Parents and guardians, stop and look at a clock or your watch. Do you notice anything peculiar about the hands? As the school bell is about toll at 8 o’clock, your watch flashes a reminder that there between 30 – 60 days until your child’s high school graduation (days vary depending on where your child attends school). As you snap back to reality, you then come to grips that with the final ring your child is slated to begin their final year of high school, specifically senior year. Roughly seventeen years ago, you were waving goodbye to them, and subsequently peeking through the window of their classroom, as they embarked on their first day of Pre-Kindergarten. Now, it appears that past feelings of anticipation, excitement, and stress have resurfaced as you help your child navigate the rough waters of senior year.
One of the cliché, yet definitive components of senior year is the development of senioritis. As defined by Merriam-Webster, senioritis is the “ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” Thus, as your senior’s motivation gradually wanes, it will be paramount that their family provides the necessary energy to complete pressing tasks. Such tasks will include completing college applications, completing coursework, extracurricular activities, final exams, and prom (should your child want to go). Moreover, with every ball being juggled in the air, and every task successfully crossed off “to-do” lists, prioritizing time to solidify financial literacy skills is a must! Prioritizing this time can occur during either the fall or spring semesters, or during the first, second, or third quarters depending on your child's academic calendar. Nonetheless, once you and your senior have locked in dates and times, begin preparing your lesson plan. One of the many pertinent topics of conversation can include the costs surrounding college applications and standardized testing. Because it is widely known that college application and exam fees are high, fee waivers are often viewed as a "saving grace" for low-income families. However, fee waivers are not often granted; therefore, alternative methods of payment are needed. If your child secured employment during the summer of 2018 the hope is that a portion of their earnings has been saved for moments such as this. If they were not fortunate to work a summer job, families may be incurring these costs. To avoid frantically covering the cost, the first step is to have your teen thoroughly research the various application costs as well as standardized testing deadlines. Next, because senior dues are right around the corner, begin breaking down the cost of prom, senior trip, yearbook, and other miscellaneous fees then have honest discussions about the affordability of each item. In stressing the importance of early-action planning, be sure to reiterate the importance of employment, after-school employment to be exact. With all student employment, it is crucial that potential employers allow for maximum flexibility; employers should always have your child’s academic and personal interests at the core. Moreover, if your teen previously held a summer position that was not outdoors (amusement park, summer camp, or water park for these will be closed during the fall and winter months), making a possible return should be explored. Furthermore, if your teen’s demeanor was exceptionally pleasant, performance evaluations were solid, and their work ethic was exemplary, send an email to inquire. For teens who did not participate in summer employment, there is a myriad of avenues to explore. Thus, from referrals from family and friends, to small "Help Wanted" postings, job hunting can commence. While the process can be exhaustive, utilizing technology can simplify the process. As such, whether researching at home or at a local library, search engines such as www.indeed.com, www.idealist.com, www.linkedin.com, and www.monster.com provides job seekers with a plethora of employment options that can be narrowed down to best fit your child’s needs. As you explore employment, one area to zoom in on is tutoring. With the domestic and global academic stakes higher than ever, it is imperative that North American high school student excel and thrive. Therefore, if your teenager’s mastery of core subjects is high, and they possess interpersonal skills, explore tutoring further. Tutoring positions can include but are not limited to assisting elementary school students with homework, preparing middle school students for upcoming state examinations, or helping fellow high school peers grasp difficult subjects – Geometry for example. For prospective tutors in New York City, contact organizations such as Huntington Learning Center, Kumon, and The Sylvan Learning Center to inquire about hours and pay rate. Moreover, research private tutoring options, which will allow your teen to not only set up their own work schedules and pay rate but will allow them to develop self-sufficiency skills. Additionally, through frequent positive word-of-mouth referrals, a steady clientele will be developed. With a bevy of options to explore, it is now time for your teenager to create, or polish, their résumés. To all the soon-to-be high school graduates, it is my fervent wish that all of your academic, personal, and professional feats have been achieved. Moreover, it is my additional hope that balancing academics, afterschool employment, extracurricular activities, and homemade financial literacy lessons have not left you emotionally, mentally, and physically empty. All things considered; every last achievement thus far deserves a round of applause!
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