Self-Discovery
Unleashing Your Potential in the Heart of Community
Recently, I went to an event celebrating women over 40. They talked about embracing the changes that come with aging and the importance of knowing yourself and engaging with life through your values. Some of the women who spoke at the event talked about how hard this can be, especially when the world is encouraging covering gray hair or shaming women for their natural selfies, like when Julia Roberts posted a selfie with her niece, she faced a barrage of hateful comments critiquing her appearance without makeup, spotlighting her natural aging process. In responding to these comments, Roberts said, “I am a 50-year-old woman, and I know who I am; and still, my feelings got so hurt. I was so hurt that they could not see the sweetness of it (the photo); the absolute shining joy in that photo. Then I thought, 'God! What if I was 15?'. That is just devastating!”
When I guide students through the college application process, I frequently encounter situations where students express uncertainty about their academic interests or struggle to articulate their unique qualities in application essays. Many students may feel unsure about their career aspirations, opting for fields they excel in or that are deemed prestigious by their families. Similarly, when tasked with writing about themselves in college application essays, they often perceive their experiences as mundane and struggle to identify compelling narratives.
In my work with teens, my aim is to facilitate a journey of self-discovery, guiding them to explore their passions and potentials for both present and future endeavors. This could entail getting involved in various extracurricular pursuits that ignite their interests, seeking volunteer opportunities that offer valuable hands-on experience, and uncovering their academic passions while navigating the intricacies of college application essays. Questions such as "What unique strengths do you possess that may be overlooked by others?" or "Which aspects of your personal identity hold the greatest significance?" serve as guiding lights on this path of self-awareness and growth.
In the spring of 2023, a couple embarked on a quest for guidance for their ambitious Grade 12 son, Sinan. Fueled by their belief in his aptitude for sciences and math, they envisioned a path paved in numbers and formulas. Little did they know, this journey would take an unexpected turn. From September to December, we immersed ourselves in the intricate world of college applications, and something truly remarkable transpired. With the support of his parents, this young man began uncovering layers of interests and passions that surpassed conventional expectations. During this pivotal process of crafting those college application essays, his narrative transformed, evolving into a reflection of not just academic proficiency, but a deep-seated curiosity that craved exploration. This led to a decision that defied the initial plan — applying to liberal arts colleges, a deliberate choice to immerse himself in the diverse realms of knowledge and discover the intersections that sparked his intellectual curiosity.
And here's the beauty of it all: What started as a journey to fulfill college applications became a process of self-discovery. The parents, once focused on the end goal, now see the entire application process as an opportunity for their teen’s self-reflection—a journey that will undoubtedly shape Sinan’s character and choices for the rest of his life.
