
Q & A’S WITH JUSTIN
Please tell us about Next Gen Summit, and why you created it? Next Gen started as a mission. I think when I started my first company, and during my high school and early years of college, I realized that there wasn’t a real sense of community for young entrepreneurs. I think there are so many great and amazing young people out there who are doing really great things, working on cool projects, products, technologies, services, whatever it may be. But there was no way to bring them together. At the same time I started to surround myself with mentors who were teaching me that in order to achieve what you want to achieve, the best way to do it is to surround yourself with really smart people who are also achieving what they want to achieve. I was excited about that advice and figured, alright, let me go out and create this community, and it has been a spectacular rollercoaster ride that I’m so excited to be a part of. So Next Gen really is a mission to connect these brightest young people, bring them together, and provide them resources and and any connection and support we can. I think it’s so important for young people to connect with each other, because collaboration is key. We live in a time where it’s no longer a competitive landscape that gets people to the top, but a collaborative one. I think collaboration breeds success in so many different aspects. So I encourage young people to work together and collaborate, which will only result in incredible outcomes.
Dylan Gambardella and Justin Lafazan Founders of Next Gen Summit.
“Next Gen really is a mission to connect these brightest young people, bring them together, and provide them resources and and any connection and support we can.”
What would your advice be to the struggling student who feels like the classroom limits their potential rather than furthering it? I wrote a book about this. The title is “What Wakes You Up?” And it asks young people the very important question, "What gets you out of bed in the morning? I think for me as a student, I was very displeased and frustrated with the traditional classroom setting. I wasn’t excited about learning, I was bored in class, I was falling asleep. I felt really frustrated with the whole academic situation. Instead I kept asking myself that question, what wakes you up? What excites me? What brings me to life? So that was really a question I kept asking myself. And eventually I really found what it was, it was this idea of connecting with smart young people. It was life changing for me once I founded Next Gen, because now I work on projects that I’m really excited about. I stay up late and I wake up early and it doesn’t feel like work because I’m working on something that really brings me to life. The issue is that as a student it’s kind of hard to actually answer that question. So the best way to do it is to go talk to people, and explore. The biggest thing that young people are missing these days is the chance to explore and experiment with different ideas and career paths. If you haven’t figured out what to do, it’s probably because you haven’t tried enough things. Let’s say you are interested in math, even if you’re in high school, go work at an accounting firm once a week or go see if your local financial advisor will let you shadow. Let’s say that you are interested in medicine and want to become a doctor. Learn from a doctor, interview them, talk to them, ask them questions. Surrounding yourself with really smart people.
How can one get the most out of their mentor? Be specific. Find mentors who will actually help with on specific things. If you need a mentor on how to get the most out of college, don’t find a mentor who is 90 and hasn’t been to college in 70 years. Find mentors who are in college and can answer that question. If you’re looking to get into a specific industry, for example Google, find mentors who have worked for Google. Be specific in your search for mentors. Mentors are such a powerful tool for young entrepreneurs, but they only work if you’re really specific.
“It was life changing for me once I founded Next Gen, because now I work on projects that I’m really excited about. I stay up late and I wake up early and it doesn’t feel like work because I’m working on something that really brings me to life.”
You've started three companies, you're a best selling author, and you are only 20. What were some steps you took early on that you believe contributed to your current success? The biggest step and the biggest piece of advice, is this idea of reverse engineering. So anything you want to do, find someone who was already doing it, ask them what they did, and do what they did--backwards-but with your own twist on it. A couple of examples: When I wanted to be a speaker, I didn’t cross my fingers and hope it would come to me, I went out, I found young speakers, I asked them how they did what they did to get paid, to get gigs, to get flown across the world, and then I took their blueprint and I added my own twist on things with my own branding and ideas and strategy. And then all of a sudden I was getting speaking gigs. So that’s my biggest piece of advice to any young person. Anything that you find exciting or cool, go out and ask the people that you’re looking up to, how they did what they did, connect with those people and learn for yourself. Any question I ever have with business, I find mentors and ask them how they did it. Anytime I come across a problem, if I’m building a website, and I don’t know if it works well, we go to people who have built great websites and say "Hey, can you review this for me?" Or, "Can you help me out here?" Figure out what you need help with and ask for advice.
“What wakes you up? What do you want to be doing everyday? What do you want to do with your life?”
If you could give any advice to yourself when you were first starting out, what would it be? Simple. Stay in your own lane while you figure out what wakes you up. Kind of a combination of all the advice I’ve been getting. When starting out, you have the world in front of you, there are so many different career paths, and at the same time, you have everybody giving you advice. So to start off take this "hand in the sand" method that a couple of my mentors taught me. Which is to take everybody’s advice--as if you're picking up a big pile of sand, say thank you, and the ones that don’t resonate with you, let slip through your fingers. The sand that is leftover is really good advice. Don’t worry about what everybody else is doing. Worry about what you’re doing, what gets you excited. And then finally answer that question: what wakes you up? What do you want to be doing everyday? What do you want to do with your life?
Our Featured Entrepreneurs Nathan Gregg
My name is Nathan Gregg, and I’m a 20 year old student at Missouri State University, a non-profit board member, 1 Million Cups organizer, and the CEO & Co-founder of Innovate Today. Innovate Today hosts startup events that challenge students to collaborate with other students from surrounding universities and create a sustainable and feasible business idea in under 12 hours. We set ourselves apart by hosting events that are exclusive to students at the college and high school levels, educating students on the steps necessary for creating a successful business--not just telling them what to do--and opening up the pitch competition to be judged by the entire community in attendance, not a select group of panelists.
With my partner Clayton Kohler, I found that other events in the Midwest fail to attract students, and we figured that since our need wasn’t being fulfilled, we should create something for more students to benefit from. And so...Innovate Today was born! One piece of advice I like to give other students looking to start a business is to just do it. College is a great time to take a chance on starting a business. Just do it."
