Student activism
Shelly Humbach • June 9, 2020
It was hard to imagine 2020 being any worse, and then the country erupted over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Communities have watched in horror as protests have boiled over into riots and confrontations with heavily armed police and national guard troops. In a summer that already felt uncertain, the civil unrest adds a layer of foreboding that may seem almost impossible to bear. But you can counter that feeling of helplessness with action.
Student activism has long been the catalyst for political and societal change. Civil rights, feminism, LGBTQ rights, environmentalism, anti-gun violence – there are many movements that have been dramatically advanced by student action. No matter your political, social or personal beliefs, college is usually a place where you can find like-minded friends. It can also be a place where your beliefs are challenged.
You can advance anti-racism or another cause safely with some of the following strategies.
1. Educate yourself!
Being informed is the first and perhaps most important step to advocacy.
2. Vote!
Suffice it to say, the November election may be one of the most pivotal in the country’s history. This may be your first chance to vote. Be informed on the candidates (all of them – local and national) and don’t sacrifice your fundamental role in this democracy.
3. Make your voice heard!
Even if you are not old enough to vote, you can still influence others. Campaign for candidates you believe in, advocate for causes that inspire you, share your voice in the classroom, with your friends and family, and on social media. Keep these conversations respectful by being informed (see point 1). Use your skills and talents – be that writing, art, photography, performing, or programming – to tell your story.
4. Take action!
Action is often amplified when people come together. Join a group or club of like-minded students, attend a peaceful protest or demonstration, organize an event for your school or community, create a fundraiser for your cause. Taking action not only furthers your ideals but also builds an individual sense of certainty or control.
Although it is a heavy burden, it’s your generation that is capable of creating societal change. Consider the America you want to live in and the role you want to have in building that community. Upending an entrenched system may seem monumental, but history shows that change does happen. As Ghandi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” And for now - be safe and take care of yourself and your community.
In June, I hosted my annual Senior Essay Writing Workshop. This was the first in-person workshop since 2019. I bet you can guess why. I was elated to meet my students face-to-face after months, even years, of connecting through the screen. Imagine my surprise at their height, super-smiles, and warm laughter. Dang, it was wonderful. So, essentially, all my in-state seniors gather at my house for a three-hour intensive workshop on crafting a killer college essay. As I was preparing for the event, it occurred to me that I might be in competition with their PHONE. Classic directness (this is probably a character flaw) led me to inform my students and their parents, in advance, that this would be a no-phone gathering. My messaging went something like this, Important: Phones are placed in a basket at the door and retrieved at noon. No exceptions. Parents: If you need to reach your student during the workshop, text me directly at **********. Now, I am fully on board with the phone-free movement. I support it, advocate for it, and live it (I brilliantly quit all personal media last November). And I thought: my event, my rules. I was a little concerned about how this announcement would land. Turns out my concern was mainly about the parents. The kids? Not so much. In fact, research indicates that students crave phone-free learning environments. Suffice to say, the workshop was a smashing success. Not a single student pushed back against the policy. One poor soul forgot to retrieve her phone and left it sitting all alone in the basket. Not to worry, though. She didn’t get far before turning back to grab it. Here’s the truth: We don’t have to bow down to every technological whim or societal pressure. As adults, we know the phone is a problem, and it’s our job to foster healthy, happy individuals. So let's keep this momentum going. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When you know better, do better.”
I work with incredible colleagues; collaborative, smart and supportive. They make me better and I am deeply grateful. Every year, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy of Big J Educational Consulting share invaluable information regarding college admissions. Their research is impeccable and accurate and provides crucial data to help students and families make informed college decisions. Read on, share broadly and give a shout out to these generous professionals! Early Decision and Regular Decision Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Domestic Undergraduate Need-Based and Merit Aid Class of 2028 In-State and Out-of-State Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Financial Aid for International Noncitizens Class of 2028 International Noncitizens Acceptance Rate and Yield Class of 2028 Percentage of Students Submitting SAT and ACT Scores Class of 2028 Athletic Divisions and Conferences (partial list) Class of 2028 - NEW! These charts are visual, interactive, and easy to use. They make it possible to instantly sort using any column's metrics and to easily compare subsets of colleges. They are free and can be accessed at www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/resources . From Jennie and Jeff: We hope you find these resources helpful in your work guiding students. Please feel free to share them broadly as long as they remain in their original unedited form. Permission is not granted to those charging a fee for their distribution. If you find an error after cross-referencing with an institution's Common Data Set, please contact us at info@bigjconsult.com . Thank you!
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