In Dr. Manijeh Hart’s course “Introduction to Positive Youth Development,” students – all of whom are currently working in summer camps – were invited to reflect on the assigned reading, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Working in small groups to examine the difference between being proactive and reactive in everyday situations, they connected these behaviors to their own aspirations. One student, for example, shared a goal of designing sustainable architecture in Ecuador and discussed what steps would be necessary to make those ambitions a reality. As the conversations unfolded, students naturally recognized that many of the milestones they identified were rooted in educational persistence and completion.

That reflection created a seamless transition into the CARA-led workshop, facilitated by Areli Torres, a Queens College senior majoring in psychology. Areli guided students through the requirements for maintaining financial aid and reviewed the academic calendar, highlighting key dates related to their financial aid, registration, add/drop deadlines, and matriculation. As the session came to a close, students were reminded to draft their final paper and reflect on the skills they had already developed through their summer SYEP experience.

Watching Dr. Hart and Areli build on one another’s lessons underscored that preparing students for college is about far more than academics. It is about creating spaces where students can connect their personal goals, practical knowledge, and lived work experiences with a clear path toward their future.