Harry McCann
My name is Harry McCann, I am a 17year-old school student and entrepreneur from Kildare, Ireland. I have been an entrepreneur for the past three years and have worked on a number of different businesses and projects during that period of time. The main focus of my work has always been youth and providing them with opportunities which will not just enhance their lives now, but also in the future. I currently hold two positions, Director of the Digital Youth Council, and Editor-inChief of Trendster. The Digital Youth Council is a non-profit organization I founded back in August 2014 which works with young people across Ireland and Europe to give them a voice in the decisions being made in the STEM sector at both a corporate and government level. We also provide multiple tools and platforms to encourage more young people to get involved in STEM and even consider a career in the sector in the future.
My latest project Trendster is an online platform which is now available on the iOS and Android that gives young people aged between 15-25 the opportunity to publish articles on breaking news and trending topics. We have over 50 writers in over 12 different countries at the moment and have over 30,000 people visiting the site monthly. My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to simply keep trying. I spent the last three years working on several different business ventures, and some of them have been successful, and some have not. However, you learn the most from your failures, and if you really want to succeed you will take what you have learned from your failed ventures, and use them to make sure your next ones are successful. It's important to remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, the and same thing applies to every successful business.
Jason Will
I'm Jason, the Founder & CEO of Zipkick. The company was founded on the Over the past 10 years, my career has career principle of authenticity to ensure our recommendations are honest and included working as a social media and technology consultant, a freelance writer, truthful. This helps the travelers as well as businesses. The influencers that we and a speaker and advisor. Zipkick is an influencer recommendation platform that collaborate with are amazing people and it’s our goal to connect them with highlights the best restaurants, bars and cafes around the world. It's our mission to avid travelers who are looking for that next great place. As Zipkick continues provide a singular place for travelers to to grow, the influencers will discover amazing venues and ultimately continuously have additional ways to create memorable experiences along the monetize their social recommendations. way. Great products become exceptional when there’s a supportive and “In challenging times, stay transparent community at the forefront. positive. In times of greatness, stay humble.” – Jason Will Founder & CEO of Zipkick
My name is Bethany Kuster, and I'm 10 years old. I'm a doer. When I found out that not every kid has their own box of crayons, I knew I had to do something. Everyone should be able to create art! It's a great way to express your feelings. So, I went to my teacher, and asked him if I could ask the class to bring in crayons. I thought if everyone gives a little bit, we will be able to give a lot! Well, my awesome teacher said yes, and my class got busy. We gathered up two BIG boxes of art supplies, and gave them to kids in Alabama, who didn't have any of their own. I realized that doing something for someone else is the best feeling ever, and that made me want to do more. So I did. I got my school collecting art supplies, then other schools and businesses! After a few months I started my own organization called, "Color for Kids." Since November, Color for Kids has been busy doing A LOT! I'm trying to color up the world, and give every kid their own box of crayons. So far, over 2,500 kids have received art supplies (that's over 74,000 crayons!) I plan to keep on doing things to make the world better, and more colorful, for the rest of my life.
Ali Walter, Founder and Chief Success Driver of Ali Ann & Co. Known as "The Food Truck Whisperer," Ali helps food and beverage entrepreneurs grow highly profitable and sustainable businesses. Never one to play by the rules, she’s an industry disrupter who transforms high risk, low margin businesses with her finely honed game plan for success. With the money making and business building processes in place, her clients break free of the week-to-week consuming grind, finally able to create a life based on their values and intense desire for freedom and autonomy.
What are a few key things a business owner must do in order to build or manage a successful organization? 1. Systemize, systemize, SYSTEMIZE! Systems create freedom. Systems create predictable and repeatable results. Systems empower your team to do things the right way, setting them up for success so YOU'RE set up for success. 2. Know your numbers, in and out. Ignorance of this, hands down, is what destroys companies. When you know your numbers, they work FOR you. 3. Make mentorship via a consultant and/or personal development coaching non-negotiable. Allocate a portion of revenue to it. A business that isn't pushing limits, that isn't learning, that isn't growing, is dying. Invest in mentorship not just to fill the gaps you can't see, to improve your strategies, to increase revenue, but more specifically, to help your STAFF. The more you invest in yourself and staff, to grow as people, as leaders, the more your company will grow as a result. What advice would you give owners whose businesses have failed, or are struggling? Keep GOING. Stuff hits the fan when the Universe wants you to grow! Our darkest moments provide the opportunity to shift into our greatest light, IF we're open to it. If we listen. If we see every obstacle as an opportunity - not asking "why is this happening to me", but rather, "what can this do FOR me - what can I learn from this?" The only true failure, is when you don't get back up and keep fighting.
How important is social media for a small business? And which social media outlet is your personal favorite? Social media is critical for small business. An absolute must not just for marketing, but more specifically, for genuine INTERACTION with those you serve. Social media provides a space for brands to communicate with their audience, to build rapport. People buy from brands they know, like and trust. Social media is the key to achieving just that. My favorite social vehicle would have to be Facebook, simply because of how robust it is. I use it in a lot of different capacities. However, I'm also very cautious with it as you should never use one single source of media to house and drive all your traffic.
What are three tips you would give young people entering the business world? 1. Start lean. FOCUS. Pick one thing to start with and master that before moving on to anything else or adding more noodles in the pot. Your bank account will thank you. 2. Know that your #1 job every single day is to be a business OWNER. Not a bookkeeper, copywriter, web designer...or whatever else your business does. Your business is not what you do IN the business, rather your business is to stay IN business! With that clarity, you'll make much more sound decisions on how to leverage your time and what the best decisions are for your company and its future. 3. Feed your mind with only that which serves you, and your goals. Don't listen to the naysayers (and there will be LOTS of them). Often times those closest to you will be your biggest critics and harshest pessimists. Learn how to tune them out, or even, let them go. Stay true to what you know is true. You've got to protect your mind to be the most resilient thing you've ever built because going into business for yourself is NOT for the faint of heart. It will challenge you beyond measure. It will push you to your limits. At certain points it will even, mark my words, break you. But it is the most rewarding journey you'll ever experience and can provide you a life that many can only dream of.
