Secondary Newsletter 22 – February 5, 2021
CAS Corner by Remy Girard
Counseling
University Counseling
CAS Corner by Remy Girard
Gym – Self Improvement
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
- Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Since the start of the 2021 school year, I have been going to the gym quite consistently throughout the week. Even though I try to go to the gym consistently, I obviously need to take some days off, as I either have homework or do not have enough energy to go. If some days I am unable to go however, I will substitute that days exercise with others to maintain balance.
Through these past few weeks, I have identified my strengths and weaknesses by keeping track of my progress through my spreadsheet, and have been able to make changes to my routine according to what I need to work on, or what I am already quite good at. For example, this past week, as I did not feel completely 100%, I chose to do moderate exercise just to maintain my body instead of pushing myself to grow, hoping that next week, I will be able to go back to full strength and grow even more.
One challenge that I have always had are my joints. Because of this, I cannot apply much weight or pressure to them without hurting myself. I now choose to brace myself correctly, like wearing leg braces when squatting. I have been learning to do more controlled bodyweight exercises like better pull-ups, and their variations, like muscle-ups, and L-sit pull-ups. This has helped me develop skills in other areas of my body and helps me do different activities in the gym as well.
Counseling
Does your teen have a fixed or growth mindset? Which do you have? Why does it matter?
Those who hold a fixed mindset believe that they are either good or bad at something based on their inherent nature. For instance, someone with a fixed mindset might say, “I’m a natural-born pianist” or “I’m just no good at playing instruments.” Those with fixed mindsets may avoid challenges, give up easily and ignore constructive feedback.
People with a growth mindset believe that their success depends on time and effort. They feel their skills and intelligence can improve with effort and persistence. They embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, learn from criticism, and seek inspiration in others’ success.
Benefits of a growth mindset:
- greater comfort with taking personal risks and striving for more stretching goals
- higher motivation
- enhanced brain development across wider ranges of tasks
- lower stress, anxiety, and depression
- better work relationships
- higher performance levels
This quiz can help you identify if you or your teens have a fixed or growth mindset. And this site is a parent guide to developing a growth mindset. A must-read! Carol Dweck is a lead psychologist in researching growth mindset and shares clearly in her 9:30 minute TedTalk on the power of a growth mindset.
University Counseling
Registrations and deadlines:
Upcoming International SAT Test Date & Deadline
How to Register for the SAT
Summer Programs
Washington University in St. Louis | Pre-College Summer Programs
Summer Discovery | Summer 2021 Program
High School AI Summer Program by Stanford PhD Students – (Feb 15)
EU Business School Summer Program Scholarship – (deadline Feb 28)
Fairs
Webifairs | Explore universities around the world
IDP Education | Australia & New Zealand Virtual Education Fair – (Feb 6 and 7)
The Student World | Meet 40 universities in Study Abroad Sessions – (Mar 18)
Virtual events
For women with a STEM degree looking for a scholarship to study for a Master’s in STEM
Colby College | Introducing the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence
British Council
Study Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast
Medicine Work Experience by Dr OJ’s Surgery | Live Every Saturday in Feb
CEI Talkshow Series | Study Health Studies in Canada – (Feb 6)
Digital Discovery Day Breda University of Applied Sciences – (Feb 6)
Computer Science Day with the University of Washington – (Feb 6)
BridgeU Career Showcase: Creative Industries and Arts – (Feb 10)
Brock University | International Open Day – (Feb 10 & 11)
The University of Edinburgh | Through the Global Pandemic and Beyond – (Feb 17)
Interactive Workshop on Building a Business Model Canvas by ESSEC Business School – (Feb 20)
Dutch Research Universities Consortium (DRU) View: Online Open Day for students and parents – (Feb 23)
Stanley Prep | United Nations Semester Online (UNSO) Program – (deadline Feb 26)
Norwich University | STEM Scholarship Program – (deadline Mar 25)
Carl Benz School Application Portal is Now Open – (April 30)
Webster University is accepting applications for Fall 2021 – (deadline June 15)
Resources
Bridge U showcases by career topic – open to students and parents
BridgeU 15 questions to ask when choosing a university
List of scholarships for international students
Opportunity for a scholarship from Seton Hall University by sharing a unique business idea
Guide for International University Admissions
BridgeU Supporting your child through the application process (G12 should have shortlists completed and should be moving from shortlists to applications.)
BridgeU tips for parents of 2021
BridgeU tips for parents of 2022