Scholarship Tip #5: Be RAD

This Scholarship Tip is one of my favorites because it helps students enjoy the journey.  Too many times, well-meaning people will say something like, "Be sure to do that...it will look great on your resume."  The problem is that you can fill up a resume and still lack direction, and definitely shortchange the person you could become.  Instead of focusing on the resume, I like to tell students to "Be RAD", because this way they enjoy the process and become the person they want to be (and by the way...the resume takes care of itself if a student is really working to Be RAD).

I know:  Be RAD.  It sounds like a logo on a 1980s t-shirt...but it's actually a motto I hope every student remembers, and uses to direct their experiences during high school.  It is very easy to feel overwhelmed during these years with all the "should dos" that get piled up, and to feel the need to join lots of clubs and activities in an attempt to stand-out.  Twenty years ago, the phrase that every student wanted to have ascribed to them, and that every parent wanted associated with their child was to be a "well-rounded student".  The goal was to be involved in multiple activities, to perform well in them, and build up a lengthy resume.

Well, my friends, times have changed.  I honestly think it's a healthy change, because the things that now help a high school student stand out on college and scholarship applications are the same things that help them later on in college and careers.  It's to build expertise in a few focused areas, rather than this "well-rounded student" that is good at many things, but never goes beyond the surface level.  To help with this new approach, I've come up with the acronym "Be RAD".

R = RIGOR
A = AUTHENTICITY
D = DEPTH

Now, for specifics.

RIGOR.  Rigor means to be challenged, to be stretched, to find a task demanding and difficult and still keep at it.  If you have RIGOR in a task, you will learn and become better.  On the flip side, if something is too easy for you--you aren't advancing, you're essentially treading water.  This concept of needing "Rigor" to advance is true with academics, sports, arts, music, performing, etc.  It is true for every area!  So, whatever you are pursuing, be sure you are challenging yourself--applying "RIGOR" to your learning and activities.

AUTHENTICITY  Authenticity can also be thought of as genuine and real.  This is a guiding principle so that students don't feel like they have to go with the most popular trend at their school, or pursue an interest because their friends are.  Be sure that you don't copycat other's interest because you can supposedly be successful or well-paid.  You will be happy AND successful by following your own authentic interests.  If you are interested in math, don't let disparaging comments deter you from seeing all the possibilities of higher-level math classes and careers.  This is true for any interest--if it is an authentic interest to you--run with it!  See what happens!

DEPTH  Depth is exactly what it sounds like...going deep.  It's possible to go deep in any area.  Interested in Soccer?  Then join a team, volunteer to referee, read about the sport and athletes, practice everyday, and find extra opportunities beyond the school team to excel in this area.  If you're interested in music, you can also go deep.  You can obviously practice you instrument daily...but you can also extend yourself by reading about types of music and composers, organizing a music group to play for community events, joining one (or more) musical clubs, attending symphonies and concerts, and studying with older musicians.  Going deep allows you to understand the topic from many different sides, and to become a true expert in that area, even in high school.

Pretty cool, right?  Being RAD is a way to become the coolest, most advanced, and progressed version of yourself.  It's a way to BECOME rather than just filling up time with random activities and certificates that might look good on a resume.  I promise, the resume will look good if you first focus on Being RAD from that inner part of yourself, and pushing yourself to RIGOR, being AUTHENTIC, and going DEEP.  Be RAD.