What are your tips for networking and building professional relationships? Treat networking like you're going to a new school, there to simply make FRIENDS. Do not go into networking events attached to the outcome of making sales or piggy-backing off someone's success, etc. Go into networking with the genuine intention of meeting new people, of being interested in what they're working on, in what they're passionate about. Opportunities and relationships will naturally progress from that intention. At events, align with contacts that motivate, challenge and inspire you, while moving on from anyone that doesn't so you're not wasting your time, or theirs. You are a direct reflection of those you spend the most time with - so make sure you've got a good herd to run with.
Do you have a question about business? Ask us on our website and your question might be answered on our blog!
What can companies do to sustain their success? Don't make the mistake of just playing defense. Make sure you're consistently working on an aggressive offensive strategy to stay ahead of the game, to ensure your adaptability for when things change in the market. Because they will, they always will. And you can't predict it, but you can prepare for it. This means you've got to make time to work ON your business, not just in it. Economies don't kill businesses, poor planning does. The good ol' Darwin theory applies to business just like it does to the human race - it is not the strongest nor most intelligent that survive, but the ones most responsive to change.
Our favorite places to get business news: - The hustle newsletter - Morning Brew daily - Morning Squawk - NY Times - crunchbase
What can college students do in school that will benefit them in their future careers? Get EXPERIENCE outside of school. Jobs and internships, all day long, baby. Nothing will prepare you for your career like they will. Don't get me wrong, college was great. I learned a lot, but I've only applied maybe 10% of the coursework into my life today. On the other hand, the discipline and total lack of toleration by my professors, THAT was very much needed, and applicable, in stepping into the real world. So get experience as quickly as you can, as much as you can, before real-world experience smacks you around. Is there a business book, or any other book, that has influenced you in your thinking? • Instructions to the Cook: A Zen Master's Lessons in Living a Life That Matters by Bernard Glassman • The E-Myth by Michael Gerber • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill The 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
What Is Bullying And What Can We Do? By Dana Jacoviel o A somewhat perplexing question at times. There is a confusing notion of what the term bullying actually means. Bullying is not just some regular argument or disagreement we have with another. It can easily be confused as that. Many people cry wolf when it comes to bullying, when it is nothing more than a personal issue that they want sides taken on. It is no joking matter, and is something to take quite seriously. Bullying is a consistent, constant, almost harassing behavior, which comes in both verbal and physical forms. It takes place on a regular basis. It is
not usually an isolated incident, though it can be. There is bullying type behavior even if a person is not a bully. Everybody has most likely fallen into that category at one time or another, probably not even realizing it. We all have a story to tell when it comes to bullying. In fact, harassment, as referred to above is still a level of bullying.
There are all different forms of bullying, but at the end of the day, it is still bullying. If someone is taunting another, picking on someone, ganging up on someone, beating them up every day, verbally abusing them, and engaging in hateful acts, this is bullying. We also live in day and age now where social media is taking over the more traditional ways of bullying, but that does not mean it still is not happening in schools, at home, in the workplace, and any other environment.
Let's also remember there are no age limits on bullying. Bullying and hateful behavior does not discriminate. Yes, some people are targets more than others, but it is never only about weakness, looks, popularity, or status. If anybody tells you that a beautiful person does not get bullied, it simply is not true. For that matter, who gets to say who is beautiful and who isn't? We are all beautiful in our own unique ways.
That is what makes this world beautiful. The diversity of it. So keep in mind, there is no such thing as being immune to getting bullied just because you are pretty or popular, or rich. Consider celebrities, some of whom are bullied and harassed on a daily basis. Fame cannot protect you, and can even make you a target. There are several steps to take when getting bullied. First, always tell someone. Never keep it inside.
If you are an adult, tell someone who you trust and can help you In a cyber bullying situation, ignore, report, and block. That is the first rule of thumb most go by, but it is not always that simple. There are times it works and the bully stops or goes away, and other times you have to take further action. Always remember, bullying is about power and control. The moment you relinquish that to the bully, the easier of a target you become. They want to get to you and set you off. They want you to be weak and not speak up. That being said, they are victims as well. Many do not always understand that and it becomes all about punishment. We need to understand that though consequences are a given, they also need help.
Behind that hate is a great deal of anger. They have their own battle. It often stems from the home, but again, not an assumption to just be made. It can also be peer pressure or something that happened they are not able to deal with, but something is eating away at them. The only escape they know is to act out and take it out on others to make them feel better or forget what it is they are not able to face. We must communicate with each other...always asking questions.
Parents--talk to your kids. Educate them. Schools need to have programs. The workplace needs to have programs. Until more serious action is taken, bullying in all its forms will continue to be a problem. There are no absolutely definite answers when it comes to bullying and hate. Each situation can be different, some worse than others; however, it does not make it any less traumatic.
Dana Jacoviello is a writer/celeb interviewer/podcast host, activist, advocate, Founder of Bullies Keep Out, freelances in entertainment/social media & correspondence/PR/Media/Events, Psychology major, student affiliate of APA and NYSPA, host of La Bella Vita, participated in a 30 Day Challenge as an expert in healing and recovery in personal growth/emotional well-being. Dana also works with cyber-bullying and is a motivational mentor/coach, with a strong interest in networking, healing, recovery, yoga & meditation. Please join Dana on her latest anti- bullying campaign/project www.bullieskeepout.com
From Conquering Dyslexia to Playing in the NFL.
Jovan Haye is a former star NFL defensive lineman. He’s played for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.
Jovan Hayes
Q: In your book, "Bigger Than Me," you talk about conquering dyslexia to play in the NFL. What would your advice be to people who feel limited by their challenges?
A: My advice would be to find something at the end of the tunnel. Goals you want to reach. It could be one, it could be many, Know where you want to be, give everything you’ve got. Work towards your goals, you may not achieve them, but if you don’t you can always keep fighting. Find a goal at the end of the day, and do everything you can to work towards it.
