Parents research our school. Parents enroll their kids in our school. Parents pay the tuition.  But parents don’t get a good return on those efforts until students gain “vision.” 

   The failing student at LAAS gets a vision supplied for him by our staff. At first, it is a vision of his life without the fun parts of our school. This usually motivates a lazy kid to pull his grades up just enough to stay off restriction. This type of vision does not make the staff or the parents’ job easier. In fact, we have to spend more time figuring GPA’s, counseling, and having conferences. 

   When a student gains a vision of what he wants in life, though, then we become the vehicle by which to get it. That’s when our job becomes more rewarding. We get to run alongside that student, opening doors of opportunity and helping the student navigate how best to reach the vision.

   So, how do you help your teen gain a vision? It takes work. We at the school try to show them universities and cities that excite their imaginations about what could be. We discuss careers… and not just the usuals. We introduce them to jobs of which they’ve never heard.  

  As a parent, I would suggest making sure that driving through the university of the city you’re visiting on your vacation is included. Going to a sporting event or concert on the campus can spark a vision as well.  Making discussions of colleges a routine topic is also helpful. There are so many virtual tours of campuses now due to the pandemic. This could be something your family does before the family movie: watch one campus tour of a university in which there is interest.

   Of course, there are dangers with gaining a wrong vision. Do not allow your child to set a vision that is unattainable. Your child will NOT be a walk-on quarterback for his favorite college. If your child has a low ACT score or is not in top shape, he/she is not going to one of the military academies. Do what you can to let them know what it will take, and help them to reduce whether the goal is feasible or not. Jet fighter pilots have to be of a certain height and not colorblind. If you have a six-foot three daughter who’s colorblind, it’s okay to let her know this job is out. You are not discouraging your child’s dreams. You are helping her mold them.

   I guarantee you, parents, if you can help your child get a vision of his/her future, your days of arguing over whether or not homework is done are over. Your child will see the need and meet the standards to reach his/her goal. I’ve seen it time and again. Other parents say, “You’re lucky. You have an easy child.” No, this is s parent who helped the child establish a vision, and now that child is soaring toward it!

       Michelle