Since late February, we have been exploring the different traits students who successfully complete online courses have and acquire during their time with the University of Nebraska High School. It has been interesting to see our team develop these pieces because it has prompted great conversations about the goals we intend our students to reach, and I have enjoyed seeing all of our thoughts come together.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read and reflect on each of the four preceding parts of this series, which include:
- Part I: Enthusiasm & Curiosity
- Part II: Organization
- Part III: Study Skills
- Part IV: Intellectualism
For my piece, I wanted to discuss one of the most impressive characteristics of our student population—being well-rounded. We are constantly awed not only by the great academic work of our students, but by the unique ways they spend their “free time.”
Athletes, dancers, musicians, singers, artists, volunteers, world-travelers—we are proud to see such a great diversity among our students’ interests. It is definitely a characteristic we thought important to point out in this series.
I hope by encouraging you to be well-rounded, you will take the time to pursue your interests and talents outside of your studies. There is so much out there for you to explore, and you have a lot of it at your fingertips thanks to the Internet. Also, reaching out in this way will provide you with invaluable experiences for your future, whether that means college, university or career. My sincere hope is that you will know what it feels like to be passionate about something.
If you don’t know where to start, consider what you like to do in your spare time right now and then ask yourself if there is another outlet that would allow you do this activity or talent in a more formalized way. You can also reach out to family and friends to see if they have suggestions about ways you could spend your time. Remember, whatever you do beyond your academics will provide you with great content for college admissions essays and job applications.
For a bit of inspiration, I also encourage you to read about some of the students we have highlighted.
Thank you so much for reading this series of articles. I hope it has provided you with some suggestions you will incorporate into your studies and future plans.