Q: You struggled through
Q: It is extremely rare for high school football
elementary and middle school, but finished high school with honors. Who did you look to for guidance during this time?
players to make it to the NFL. You made it. Can you take us back to that moment when you had officially made it to the NFL? How did you react? What were your feelings?
A: My English teacher, Ms.Patten. She was the only person who really understood what I was going through, and took me to the side and let me know what great things she saw in me, as well as the things she saw I needed to work on. She basically told me to start using my dyslexia as as a way out.
A: It was bittersweet. I thought I would be drafted earlier, I ended up being drafted in the 6th round--I was the 89th pick. But I went from being mad the first day to the point that I was nervous that I wouldn’t be drafted. But when I got drafted the 6th round, it just felt like all the hard work finally payed off. You know, getting drafted doesn’t guarantee anything but it’s just an honor to be one of the few. I was one of the lucky few.
Q: From an early age the odds were stacked against you. But it didn't produce a man who was bitter, but instead, someone who wanted to give back. Did that come naturally to you, or was it a process?
A: It came naturally. My whole life, it has always been about helping others.
Q: How did football change your life? A: When I was in school, football was the thing that I could always go to. Because I actually excelled in it. Football was my happy place. It gave me a way out, and I realized that if I wanted to continue this journey of football, my grades would have to catch up.
Q: When did you start to develop a
Q: What is one success habit that you do everyday that contributes to your attributes to your success?
A: I dream, I still dream. Even when I
made the NFL, I would dream what I could do better to advance my career. At the end of the day I would love to be one Towards the end of my playing career. of the ones who could write a 20 or 30 I realized that I needed to start preparing million dollar check for charity and not for life after football. I’ve always read worry about it. Entrepreneur and Forbes and I thought that it was time for me to venture off. Throughout your time as an NFL player and a serial entrepreneur, If you could tell your 20-year-old what has been one of your most self one thing, what would it be? important takeaways? love for entrepreneurship?
A:
Q:
Q:
A: I should have started taking risks at 20 years old. You always see these young men and women exploding in the business world. It’s never too early to start.
A: I have always said that the NFL is the ultimate team sport. I think that being an entrepreneur is the same way. I’ve never taken anybody for granted. And that’s what I’m taking away from the business world, that it’s still a team sport.
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Olympic Champion Insight
5
Questions with Bryan Clay
Bryan Clay is an American decathlete. He was the 2008 Summer Olympic champion for the decathlon and was also world champion in 2005.
What advice would you give yourself back when you were first starting out? If I could give myself a bit of advice when I was first starting out, I'd tell myself to just enjoy the journey!
In your words, what does it mean to be a champion? I don't have a cliche, "feel good" answer for this...I think a champion is a winner, someone who has fought hard, played and competed fair and by the rules and comes out on top.
What separates the very good from the very best? Determination, willpower, grit, drive, mental toughness - those are things that separate the very good from the very best!
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? How did they impact your life? There have been many people over the years who have impacted my life and made me into the man I am today. I always tried to take bits and pieces from people around me and learn from watching them. A few that stand out are my coaches Kevin Reid and Mike Barnett, my high school coach, Martin Hee, and my mentor in college, Terry Franson. They are all incredible men who taught me so much and helped me to become who I am today.
Olympic champions are looked upon as role models. What do you hope your legacy will be? I hope that when people remember me it will be not only as a great athlete or Olympian, but more importantly that I was a loving husband, a great dad, a guy who gave back and wanted to help others. My life has been so much more than just athletics and that is what I want to be remembered for! “I think a champion is a winner, someone who has fought hard, played and competed fair and by the rules and comes out on top.�
We Celebrate‌
Thinkers
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE A THINKER?
In this section, we will be tackling various topics that will get you thinking! Let’s start conversations that matter. Knowledge, is not only power, but also the gateway to change. Read on to hear what kids have to say about our educational system, expert resume and Linkedin tips, interview with a college counselor, and much more!
Kids also have opinions!
Rebecca. Age: 13
Jake, Age: 16
I think we should learn in small groups because the teacher has too many different types of learners to worry about.
Learning outside the classroom is important. We should do more experiential learning. Experience is the greatest teacher.
Tina, Age 8
Jessie, Age 11
I like building things. Building is important, we should learn how things are put together and how they work.
I like listening to people who speak other languages. Let’s start learning new languages at a younger age.
Time to think about your resume and LinkedIn! Expert Interview with Wendy Weiner
Everything to know about
LinkedIn Wendi Weiner is a top published career expert. She is a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaches Council, an invitationonly membership for the country’s leading career and business coaches. Wendi has been featured on national radio broadcasts, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Fortune, Business News Daily, Monster, and CareerBuilder. She is the owner of The Writing Guru.
What are the top three most important things every LinkedIn profile should include? Every LinkedIn profile should include a compelling headline, powerful summary, and industry-specific keywords that go to the core of who you are as a professional and the type of specialized skills you possess. Also, don't forget to have a professional headshot as statistics show that profiles with professional headshots garner 14X more views! What is the best way to get traffic to your LinkedIn? The broader the headline, the better. You want a headline that grabs the reader's attention and doesn't just list your job title, but instead lists your career focus and important areas of concentration. For example, if you are an "Award-Winning Pharmaceutical Representative," you will want to include things such as business development, client relationships, and revenue growth in your title to allure the reader as well as ensure that the powerful keywords are in there. What are some benefits to joining LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups help foster you to become a thought leader and subject matter expert in your industry. Your next client or next job can be found within groups. I recommend joining industryspecific groups and networking within those groups. Be active and present within the groups.
