EDUCATIONAL
TALENT SEARCH
We s t e r n K e n t u c k y U n ive r s i t y
From the Director’s Desk
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
From the Director
1
Brain Drain
1
Fair & Tour Pics
2
College Visits
3
Graduate Advice
4
Transition to H.S.
5
Reading Speed
6
More books
6
The Family Budget
6
The end of another school year is here! The Educational Talent Search staff
would like to thank the students, parents, and our school personnel for assisting
us in making the 2013-2014 school year a successful one!
To our senior class of 2014, congratulations!!! We are extremely proud of you
and all of your accomplishments! Remember our staff is here to assist you with
questions, concerns or issues you might have during the summer months leading
into your freshmen year of college.
To our parents with students currently in grades 8-11, we will be preparing for
the 2014-2015 year soon! We look forward to another great year! Remember, our
office remains open during the summer months. If you should have any questions
or need assistance, please call 270-745-3757.
Have a fun and safe summer!
Jennifer McWhorter
Avoid the Summer Brain Drain...Read
Education is not the
filling of a pail,
but the lighting
of a fire.
William Butler Yeats
The roots of
education are bitter,
but the fruit
is sweet.
Aristotle
One of the best ways to get prepared for college is to read, read, and read some
more. Here are a few of the ETS staff’s favorite picks. Visit your local library and pick
up a book or two.
Jennifer’s Picks:
Martha’s Picks:
Bang by Sharon G. Flake
The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
Begging for Change by Sharon G. Flake
The Power of Self Discipline by Brian Tracy
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
Cres’Sena’s Picks:
Brian’s Picks:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
The Frontiersmen by Allan Eckert
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore
College Unbound by Jeffrey J. Selingo
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
More book suggestions on page 6.
Educational Talent Search
Western Kentucky University
Mission Statement
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11098
Educational Talent Search at Western Kentucky University engages qualified youth in grades
eight through twelve in developmentally appropriate activities that will encourage persistence
in high school, enrollment in postsecondary education and a lifelong pursuit of learning in
order to be productive citizens of a global society.
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1098
(270) 745-3757
www.wku.edu/ets
ETS Newsletter
May, 2014
Page 2
E duc a ti o na l T al e nt S e a r c h
P i c s F r o m t h e C o l l eg e F a i r a nd To u r
E duc a ti o n a l T a l e n t S e a r ch
Go College Touring This Summer
Summer is a great time to visit colleges and universities. If you’re planning on traveling for vacation or visiting family in far away places, consider taking a day to visit a college campus.
Even if you’ve never considered attending that
school, it’s a good way to get some perspective
on the one’s you are considering. You might be
surprised by the unique atmosphere of each institution. Visit a variety of schools if you
can...big publics to small privates, and you’ll
start to get a sense of where you belong.
10 Things To Do
1.
2.
3.
Wander around campus by yourself.
Spend one night in a dorm room.
Scan bulletin boards to see what student
life might be like.
4. Eat in the cafeteria.
5. Read the student newspaper.
6. Look for other publications: magazines,
department newsletters, etc.
7. Ask random students what they love and
hate about the school.
8. Listen to the college’s radio station.
9. Browse in the college bookstore.
10. Search for your favorite book in the library.
10 Things To Ask
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What is the average class size?
What majors/programs do you have?
What is your average financial aid package?
What work-study opportunities are there?
What is your four-year graduation rate?
What percentage of freshmen return for
sophomore year?
What type of tutoring programs do you
have?
What type of career services do you have?
What kind of dorm choices are there?
What activities are offered to students?
Page 3
E duc a ti o na l T a l e nt S e a r ch
Page 4
10 Things Every High School Graduate Should Hear
1. Don’t celebrate just yet
Congratulations. You graduated high school. It is, most likely, no easy feat but things are going to get much more
difficult for you. Were you at the top of the class or an all-star athlete in high school? Prepare to face the fact that
these titles lose their significance in the post-graduation world. What matters now is the work you put into your
life, not what you accomplished in high school. Never be satisfied with your achievements, be prepared to become
an over-achiever.
