"The Transformational Bridge takes kids from being teenagers to becoming young adults." - Hans

When I was 16, I was a top golfer, good student, nice kid- shy and bashful, having college plans ahead but not having given it much thought.

By the time I was 22, I had attended two colleges, enlisted in the USAF, was at Ramstein AB in Germany on assignment...and married!

Those six years were anything but normal. But they did transform my life into becoming who I am today.

A couple of days ago, great friends- Jim and Linda, visited me in my new apartment. Linda peeked into my bedroom and said- "You made your bed!"

Jim quickly replied- "He was in the Air Force."

Indeed I was. Many things that I experienced and learned back then still stick with me today.

The 16 - 22 age range represents the most important transformational years in a person's life. I refer to college as the "Transformational Bridge", turning a teenager into a young adult. 

Most parents treat it as a "normal" progression in life when children graduate from high school and quickly find themselves on a college campus. Most kids are not prepared nor ready for that transition. I was one of them...not ready!

The results are quite predictable. Important things are put off until they become urgent. Improper attention is paid to the process of being prepared, qualified, responsible, accountable...it's just easier that way. 

People like it easy these days. But that approach comes at a price.

Most often, students land on the wrong campuses for the wrong reasons and study the wrong major for the wrong outcomes. Meanwhile, parents are willingly overpaying for college by tens of thousands $$$'s. 

That doesn't have to be your story.

Parents can always do more to get your desired outcomes- be more proactive, have greater knowledge, strengthen your position, and, work more diligently to improve your approach. 

Students need to be much more engaged and involved in the process- be better writers, be better able to express your passion and vision with meaning and purpose; build greater substance into their credentials and future interests. 

Students need to learn how to create inspiration and attract positive energy. It doesn't come natural to many 16-22 year old's. 

In the end result, students need to become "worthy of pay". Just hanging a college diploma on the wall doesn't make someone worthy of pay!

I hear all the same excuses year after year:

• I was too busy.
• My kid doesn't test well.
• We didn't know...
• That's not the way it was...
• I thought someone else...

I don't hear excuses from families who get it right. 

My student-families get it right. I get to hear their exhilaration when the happy results come in. 

Inspiration draws positive energy. It doesn't come by accident. Rather, it arrives by meaningful intention, naturally and genuinely created.

The college success and satisfaction of my students is living proof.

The jobs that my students, from 5 - 6 years ago, have today are living proof.

Upon crossing the "Transformational Bridge", where the child lands is predictably good, and bad.

I prefer good. How about you?