What’s worse: No LinkedIn profile, or a bad one? Ha! That's a tough one! I would have to say, a bad profile will do more harm to you than not having a profile at all. LinkedIn is all about the image you perceive to the professional world, so you want to make sure your profile is optimal and pristine. Remember, first impressions are everything today, so your LinkedIn profile needs to convey that great first impression. What can students do to make their resume stand out? Focus on projects, volunteer work, and get involved in leadership. Grades are not the end-all-be-all. Employers want to see a wellrounded student who is just as devoted to acing organic chemistry as is getting involved in a cancer charity. What is a common mistake that LinkedIn users make? I would say the biggest mistake LinkedIn users make is not having a powerful and compelling profile that truly markets their value and there is a big lack of engagement on LinkedIn. If you think about it, your LinkedIn profile has become your online resume. It's the place that employers go to before they extend a job offer, and your LinkedIn profile is searchable by Google. If you don't have a powerful profile today, you are wasting a lot of prospects in terms of business and job opportunities. You want to be engaged and active on LinkedIn as well. That means sharing articles, posting your own content, and actively networking with other professionals.
Should college students be on LinkedIn, and how can these students use LinkedIn to their advantage? Yes, most definitely. It is a great place to market yourself for internships and future career opportunities. Connect with industry professionals and learn about what it is they do in their niche. LinkedIn has revolutionized the way we job search and network. Your resume is seen by only a hand-selected number of people you send it to, but your LinkedIn profile has the ability to reach millions of users. For college students, it's a powerful social network that really can position them well in their careers upon graduation.
What are some important things to include on your resume that are often left out? I just wrote an article about that in The Huffington Post entitled, "The 5 Things Holding Your Resume Back From Being Effective." I find that a lot of professionals leave out their important accomplishments in What is a common resume resumes today, and instead focus too much mistake? on the job tasks/functions to ensure the One common resume mistake that I keywords are in the resume. The more often see is an objective in lieu of a professional summary. Objectives should effective thing to do is to have a separate not be used in a resume. Your objective core skills section and focus your work experience section on results, major is to find a job, but your professional contributions, and key projects you have summary should resonate who you are worked on at various as a professional and the high-caliber companies/organizations. It is the number one skill sets you have to offer. Think of a professional summary as an introduction way to distinguish yourself among the hundreds of applicants applying for jobs. to the novel about yourself. It should How can one create a resume that is a allure the reader and entice him/her with information that will make him/her strategic marketing document? want to continue on reading about to A resume that is a strategic marketing learn more. document is one that encompasses a branding statement that uniquely qualifies the candidate, a professional summary that “LinkedIn has highlight's the candidate's skills, professional revolutionized the experience that is supported by real results way we job search and actions, and a layout that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also one that is and network.� modern and adequately organized.
Q What advice would you give to yourself when you were first starting out?
Vijay: Founder of Bears for Humanity What I have learned from building Bears For Humanity is that everyone needs a purpose in life. It is up to us to learn from within what makes us happy and what is the real purpose of our lives. A bit philosophical but I believe this to be true. There is something in each and every one of us that calls us when we are alone with our thoughts. I encourage you to listen and go with it. If that involves making a difference in lives of people, animals and environment, then start by giving unconditionally-without asking anything in return. It may be as simple as volunteering at your local church, pet shelter, hospital etc. Big things have humble, small beginnings.
Bryan Clay: 2008 Summer Olympic champion for the decathlon and was also World champion in 2005. If I could give myself a bit of advice when I was first starting out, I'd tell myself to just enjoy the journey!
Alan Roth: Academy Award Winning Screenwriter As the saying goes, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. The advice I would give myself when I was first starting out, is to find your passion and find a way to make it your occupation.
Your College Questions, Answered! Expert interview with Dr. Jennifer Bernstein
Dr. Jennifer Bernstein is the founder and president of Get Yourself Into College, Inc., which is dedicated to helping students transform the overwhelming college preparation and application process into a meaningful, exciting, and empowering experience. She has nearly 20 years experience within the world of higher education. She's been a college English professor, served on admission and hiring committees, and worked as an academic mentor to gifted freshmen and sophomores at a groundbreaking honors college.
When should high school students start thinking about prepping for the college search process? Starting early makes the whole process more fun and helps you toward wiser choices in 12th grade. By 11th grade, you’ll already be feeling pressure and stress about college admissions. However, if you start checking out a variety of colleges in 9th and 10th grade, you’ll be more relaxed and can take your time as you poke around on websites, visit schools, and discover what really matters to you in terms of schools.
“The best way to succeed is to focus on the one thing over which you have control—yourself!”
What is a common mistake that high schoolers make while applying to schools? The biggest mistakes involve getting caught up in admissions-related gossip, comparing yourself to others, and focusing on all the things that are out of your control. It is amazing how much time and energy these things can take up. And guess what? They don’t help you at all! There’s a reason why I named my company Get Yourself Into College. The best way to succeed is to focus on the one thing over which you have control— yourself!
What do students need to do to get into their dream school? This isn’t a question that can be easily answered. However, I encourage you to go to www.getyourselfintocollege.com and sign up for my free presentation: “What Really Matters to College Admissions Officers (and Why): Surprising Facts About What You Need to Be Doing in 9th-12th Grade.”
The college process can be overwhelming. For students who don't know where to start--what is a good first step to take while beginning the college search process?
What are a few key factors that colleges consider when looking for applicants? I have to start by stating the obvious. Colleges are assessing the rigorousness of your classes throughout high school as well as your GPA, your performance on standardized test scores, the depth of your commitment and contributions to extracurricular activities, your essay, and recommendations. What a lot of students don’t recognize is that admissions officers are also looking for students who have an unquenchable thirst for learning, know how to ferret out opportunities and take the initiative in relation to their interests, are adept at working independently as well as collaboratively, and who will make valuable contributions to both the intellectual and social life of the college. Are you in 9th-11th grade? You should think about how you are (or could be) cultivating the qualities I just mentioned. Yes, they’ll help you in the college admissions process. More importantly, though, developing these qualities will help you take charge of your life and thrive!
