Becky Coggins’ Post

**Empowering Future Success: The Benefits of Early College Exploration** As a parent, I've discovered the power of introducing college options to my child early. Here's why starting in middle school or even earlier can make a difference: - 🎓 Builds motivation and direction - 🔍 Expands awareness of opportunities - 🚀 Encourages ownership of educational journey Three steps to kickstart the conversation: 1. Introduce terms like “degree,” “scholarship,” and “university” to build a foundational understanding. 2. **Discuss Career Interests**: Connect their hobbies and passions to potential careers to show how education plays a role in their future. 3. **Opportunities for Mentoring**: Find mentors within your community who can share their experiences and guide your child through different career paths. 4. Consider a 529 Savings Plan: Start saving for future education costs through a 529 plan. This allows for tax-free growth and can ease the financial burden when the time comes. It's never too early to help your child envision a successful future! What are your thoughts on early college exploration? #ParentingTips #EducationPlanning #CollegePrep

Check out Matt Gandal’s latest article on career advising for middle school students. No surprises here, but engaging students earlier in their education on career outcomes will pay off as they navigate educational choices and work towards a fulfilling career later in life!

When we talk about long-term student success, what does that mean? If we want to help more students become fulfilled, economically successful adults who also contribute to a strong workforce and community, we need better, earlier opportunities for students to explore careers, build confidence, and truly understand how to navigate through education to the future of their choosing. Career-focused advising and exploration can help students see the relevance of what they’re doing and learning in school. It can create an “a-ha” moment about a particular career or interest area that can set a student on a clearer path toward their goals. Matt Gandal’s latest piece explores the states that are coupling strong advising with meaningful career exploration. https://lnkd.in/edWy4y5e

The Impact of College Selection on Your Child's Long-Term Opportunities This video emphasizes the importance of making a strategic college choice for your child’s long-term success. We share Julie's story to create a personal connection and illustrate the significant impact of this decision. The focus is on understanding the value that different colleges offer, aligning with your child’s ambitions and capabilities. We'll guide you through how this choice is not just an investment in the next four years but in your child's entire future, setting them up for a rewarding career and personal life. Learn how to make a college choice that ensures lifelong returns, both personally and professionally. #EducationalStrategy #LongTermSuccess #LampertEducationalResources #AffordCollege

So many of us dive into college without really knowing what we want to be, but we’re expected to invest a huge amount of money to figure it out. For some, that could mean spending $100-150k on a degree without a clear direction. I’m one of those people who spent four years in college only to realize I wouldn’t pursue a career in my degree field after graduation. My dad worked in the trades my entire life, yet there was still this pressure that college was the only path to success. Yes, my degree has been useful for running my business, but honestly, I’d still be just fine without it. We need to talk more openly about alternatives—like trade and technical schools. There’s incredible value in these paths, and you can do very well going that route. I see it every day in my work, and I wish it was emphasized more as an option. My daughter is a brilliant little girl, and I think college will be a good fit for her, just like it was for my wife. But my son? I already see a lot of my traits in him. Growing up, I was smart but always on the move, and studying wasn’t my thing. For kids like him and me, college may not be the best fit, and that’s okay. It’s not one-size-fits-all. The best path is the one that aligns with who they are, and I’m here to support whatever makes them feel fulfilled and successful. #EducationChoices #CollegeVsTrade #GeneralContractor #Life #Family #G2Builders #HomeRenovations

🎓 Graduation season is a thrilling time. Earning your degree is one of the best feelings in the world and an exciting accomplishment. The sacrifices are certainly worth it. Once you earn a degree, it's yours for life! Your degree will never leave you, be unfaithful, and no one can take your knowledge, growth, and experience away from you. However, your degree does not define your worth and value as a member of the community. This graduation season, there will be painful moments for students who fell just short of passing their classes, had to drop a class, or drop out entirely due to various factors, extending their time to earn a degree. Some students will learn they aren't graduating after all and have to face telling family and friends. These moments are difficult and painful, and students may question their worth and value, and some may even question if they deserve to be alive. If we treat academics like life and death, so will our students. This graduation season, please remind your students (or your own kids in college) who may not be celebrating achievements that while degrees are worth celebrating, they are not a measurement of the value of a life. We want our students safe and alive, no matter what grades they have. If you can, please check in with students having a hard time during graduation season. #mentalhealth #highereducation #graduation #safecampus #healthystudents #collegestudents #wellness #suicideprevention

🎓📚 Planning for college early is key to a successful future! 🌟 Don't wait until the last minute to start thinking about your higher education journey. Here's why it's important to get a head start: 1️⃣ Scholarships and Financial Aid: By starting early, you have more time to research and apply for scholarships and financial aid opportunities. This can significantly reduce the burden of college expenses and make your dreams more attainable. 2️⃣ College Visits: Visiting campuses early allows you to explore different options and get a feel for the atmosphere. You can attend information sessions, meet professors, and talk to current students, helping you make an informed decision about where you want to study. 3️⃣ Academic Preparation: Planning ahead gives you time to focus on your academics and take challenging courses that align with your college goals. Building a strong academic foundation will not only increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream school but also set you up for success once you're there. 4️⃣ Extracurricular Activities: Colleges value well-rounded students. Starting early allows you to explore different extracurricular activities, clubs, and community service opportunities. These experiences not only enhance your college application but also help you develop important skills and interests. 5️⃣ Personal Growth: Planning for college early gives you the chance to reflect on your passions, interests, and career goals. It allows you to explore different majors and career paths, ensuring that you choose a field that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Don't underestimate the power of early planning! Start now and pave the way for a bright future. 🌟 Share this post with someone who needs to hear it! #CollegePlanning #FutureSuccess #StartEarly

How to Choose the Perfect College for Your Child’s Bright Future Choosing the right college can feel like navigating a complex maze, but it’s one of the most critical decisions for your child’s academic, social, and professional future. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even make a choice that leads to a less-than-ideal college experience. However, finding the perfect college isn’t just about prestige or rankings; it’s about matching your child’s unique needs, passions, and long-term goals with the right environment. From academic programs to campus culture, every detail plays a part in shaping their future. That’s why understanding what truly matters in this decision is crucial. Explore how you can make an informed choice that leads to a wow college journey, ensuring that your child not only thrives in their studies but also enjoys a fulfilling social life and builds a solid foundation for their future career. Don’t leave this decision to chance—equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to help your child find the college where they’ll truly shine. #CollegeChoice #AcademicSuccess #ParentingTips #LampertEducationalResources #AffordCollege

🎓 Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Expert College Planning! 🌟 Are you concerned about your child’s future and the daunting task of choosing the right college major? With 64% of students taking six years to complete a four-year degree, it’s clear that early decision-making is crucial. Investing time in understanding your child’s natural strengths and interests can lead to smarter college choices, saving time and money while setting them up for long-term success. Highlands Consultant Jackie Postelnick, an expert College Planner & Student Career Coach and founder of Conscious College Planning, shares her expertise in her latest blog. Jackie emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the advanced aptitude testing the Highlands Ability Battery provides to help students make informed decisions about their majors and future careers. Imagine your child navigating college with confidence, making decisions that align with their natural abilities, and finding fulfillment in their career. 🌟 💼 Ready to invest in your child’s success? Click the link below to read Jackie’s blog and learn more about unlocking your child’s potential. 🔗 Read Now: https://bit.ly/3YewR8S #CollegePlanning #StudentSuccess #CareerGuidance #Education #FutureLeaders #LongTermSuccess