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First day of school
We began the year by working on a mock college application essay. Students wrote rough drafts, revised and edited them, and typed final drafts in Google Documents. -
Read "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes' story focuses on the interactions between young Roger and Mrs. Washington after Roger attempts to steal her purse. Instead of calling the police, Mrs. Washington brings Roger into her home, cleans him up, offers him food, and gives him $10. Hopefully Roger learns a lesson about kindness and hard work. -
Read "On the Bridge" by Todd Strasser in Crossroads textbook
Seth and Adam are hanging out on a bridge smoking cigarettes, but Seth soon learns that Adam is not as cool as he thinks. After Adam flicks a cigarette butt on a moving vehicle, a Mustang full of older boys rough up Seth after Adam blames him for the incident. Adam leaves the situation having learned that he should choose his friends more carefully by simply being himself. -
Read "Ben Carson's Story" from 10 Skills You Really Need to Succeed in College
Little Bennie thinks he is the "dumbest kid in the fifth grade," but his Mom intervenes when he brings home a terrible report card. She restricts his television and after school activities by forcing him to read books every night, and before long, Ben realizes that he can succeed as a student. Today, Ben is a leading neurosurgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University. -
Read "Ryan's Story" in 10 Skills You Really Need to Succeed in College
After his father dies of an overdose, Ryan suffers a childhood of abuse -- both phsyical and substance. He mostly maintains good grades throughout the rough patches of his life, but he ultimately needs the good advice of his brother Frank to push him back into college. Ryan's educational success also stems from his strong work ethic.