Create a baseline for yourself. If you live near a college, go visit it. Register for an information session and campus tour. It doesn’t matter if you don’t think you’re going to apply to this school. Just go and get a sense of what these kinds of visits are like. You might also want to try visiting three very different types of schools (e.g., a small liberal arts college, a larger private research university, and a state school). Getting a sense of the type of environment that feels good to you is a great way to start! If your family cannot afford to visit schools, check out College Greenlight’s listing of free or very low-cost fly-in programs: http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/b log/college-fly-diversity-programs-2016-2017. Also check out “Making the Most of Your College Visits” to learn how to maximize your on-campus adventures: http://www.getyourselfintocollege .com/2014/02/college-visits/. Poking around on college websites can be fun and really useful but also confusing. I recommend getting the free version of Evernote and downloading the web clipper. Then, whenever you find something interesting on a college website, you can “clip” it, tag it with the college name, and easily find it again when you need it. Following a few schools (including their admissions account) on Facebook, Twittter, Instagram, or elsewhere helps you keep your finger on the pulse of the school. These fairly simple steps will help you develop clarity about schools and can be really useful when writing college-specific supplemental essays and going on alumni interviews.
Who is your role model?
College edition! Suzannah: University of Maryland
Do you ever wonder who the college students of today look up to? We asked college students to share who their role models are! Here’s what they had to say..
I look up to Brandon Stanton, the visionary behind Humans of New York. The world needed someone like him to start a movement for sharing personal stories with millions of strangers--to not only be proud of telling your story but also to gain a stronger sense of empathy by reading others' stories and finding a unique way to relate to it.
Rachel Digangi: Lesley University A public figure I look up to would definitely have to be Shonda Rhimes. In her book, Year of Yes, Shonda was raw and honest about her past personal turmoil, and what it took for her to transform herself into the person she is today. She is a single mother of three children, an author of a New York Times best selling book, owns Thursday nights on ABC, and can honestly say she is a confident, powerful woman. I aspire to be as genuinely happy, healthy, successful, and impactful as she is, and continues to be.
Courtney: Arizona State University Christina Perri is one of the most humble musicians in her industry. She has every reason to keep herself centered in the limelight, yet she spends her time doing things that average people do. She records herself playing with her niece, or singing with friends. Christina always tries to better herself, which is incredibly inspiring.
Dafna: Rockland Community College When thinking about who I admire most, many famous role models come to mind. But after giving it some serious thought, it seems apparent that the truest role models, and people I most look up too happen to be my fellow classmates. The students who always seem to have a strong head on their shoulders with real goals and real potential.
Kyla Speizer is a high school student in North Carolina, and the founder of The Elly Fund. The Elly Fund is a non-profit that raises money to support the high school education of two Kenyan children, from a slum in Nairobi--Trinta Akoth and Elly Ochieng. They are both fifteen and currently enrolled in high school outside of Nairobi, and very bright, passing their primary school exams with flying colors, but cannot afford the cost of high school in Kenya. The Elly Fund works closely with Mathare Community Outreach Primary School, which is where both Trinta and Elly attended school.
“One year out of school is not an easy task to do, most girls if put in my shoes would have lost faith in studying. [But] now I am back in school, who knew in this world that I’d ever join high school, and not just a school, [but] a good school.” -Trinta Akoth For most people, high school is something to dread, but for fifteen year old Trinta Akoth, high school is a luxury that she never thought she would get to indulge. Trinta grew up a few miles outside of the center of Nairobi, Kenya. For her, education past the eighth grade costs a fee that she and many others cannot afford. Trinta passed her primary school exams with flying colors, and the only thing that kept her from a secondary education was poverty. Trinta’s situation is not uncommon, fifteen year old Elly Ochieng was in a similar place to Trinta. Elly grew up in Mathare slum Nairobi. His mother sells vegetables in the slum, and supports a large family.
Elly’s exams showed exemplary results as well. However, his mother also could not afford the large school fee costs. Both Trinta and Elly are currently enrolled in high school, thanks to the help of a non-profit, The Elly Fund. Trinta dreams of being a journalist, and Elly hopes to be a civil engineer. Everyone dreams, and for most, there are challenges they must face in order to achieve their dreams. However, a lack of education should not be a part of the struggle to achieve one’s goals or dreams. The only way for Trinta, Elly, and all the other children around the world to achieve their long-term dreams, begins with an education. Education can free them from the binds of poverty, and in turn, help them make their dreams possible. Education is a fundamental human right, and people all over the world, like Trinta and Elly, are being denied this human right. Nothing should stand in the way of children and their education. No matter the barrier standing in the way, education should be available to everyone, everywhere.
Understanding different points of views‌ Should college tuition be free? The most important ingredient in an exchange of ideas between two people is mutual respect! We created this forum as a place where two people with opposing views can engage in a respectful dialogue while talking about a sensitive topic. It is important to educate yourself with both sides of the issue. We asked two college students with opposing views on if college tuition should be free. Here is what they had to say: Erica: College tuition should be free. This would benefit both college age students, and also society as a whole. Since a college education clearly improves someone's earning ability, it follows that a greater percentage of Americans with college degrees would result in fewer people requiring forms of public assistance. In addition, a more highly educated population would result in faster progress in solving society's many challenges. People who are not burdened by college debt would be freer to try new ideas, and use their talent, instead of focusing on paying off college loans. In addition, student loan debt can reduce an individual's chances of owning a home, and accumulating wealth, and doing those things that ultimately are reinvestments in society.
Andrew: College tuition should not be free to students. If it was, it could put a tremendous strain on state budgets, which could cause cuts in other important state funded programs that serve the needy. Also, if colleges and universities only relied on government money they might become less responsible financially since they wouldn't have to worry about competing with other schools financially. In other words, it's a recipe for colleges becoming wasteful. Another point is that people assign value to services they have to pay for. Students might not be as serious about their education if they were receiving it for free. And it could be their first step in becoming dependent on government programs.
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About the Author
How to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to action
By Jenn Graham
Jenn Graham is a social innovation designer who blends business strategy, behavior change theory, the art of storytelling and the power of design to build issue-based campaigns and community-based interventions that drive positive social change. She leads an Atlanta-based social innovation design firm, Aha! Strategy, working with select leaders of nonprofits, coalitions and governments—at a city, state and national level—to move the needle on important social and civic issues, from early childhood education to transportation to community engagement.
