What I Learned from a Week Immersed in Innovation

Last week was an exciting week of professional learning as I attended the THE-BMI Global International Schools Forum and Workshop in London, a new event. From engaging conversations with college counselors to exploring university campuses and delving into the future of AI, every moment was filled with inspiration. Here I hoped to provide a recap of the week with the hope others will engage in the program in the future.

The Gathering of Extraordinary Minds: The forum brought together 94 exceptional college counselors from around the world. The camaraderie and enthusiasm in the air were palpable as we exchanged ideas and engaged in meaningful discussions. It was truly an honor to be a part of this remarkable group of professionals. Part of the engagement was a sense of normalcy not fully felt since the pandemic, but another part were the many opportunities to talk, exchange ideas, and learn from one another is structured and informal settings. It was a busy week, but it was exhilarating.

Counselor Accreditation Program (CAP): A significant part of the week was dedicated to the inaugural cohort of the BMI-THE Counselor Accreditation (known as the CAP). This program offers an invaluable opportunity for counselors to enhance their professional growth and development. I strongly encourage any counselor seeking personal and professional advancement to explore this program. I had the good fortune of working as a member of the THE-BMI International Advisory Board of working with nine other counselors along with BMI, Times Higher Education, and Common Purpose to assist in the design, construction, and implementation of the program. Throughout the week, the cohort engaged in special modules designed to enhance and evolve the counselors’ skills and awareness within our field. Moving forward, the CAP offers free training online for interested counselors. Take a look!

AI and the Future of College & Careers Counseling: One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the event was the focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications. Engaging in conversations with passionate professionals about the role of AI in counseling provided ample food for thought and encouragement. The future skills required for the evolving work world were also discussed, highlighting the importance of staying ahead in this ever-changing landscape.

Exploring Prominent Universities: During the week, as part of the program, we had the pleasure of visiting several renowned university campuses, including King's College London, LSE, and UCL in London, University College Dublin, City University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, and University of Limerick in Ireland, and TIO in Amsterdam. Each institution revealed their unique offerings, and I am eager to share my experiences with my students, as these campuses offer exceptional educational opportunities.

Engaging with Global Universities: Another highlight of the week was the opportunity to interact with representatives from various universities worldwide. From Huron University in Canada and Exeter in the UK to Middlesex University Dubai and Le Cordon Bleu, I had insightful conversations that broadened my understanding of different educational pathways and opportunities for my students. These exchanges enriched my knowledge and will undoubtedly benefit my students.

Meeting Visionary Leaders: I was fortunate to meet influential leaders during the event, including Huron University President Barry Craig. His commitment and passion for education were inspiring, and I believe any student would thrive under his leadership. International ACAC President Kris Toribio opened the event with powerful and inspiring remarks, setting a positive tone for the days ahead. Additionally, futurist Jim Tudor, founder of the Future Index, shared remarkable insights into the future skills required in the workforce, aligning perfectly with several of the discussions on AI. The CAP cohort also had the amazing opportunities to workshop with Liz Sproat, an Executive/Leadership Coach and with significant experience in global leadership roles for superbrands such as Google and Lego, Muloongo Muchelemba, Director of Selection for Rise (a joint initiative by The Rhodes Trust and Schmidt Futures to identify brilliant teens who seek opportunity to serve others for life) Founder of Pan-African news, info & ideas blog, ongolo.com, and Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O21 and an Early Careers Industry leader who has created multi-award-winning programmes across apprenticeship, internship and graduate programmes. It was an added bonus to engage with these prominent voices ancillary to our profession as a way to expand our thinking, particularly around the theme of preparing our students for an uncertain future.

The THE-BMI Global International Schools Forum and Workshop was a remarkable event that brought together passionate college counselors and visionary leaders. From engaging discussions to exploring prestigious university campuses, the week was filled with inspiration and new insights. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, embracing AI and staying at the forefront of advancements will be crucial for preparing students to thrive in an unknown future. I am grateful for the opportunities this event provided and look forward to implementing the knowledge gained in my own practice, and I hope these experience will inspire others to engage with the program in the future.

June Checklist & Cheatsheet

Here are the June Checklist and Cheatsheet! The checklist is a monthly resource collecting all of the typical duties and tasks for a college counselor for the month. See the PDF for June here, or read below. Then, the intention of the College Counseling Cheatsheet is to provide a 30-minute (or less) activity each weekday that college counselors can do to improve their counseling practice. Furthermore, the monthly calendar is designed to be uploaded as a CSV file into your Google (or other) calendar so you can get reminders and even move the event to whenever you want within your busy schedule. (Download the Cheatsheet, open your Google Calendar, open Settings, and follow the instructions in the Import/Export tab on the left-hand navigation menu!) Here is the link to the June Cheatsheet.

Take a look, and give me some feedback! Did I miss anything? Do you have any good ideas to share? Any thoughts? Please add them in the comments or email me!

June Checklist"
"Grad Grins and Future Schemes"

During this month, the college counseling office is filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, as students and counselors bid farewell to the graduating class. Counselors work with students to finalize their summer plans, such as internships, summer programs, or volunteer experiences. Meanwhile, students are encouraged to reflect on their high school journey and the valuable lessons they have learned, while also looking forward to the next chapter of their lives.

• Celebrate graduating seniors: Organize or attend graduation ceremonies, recognizing the achievements of your grade 12 students and wishing them well in their future endeavors.

• Wrap up end-of-year reports: Finalize and submit reports on college acceptances, scholarships, and other notable achievements to school administration and the community.

• Plan summer check-ins: Schedule periodic check-ins with students participating in summer enrichment programs, internships, or job opportunities to monitor their progress. Or don’t! But make your expectations clear!

• Continue supporting waitlisted seniors: Provide guidance and support for grade 12 students still awaiting final decisions from colleges on their waitlist.

• Reflect on the past school year: Analyze the successes and challenges of your counseling program, identifying areas for improvement or expansion.

• Begin preparations for college fairs: Research and plan for upcoming college fairs in the fall, contacting college representatives and organizing logistics.

• Encourage grade 11 students to work on college essays: Share tips and resources to help students brainstorm, draft, and revise their personal statements over the summer.

• Monitor summer test dates: Ensure that students registered for summer SAT/ACT test dates are aware of their testing locations and any necessary preparation.

• Create a fall event calendar: Develop a schedule of events and activities for the upcoming school year, such as college visits, workshops, and information sessions.

• Review curriculum offerings: Evaluate your school's course offerings and ensure that students have access to a diverse range of classes that meet college admissions requirements. This may also include updating your NCAA information for the Clearinghouse.

• Develop counseling resources: Create or update handouts, presentations, and other materials for student and parent meetings.

• Plan for grade 9 & new student orientation: Organize activities and informational sessions to welcome incoming grade 9 students and transfer students and introduce them to the college planning process.

• Coordinate with school staff: Meet with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to discuss upcoming events, changes in school policy, and strategies for student success.

• Prepare for the next application cycle: Review grade 11 students' progress in their college search and application process, and develop action plans for the upcoming school year.

• Set goals for the upcoming year: Establish objectives and benchmarks for your counseling program, based on data and feedback from the previous year.

• Recharge and rejuvenate: Take some time for yourself to rest and recharge before the start of the next school year, ensuring that you are prepared and energized to support your students.

• Organize student files: Ensure that all student records are up to date, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters.

• Express gratitude: Thank your colleagues, teachers, and school staff for their support and collaboration throughout the year, and wish your students well as they move on to the next phase of their educational journey.

Again, if you have any ideas or thoughts, please put them in the comments below or email me!