COLLEGE SIGNING DAY!
You probably remember the image. High school athletes seated at a table, donning jerseys from the college teams they will play for in the coming year, flanked on either side by proud parents and coaches.
Today’s images are different. College Signing Day is not just for athletes anymore. It’s a celebration of ALL students who are committing to go to college. They are our future scientists, dental hygienists, engineers, welders, teachers, diesel mechanics, precision farmers, video game designers and so much more.
Photo from Santa Barbara High School, NoozHawk April 25, 2019.
College Signing Day is for everyone and it is a BIG deal.
College Signing Day is a ceremony that honors and recognizes students’ commitment to realizing their professional goals past high school. When we declare our intention to accomplish something in the presence of others, there is an increased internal commitment to achieving the goal. Increasing the internal commitment is why people get married in front of their friends and family. It is why I tell my friends that I signed up for a 10k road race. I want them to ask me about my training. I invite them to hold me accountable for reaching my goal.
Once students “sign” and accept their offer of admission to college, the journey begins. Like the friends at a wedding, this is when YOUR commitment to the soon-to-be first-year college student really kicks in. Ask if they have registered for classes and which class excites them. Offer to be a resource person if they have questions on how navigating the maze of college offices. Listen when they invariably call in Week 3 with a bout of homesickness.
College Signing Day is just the beginning. The commitment to achieving the goal of a college degree requires a personal daily check-in and the care and accountability friends and family offer.
Follow the Success Prints blog for tips on mastering the ins and outs of college life. You need good company on the college journey; Success Prints is here as your co-pilot.
For more information on College Signing Day, check out Better Make Room.