People rarely like being told what to think, and as any teenager despises being told what to do. Even my father, who says he’s a teenager trapped in a 67 year old body, can’t stand it when I remind him he needs to follow the doctor’s orders and exercise four times a week, to keep his heart in good health. He already knows that he needs to do it, but there seems to be a “knowing—doing gap.”
Unfortunately, so much of what we hear in the media is told in a “matter of fact” way where there is right vs wrong and any question of a “why” is met with “because I said so.” This kind of command and control form of leadership is not inspiring, and tends to breed rebellion, resentment and distrust. Unfortunately, this is the leadership tactic taken by many CEOs, politicians, teachers and even parents. Instead of forcing people to act a certain way through money or power, I believe in the power of a threepronged approach that informs, inspires and motivates individuals to take action. As a social innovation designer, I blend a background in business with a masters in design and the art of community organizing to launch issue-based campaigns and interventions that drive positive social change.
In my experience, having a strong business case backed by facts, data and compelling arguments will only get us so far. It’s why most people know they need to eat healthy and exercise regularly in order to stay healthy and fit, but 66% of adults are overweight or obese. If knowing was enough, people would automatically turn knowledge into action. Design-thinking helps us be more empathetic. By asking questions and listening carefully, we can walk in the shoes of others, understand their personal struggles and connect with them on common values we all share. This emotional connection is what makes a strategy come to life. And lastly, we need the invitation. In community organizing, everyone needs a role.
“By asking questions and listening carefully, we can walk in the shoes of others, understand their personal struggles and connect with them on common values we all share.” People who feel involved in the creation of a solution often feel more personally invested in seeing the solution succeed. They care more, share more, do more and become champions for the issue or cause. Sometimes all they need is an invitation to commit to take action and clear roles for how they can get involved.
Sources for students looking at colleges
Noodle has all you need to know about more than 4,000 U.S. colleges! Noodle.com
Search for colleges, read reviews, and search for scholarships all in one place! Cappex.com Big Future help students to prepare for a successful transition to college! Bigfuture.collegeboard.org
We Celebrate‌
Givers Givers
Let’s talk about giving‌
Why is it so important to be a giver? Where would the world be without givers? And imagine where the world could be if every person was a giver. When one person gives, it will inspire another person to do the same, triggering a chain reaction of giving. If every person can give just a little, think of how much giving that would be!
What does it mean to be a giver? A true giver gives without expecting anything in return. Giving comes with no strings attached.
How can you be a giver? Every person in the world has the means to be a giver. Giving is not limited to donating money or even donating your time. From participating in small acts of kindness, to offering a smile to a stranger, giving comes in all forms.
Charities that make it possible for you to help others live a better life‌
Donors Choose Donors Choose is great! You start by selecting a project you want to help, and the amount you want to send. Then you transfer your money, and that’s it!
Network for Good Network for Good allows any person to give or donate over the computer so you don’t have to leave your home.
1% For Humanity 1% for Humanity is a movement of individuals and businesses committed to giving at least 1% of their gross income to fight poverty.
Give to yourself by Maintaining a Healthy and Holistic Lifestyle By Jennifer Blossom
Holistic Living- a term that is so powerful and one that truly has the potential to change the course of one's lifestyle forever. In its simplest terms, holistic living is the ability to nourish the mind-body-soul connection. It’s understanding that in order to live our true potential in health, happiness, and service, we must tap into our holistic roots. Why? When we eat better, exercise regularly, practice prayer and mindfulness, and truly take time for our social and emotional health, we’re better (and healthier!) individuals because of it. So, how do you Blossom into your BEST self using holistic practices?
Exercise on a Regular BasisExperiment with difference exercises from yoga, walking, running, swimming, biking, pilates, and more, until you find your “soulmate workout”. Remember, working out is supposed to be FUN! Find an exercise (or a few!) that you absolutely love and stick with it 4-5 days a week. Bonus tip? Make it social! Grab a friend for accountability and get sweaty together! Keep in mind that each time you workout is an opportunity for you to get stronger, release stress, have a clearer mind and great energy all day long!
Eat Well- Eliminate processed foods, dairy, high sugar, high fats, crackers, chips, sodas, juices, and any other “empty calorie food� out there. Remind yourself that each time you eat is an opportunity to nourish your body on a cellular level. Eat lean. Eat green. Eat clean. Hydrate well. When you eat better, you feel better.
Mindfulness + Environment- Part of giving back to yourself is learning how to be mindful. Mindfulness is an opportunity to tune into your innermost being. Learn to listen to your body. Quiet your mind, tune in, and create pockets of silence throughout your day to center yourself and to implement this positive practice. Bonus Tip? Take time to get out in nature each day. This is an excellent way to practice mindfulness as well!
Social + Leisure- Creating time for healthy friendships and leisure time is a crucial part of living balanced and whole. Surround yourself with positive energy, positive friends, and be sure to participate in activities that are purposeful and meaningful to you. This will bring much joy and balance to your life and is absolutely essential for living your best. Also, look for ways to grow as an individual through positive podcasts, books, audio books, mentors, and more. You should always be looking for ways to grow as an individual both personally and professionally! Remember, it is not selfish to care for yourself. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary. When we first learn to take care of ourselves, then we can truly give back and be one-hundred percent present to our family, friends, and community.
5 tips on why foster parents
ARE No Ordinary Parent By Elizabeth Sutherland
1. Routines and how they are important to predictability - We all need that sense of security in our lives. When a child has been removed from his/her home, they are leaving behind what they have known and with that goes security. For new parents, it's important to build that foundation right away and help the child develop self-discipline. Once you do this, you'll start to see a change and for the better! “Work on building the relationship and trust will soon follow.�
2. Building trust and relationships - Don't get discouraged if you have a child in your home and feel they are distant. These children are coming from all walks of life and are put into uncomfortable circumstances. My advice, for the first few weeks, is to take the time to get to know them on a personal and deeper level. Be in their moment; listen to their wants and needs. Smile often and share hugs. Trust and relationships don't happen overnight. It may take months or perhaps years before you gain their trust. Work on building the relationship and trust will soon follow.
