|
After 15 years of interviews with students who graduated PSOLI, their responses have been compiled, revealing a clear pattern. There are 13 qualities that these young people in high-school, college and beyond are reportedly observing in themselves and their peers from PSOLI. Although these qualities may exist in others too, they are seen in amazing frequency and degree in those who benefitted from our foundation. We call these qualities "intangible gains" because they are not easily quantified, yet they are the engine that drives academic and personal growth.
#1: SERVICE
The first and most frequently reported of these qualities is service. Our alumni habitually care about the world around them. They feel a sense of responsibility for utilizing their personal resources wisely and unselfishly.
The result of this quality is that they are often engaged in service initiatives. They garner attention, publicity, and college interest in the process. They learn to network with others, and also develop many personal contacts. This opens myriad doors of opportunity.
The alumni reflect that this characteristic was nutured at PSOLI though the following special activities:
- meditation
- STUVOL (2 year course in student volunteering for 7th and 8th graders)
- service based learning lessons
- very broad social studies curriculum with a Neo-Humanist approach (this develops critical thinking and the ability to step
outside one's preconceptions based on geo- and socio-identity):
- being educated with love
- having interesting and unusual guest speakers
|
