What will you leave behind?

Definition: High School is a 1-4 hour program designed to work with high school seniors in preparation for the world after high school. Whether done at the beginning of the year or the end, Definition: High School asks seniors to reflect on their final year as a guide post for what is to come in the immediate future rather than a time clock in which to count down.

If a school is interested in helping shape the direction of its seniors, regardless of the time of year, Definition: High School can set expectations, help define goals and give guidelines in helping the senior navigate through their final days of high school. Although the program is not preachy or lofty, it does appeal to a senior’s sense of desired outcome regarding pride, lasting impressions and a sense of accomplishment. Universal themes includes some of the following.

Trademark vs. Trust mark:

Why do we wear clothing that advertises a product or institution? We trust in what it is. We will stake our reputation on a trademark if we believe in its Trustmark. Definition: High School asks seniors to consider, “What is your trust mark? What traits and characteristics create your trademark? Are you honest, compassionate, inclusive, involved? Would someone wear a sweat shirt with your name on it? How will you be remembered…or will you be remembered?”

Use it in a sentence:

When younger kids are learning the meaning of words, teachers will often say, “Use the word in a sentence.” It is their way of ensuring the student truly knows the meaning of the word. With Definition: High School, students are asked to think of what it means to be on their own and not held accountable by anyone or anything unless they choose to allow it to happen. High School is the last stop for required…everything after is choice. Be informed and choose wisely. Understand what it is that you want…and practice it now.

Professional vs. Personal:

Everyone wants to be recognized as an individual by what we wear, what we say and what we do. However, a fundamental understanding that your personal choice is not always considered professional is a great asset to possess.

Time is your only true competitor:

The only true competitor in our lives is time; everything else we make up. Sports, work, relationships or anything else that create competition is manufactured by choice or circumstance. How much time is wasted in high school on the wrong things? The average senior has 184 days from start to finish…how will you spend your time and will you spend it wisely?