This Huffington Post article below reminds me of research about  school curricula that allow students to explore new ways of doing things and potentially have failed attempts.  Of course, none of the great inventions came from a single attempt.

The term “realistic optimist” is a wonderful combination of hope, perseverance, and objectivity.  Staying positive does not mean that one never experiences negativity or disappointment.  It’s what one does with those experiences that matters, along with the ability to bounce back.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/18/the-9-essential-qualitie_n_4760403.html

I recently read an article written by Drew Desilver of the Pew Research Organization entitled:

“5 Facts about Today’s College Graduates”.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/05/30/5-facts-about-todays-college-graduates/

It is amazing to think that only 56% of college students complete a degree within a 6 year period.  Of course, most people think of money immediately.  Who can afford college?  I would argue that there are many other factors at work as well.

Here are just three of the areas on which I focus the academic coaching I do with college students:

Goals

Perseverance

Skill building

All three make a huge difference in a student’s chances for ultimately earning a college degree.

It is a fact that college graduates earn more money that those without degrees.  The article concludes with the fact that most college graduates think that their degree was worth the money (98% of those with higher incomes compared to 63% of those with incomes below $50,000).

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

This quote is by Nelson Mandela.  I love it because it reminds me of the infinite possibilities in life.  I reflect on the things that I have done that at one time didn’t seem possible, and it encourages me to dream big and realize that the only limits I have are self-imposed.

As an educational consultant, this notion is the very spirit of the work that I do with others.  I believe in people.  I believe they can do “impossible” things.  Though I am grounded in reality, I know that, given enough time, work and determination, anything can happen.

Yes, nothing is impossible.  Dream big.

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