As the new year gets underway, which activities are energizing you, and which ones feel less meaningful? If you’ve found clubs, teams, or projects you truly enjoy, look for ways to get more involved—taking on a larger role or committing more deeply can be both rewarding and impactful. And if nothing has quite clicked yet, this is a perfect moment to explore new opportunities that might spark your interest. Volunteering is a great way to do that, and the MLK Day of Service can be a way to connect with organizations to learn about the work they do. You might consider making community service part of your summer plan, which you should be thinking about as well.

Of course, academics should remain a priority. Grades matter most in college admissions, and as you look ahead to choosing courses for next year, aim for a schedule that’s challenging but manageable. Thoughtful planning now can make junior year more productive and less stressful. For individual advising on course selection, extracurricular and summer activities, and preparing for the college search, I hope you’ll get in touch and consider enrolling by January 31, before rates increase.  You can email me here or schedule an introductory call to learn more.