3. Having fun - They say that laughter is good for the soul. I believe it. After the trauma that these children faced, laughter could possibly be the best medicine. Carve out time in their routine to have some fun as a family. Communication is key in asking what the child wants. Depending on the ages, entertainment can vary. When a child is having fun, they are more accepting, active and enjoying life with YOU! 5. Acceptance into the family - We all want that one thing, to be accepted. When a child has just had their world turned upside down, the most important action to take is to make that child feel like they belong. Help them see their value and what they can contribute to your life as a parent. Never exclude the child from family activities and make every effort to introduce them to your whole family. Help them find a place they can call home.
4. No labeling - I've never been a big fan of the word "foster" before child/parent. But it's there. One of the biggest ways to make a child feel like they don't belong in/out of the foster care system is putting a label to their name. Be careful how you introduce your child. NEVER put the disorder before the child. You should always address the child first such as " Liz, my foster child vs my foster child, Liz." Make him/her feel like an individual and that they are worth a million bucks. Don't label them. Labels belong on cans.
Elizabeth Sutherland is very passionate about the wellbeing of children and is a published author of the book, Growing Up In The Care Of Strangers, as well as sharing her thoughts and experiences in her new book, A Foster Care Manifesto: Defining the Alumni Movement.
Shop for a Cause! Shops that give back‌ Lion + Wolf designs and creates modern and colorful pet accessories for dogs, cats, and their design-conscious owners. We donate a portion of our proceeds to local animal shelters, and also donate products to charities that hold fundraising events supporting animal wellness. We are looking forward to connecting with our local community and helping to make a difference in the lives of animals as our business grows.
Bears For Humanity is a social commerce company that believes in safe, GOTS Certified organic toys and gifts, creating jobs for women and at-risk mothers in the USA and worldwide through a fair trade supply chain, giving to children in need of love through our BUY ONE GIVE ONE program, and a sustainable environment.
Elegantees the "elegant tee" with a vision to restore women rescued from sex trafficking in Nepal. Each design provides a positive and livable wage to group of women in their sewing center. Shop online at www.elegantees.com
BY: DIANDRA KALISH
UnTabooed is a New York City based nonprofit committed to breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation by providing menstrual health education and sustainable menstrual products to women in need, and promoting conversation among people everywhere. We offer one hour educational workshops that teach about the menstrual cycle, menstrual health, and reusable menstrual products, specifically cloth pads and menstrual cups. I started UnTabooed after learning that many homeless and low income girls and women in the US lack access to menstrual products. They often miss school or work because of this. Menstrual products are taxed in many states, and cannot be purchased using food stamps. Though they are one of the most needed items, menstrual products are rarely donated, and shelters usually do not ask because of the taboo surrounding the topic. I have used reusable menstrual products for three years, and thought about how they have saved me money, and I no longer run out of products. Reusable menstrual products make sure no girl or woman worries about where her next menstrual product is coming from because they last for 10 years! If you want to become a giver in your community, talk to people and learn about what they might need or think is missing. You can also bring UnTabooed to your community. Contact us to find out how!
Make an IMPACT! By: Holly Thompson
Why should we help our community? It’s a great question, and I’m glad you asked. My name is Holly Thompson, and I have long wanted to help others around me. I find that by helping others, I feel better about myself, and I feel better about the world as well. I have made dozens of new friends, and I get to work with others who like to help as well. It is a great feeling, and there are so many fun and cool ways to help. A few years ago I started my own teen community service group. We call ourselves IMPACT345. IMPACT345 participates in several acts of community service, but our main project is working with Have a Heart Cayman. Have A Heart provides finances and other support so that poor children from all over the world can get heart surgery at Health City, Cayman Islands. Many of these children come from Haiti and are malnourished because their families cannot afford food. In addition to the care and support they receive in Cayman, Have a Heart partners with other charities to provide food and education to these children once they return home. IMPACT345 helps by collecting, washing, and giving each child a backpack when we visit them at the hospital. These backpacks hold school supplies, toys, and clothing, and other things they might need, depending on the age of the child. IMPACT345 started in October 2014 when I met the first charity patient at Health City. Over time, others started visiting with me and before I knew it we had formed our own community service group! At first I thought that any attempt to make a difference would fail. I thought that a simple visit and a conversation with these needy and sick children would not change anything. I was completely wrong. The smiles and heartfelt gratitude of over a hundred children have proven me wrong. Yes, our contribution is small in comparison to that of the lifesaving procedures performed by the doctors at Health City and the fundraising work of Have a Heart. But are we still teenagers, and I truly believe that our small IMPACT345 will continue to grow. I now believe that our generation can actually change our world for the better. If you join us, you will come to believe it too. We can all make a difference. We can all IMPACT our world.
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Worthy causes that you need to know about!
Aphoyo is attempting to prove that children matter regardless of where they’re from. We exist to help Ugandan children pursue their dreams through education. To educate these children, we work through everyday people who are willing to give a few dollars a month. These sponsors are amazing, they really are proving that these children, who they have never met, are worth their time, finances and love. Aphoyo works on the ground to seek out the kids that everyone else has overlooked. We work through Ugandan Mentors who specifically seek out children that would never have a shot without our intervention. Our mentors become parts of our students’ families: they advise on education, school work, family dilemmas, planning for the future. Aphoyo has had the incredible privilege to change lives.
Ellie's Hats is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to donate hats to children battling cancer, raise awareness of childhood cancer and support hospitals that treat pediatric cancer patients. A spunky little red headed girl, who was battling ALL, inspired me to start Ellie's Hats. I have been a teacher for 34 years and have always tried to help children so helping children battling cancer is something that I wanted to do. You often hear people talk about "giving back" and it is important to find a cause that you care about and do what you can to help. You do not have to devote a lot of time or money to help a cause or an organization.
Apps for Givers Givety is the perfect app for givers! This app is creating the next generation of givers by making giving fun!
Cheerful Giving is on a mission to unite every big hearted person who cares about the world. This app unites donors with charitable organizations.
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