I just wrapped up an incredible keynote event at the RACMAC conference for College Counselors in Colorado Springs, and I’m still buzzing! This year’s highlight was hearing Brennan Barnard speak on “Igniting College Admissions.”
Brennan is one of my guiding lights in this field and his message resonated with me. He’s all about helping students find JOY in the college application process, which I wholeheartedly believe in.
Brennan was playful throughout the keynote. He invited us to explore our “Why?” Why are we guiding students through this journey? We participated in a fun exercise to create our “Sky Banner Message.” Imagine a giant banner flying overhead with a message to inspire our students. What would it say? It was a great way to engage with each other, and I can’t wait to ask my students the same question!
Brennan didn’t hold back on the resources! He shared a “Crazy Book List” full of titles designed to make the college admissions process less transactional and more human-centered. I can’t wait to dive in!
Brennan Barnard is a must-follow if you’re a college counselor or anyone passionate about helping students navigate this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) time. His message is a breath of fresh air, and his focus on joy is exactly what we need to make this process empowering for everyone involved. Check out his podcast here!
Check out his book here: The Truth about College Admissions: A Family Guide to Getting in and Staying Together, and his amazing book recommendations:
Here’s a curated list of books that might interest you, complete with short descriptions to help you decide which ones to delve into:
Mindfulness + For Creating a Practice of Joy:
- Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat with Sylvia Boorstein—In this guide to mindfulness, Sylvia Boorstein invites readers to pause and reflect. It is perfect for those seeking a retreat into peace and self-discovery within the pages of a book.
- The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World – The Dalai Lama, along with Desmond Tutu, shares insights into finding enduring joy in our turbulent times. A profound discussion on emotional and spiritual happiness.
Understanding Teenagers
- Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It – Jennifer Breheny Wallace examines the high-pressure culture of achievement and its impact, offering solutions for creating a healthier approach to success.
- The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents – Lisa Damour, Ph.D., provides a compassionate guide to understanding and nurturing the emotional complexities of teenagers today.
- The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness – Jonathan Haidt delves into how modern society and technology are impacting the mental health of the younger generation, with thoughtful analysis and strategies for change.
Human Potential and Self-Care:
- Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor – Lynda Barry shares her innovative approach to teaching and creativity through her syllabus, making this an intriguing read for educators and students alike.
- Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness – Pooja Lakshmin, MD, challenges the superficial trends of self-care, advocating for a more profound and empowering approach to personal wellness.
Working with AI:
- Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age – Sherry Turkle explores the lost art of conversation in today’s digital world, emphasizing the power of human connection through meaningful dialogue.
- Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI – Ethan Mollick navigates the complexities of coexisting and thriving with artificial intelligence in daily life and the workplace.
- Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation – Parker J. Palmer offers wisdom on discovering one’s true calling through introspection and understanding one’s life experiences.