2. Be ready to become the person you always wanted to be
It is true when they say that it doesn’t matter who you were in high school. I have seen the popular kids at my high
school dive into the dirt, shy kids come out of their shells and nerds become handsome news editors. College, or
the beginning of a career, is a time for transformation. Humans have a hard time breaking out of the personas they
choose for themselves, but you are at the perfect age to become whatever you choose. Didn’t like being an underachiever? Flip that around and become one of the kids you used to always sneer at during award ceremonies. Hated
the crowd you hung out with? Find out what you like in people and go find them. Nobody can tell you who to become, that is a choice you make yourself.
3. Make as many friends as possible
We all get comfortable within our little tribe of friends. You will be saying goodbye to many good ones, but plenty
more are waiting for you out there. Meet as many of them as possible.
4. Never forget your high school friends
You will surely follow my amazing advice and seek out plenty of new friends, but never forget about the ones that
have been closest to your heart. These friends have stood by during the childhood years, and they will probably be
there during the adult ones.
5. Be open to new experiences, but also have goals
Just because you are going to school to become a doctor doesn’t mean you have to be using the stethoscope in 8
years. Your transition into adulthood will be filled with many diversions from the course as fate puts all the pieces
together. Be ready for change, but also have a set amount of goals you want to accomplish. The most rewarding
paths are ones with a prize at the end, even if that road splits or becomes a mountain. Know what you want and
have some idea of how you will get there. You may take a different course, but never stop moving forward.
6. The world will be a different place soon. Prepare for it.
Don’t think the job market of today will be the one of tomorrow. Everything is going to change by the time you get
out of college, or look for another job. New skills will be needed as society and technology continue to morph
themselves. Brace yourself for the future. Think on your feet when changes come and learn to adapt in any situation. Your career path may become obsolete, or some gadget will transform your field forever. Those with their
eyes on Yesterday will get smacked in the face by Tomorrow.
7. Alcohol will play a part in your life. Don’t let it become your life.
Sorry to all of your parents. This one cannot be avoided. Alcohol is a major player in our society and a powerful
force to deal with at any age. If you are going to college, expect alcohol will try to jam its way into your life. You will
have different experiences based on your decision to drink, or not drink. It may change your health, what you do
and the people you hang out with. Looking to drink? I can't stop you. Want to play it sober? Great. Whatever
choice you make - don’t let it dominate who you are.
8. Don’t allow yourself to be stupid.
This message certainly applies to drinking, but can be used in all aspects of your future. Never let others convince
you that under-achievement and slacking off are “cool” traits. There is nothing cool about being an idiot.
Let yourself feel good about learning every day. Don’t be lazy and write off a failure or use it as an excuse to slow
down. Dumb people are constantly seeking the easy way out, but the smart ones have quite the different idea. Embrace your talents and the hurdles that you may not be able to overcome right away. If some laugh at your hard
work and success, then let them laugh their lives away.
9. Start job searching now
Seriously. Don’t wait until the end of your senior year to hop onto the job search train. I tried that and it made life
MUCH harder for the first year of post grad life. If I could go back in time, my resume would have been in the hands
of potential employers by junior year.
10. The world is waiting.
Go and get it.
Posted by Robert Michaelson on Amherst.patch.com
E duc a ti o n a l T a l e n t S e a r ch
Page 5
7 Tips to Help Teens Successfully Transition to High School
In the next three months thousands of children will take one more step toward a significant rite of passage: they will transition
from being middle school or junior high students to becoming full-fledged high schoolers. This transition for kids is scary – the
fear of anonymity, unfamiliar surroundings and higher expectations all play a central role in the anxiety leading up to the start
of one’s high school career. There are things, however, that parents can do to assist with this transition.
1. Listen
Parents should not discount their children’s fears by just telling them “it will be all right.” Change can be frightening. Parents
should reassure their kids that they will not be alone in this process. Children at this age need emotional security, support and
a listening ear. Your child is anxious about this transition and wants to know that you are an ally.
2. Get involved
When students are involved with extracurricular activities, such as theatre, art club or sports, it helps promote belonging. Encouraging involvement in organized school activities fosters teamwork and a sense of place, which ultimately leads to confidence. And confidence comes with inclusion.
3.Help your child learn the ropes
Many school districts have freshman orientation programs that allow time for incoming freshmen to get oriented to the physical plant. Schools, for example, usually allow students to come in and try out locker combinations, locate classrooms and get
comfortable with their new surroundings. For students who have their schedules, parents can suggest that they walk through
the building as if they were coming and going from classes.
