Jeanie Grimm, College Consultant
When I was in high school, a very popular bumper sticker and t-shirt logo read, “Think globally, act locally.” I think of this often in my work with students who are eager to have an impact in the world. Very early on, I try to shift the aspiration to this one: “How can I have an impact on the world around me?” There is need and opportunity everywhere. With limited time and resources, the likelihood of solving the national fentanyl crisis or addressing world hunger is, well, non-existent. The chance that you can make a difference, however, is certain!
I worked recently with a student whose parents’ home country is India, and she very much wanted to address the need there for a more inclusive system for children with disabilities. Her heart was exactly in the right place, and she’d already shown she was a fierce advocate for inclusivity and someone with a skill set (she was a competitive swimmer) by designing a swim class for students with disabilities. In order to achieve something and feel satisfied, we discussed pitching the idea to her local Y instead. The class has become a massive success. Her initial thoughts were on an international scale…and, honestly, I expect she will make a difference in that realm some day! For now, she has a significant achievement to present and more opportunities to pursue.
Almost anything a student wants to do can be done in their own community. Traveling abroad on a mission trip can have great personal value, and the lessons learned can be meaningful, but the needle in admissions may not move as much because the opportunity for impact is often contained within that week of service. What if you provided a steady group of helpers who provided free yardwork all summer long for neighbors or residents in need instead of, or in addition to, that cool mission experience? If you like science, sure, you could engage with a company to join a research project, and/or you could explore options at your local library for teaching science classes for elementary school students. If you are interested in finance, you’ll have a hard time finding a Wall Street internship as a high school student, but maybe you can produce a series of videos on financial literacy and distribute them.
Your McNeal Sams advisor would love to talk with you about discovering and developing your interests and using them to make a difference, right here at home.
