Getting to the Core

Every day in this time brings something different, and we are all hungry for ways to put a positive spin on all of this uncertainty. I have seen in a few different places the story of Isaac Newton and his Annus Mirabilis, the “year of wonders” he spent exiled at his country estate hiding out from the Plague, and all he was able to accomplish freed from the constraints of his normal life. While this is inspiring there are a few things I would like to know–How long did it take Isaac to actually get into a real routine? Did he lay around for a month or did he jump right into the world-changing discoveries? What if you aren’t a genius? (Like me, for instance). What was it about Isaac Newton that allowed him to move past the fear and disappointment of leaving school because of a deadly disease and figure some very important things out?

I have always loved to read and when I was young our school had a series of biographies of famous people. Small chapter books with the same blue and white covers telling the stories of historical figures like Daniel Boone, Marie Curie, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson that I plowed through in no time–I was really eager to figure out not only what these famous people had accomplished, but what about who they were allowed them to accomplish it? My third-grade reading taught me that for all of these people there was some unique combination of personal qualities–curiosity, resilience, compassion, bravery, or intellect that defined their success and who they were.

The question of who we are at our core becomes even more compelling without the structure of what used to be our daily lives, in particular for our students. A month ago most of our Juniors barely had time to grab dinner between practice and homework, much less reflect on who they are; their values and priorities, what defines them. At College Mode carving out time for this kind of reflection is a big part of how we work with our students to find the best college fit for them. Now the effort to set aside the time is not necessary. Everything has slowed down, making room for self-reflection and exploration. We can help our students work through the anxiety, disappointment, and uncertainty they are living with by encouraging them to ask themselves What do I value? What are my strengths? What engages me with the world? Each of our students has their own blue and white book; their unique profile of qualities and values that will define who they are, and how they will live their lives. Now is a great time to start to get in touch with that.