4. Eliminate stress by focusing on details
The more attention that parents pay to small details, the easier things will be for a student on
day one. For example, most schools mail students their new schedules over the summer.
Parents should look over their child’s schedule to ensure it appears to be correct. No matter
how much little Billy tries to coerce his parents into believing he is supposed to have three gym
classes, he shouldn’t. Scheduling mistakes do happen, and if there is a problem counselors are
usually available a couple of weeks prior to the start of classes to get these issues resolved. Addressing any scheduling errors early can save your child from waiting in line and missing classes
while his/her schedule is changed.
5. Prepare for the summer brain drain
Almost every student loses a little ground over the summer. However, if your child has done
poorly in a subject, you should try to help him/her find a related enrichment activity over the
summer. This will increase your child’s self esteem and help prepare your student academically
for the start of the school year.
6. Adjustments to curriculum take time
The higher academic standards of high school and increased competition will take some time and adjustment. Often students
earn their lowest GPA freshman year, and then begin to figure things out. When I interview students and ask the question “if
you could start high school over again, what would you do differently?” many students answer that they would take freshman
year more seriously. Some freshmen don’t even understand that their freshman grades are part of the high school transcript
that is submitted when they apply to college.
7. Know when to seek help
After the first couple of weeks, if your child is having debilitating anxiety or is abnormally worried about school, parents must
seek help and get an intervention. Many students will exhibit uneasiness and a decrease in self-esteem, but adjustment problems lasting longer than a few weeks may require special help. Parents know their children and know when they are having
drastic mood swings or acting uncharacteristically. If you notice a change in your child’s eating or sleeping habits, it’s time to
talk with someone. During this time never forget to love your children unconditionally. While they are crossing over into adulthood, understand that change is hard and their fears are real. Students today are more stressed out than they have ever been.
It’s a reflection of what is going on in our communities and our society. We have so many complex problems – including
heightened economic pressures, changes in family structure, persistent violence, cyber-bullying, etc. – but there are also more
resources to deal with these problems than we had 20 years ago. Parents, teachers, counselors and school leaders need to
work collaboratively to help promote a favorable school adjustment. Nobody can do it alone.
By Bonnie Rubenstein, FoxNews.com
Page 6
Summer Reading Suggestions. . .
Kayla’s Picks:
All Things Possible by Kurt Warner
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
Carol’s Picks:
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul by
Jack Canfield
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
E duc a ti o na l T a l e nt S e a r ch
Involve Your Family in the Budgeting Process
When you make a budget, it may be tempting to go at it alone, especially if you're the person who manages the bills. But it's important to
include the family in this process so they understand exactly why some
expenses will need to be cut back, as well as why this decision is being
made in the first place (savings for family vacations, college, etc.).
And definitely don't forget to get your kids in on the action. As you
know, many children don't like to participate in anything that seems to
be an additional chore. However, if you make budgeting a fun family
activity (maybe also give them an allowance or specific money earning
jobs to help them understand the value of money), you can teach your
children responsibility, how to budget, and further manage your family's
spending habits.
Personal Reading Improvement
1.The Basic Program

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Two or three times a day, read something you enjoy for 15 to 20 minutes without stopping. Time yourself
to within 30 seconds.
 Record your reading rate and chart your progress. Recording and charting are essential if you wish to make
real progress.
Speed - push yourself gently as you read. If your mind wanders, get it back on track.
Vocabulary - Wait until you've finished reading to look up unfamiliar words. (If you stop, you'll reduce your level of comprehension.)
Comprehension - to improve comprehension, recite the chapter after closing the book. See how many specific
details you can recall. The more you interact with your text, the more you'll recall. Recollection and comprehension require a vigorous approach.
Practice - twice a week for an hour
Rate Goals - set reading rate goals for yourself. A 10% increase in
your reading rate over the previous record is a good rule of
thumb.
Skimming & Scanning - find an interesting newspaper column or
magazine article. Rapidly read the article, sampling just the first
sentence or two of each paragraph and a few key words. Jot
down all the facts you can remember. Then reread the article
slowly, giving yourself a point for every item you can recall.