by Katherine O'Brien, ThD Candidate & Certified College Planning Specialist
An Irish philosophy professor recently wrote an article comparing Taylor Swift and Aristotle. When I read it, I recognized the work that I do with teens, too. (Not that I am on par with Aristotle!)
Like Aristotle, Taylor Swift regularly deals with core identity questions. In her lyrics, she addresses various aspects of this. In Mirrorball, she reveals the idea that you can strategically shift your sense of self. In Happiness, she sings about the me of now not being the same as the me of the past, and that she has not yet met the me of the future. Repeatedly, she approaches various aspects of the questions we all, but especially during the teen years, wrestle with- Who am I? What sort of friend am I? What sort of artist am I?
Inviting young people to examine who their true selves are, develop the good habits they need to be excellent (Aristotle would call that virtuous), and encouraging them to live in accord with who they truly are, these are the core tasks of my work with college bound teens. As they learn to be themselves, they need time and encouragement to explore who they are. They need coaching to identify the skills, the habits they need to develop so they can become excellent at being who they are. In order to develop good habits, accountability and encouragement is needed. These are the key elements of my work, particularly during the 8th, 9th, and 10th grade years. As Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom” and “We are what we repeatedly do.”
Selecting majors and colleges come after that work is done and is completely directed by that work. Skipping the foundational work done during the first two years of high school is like building a building directly on the ground. It has no foundation and will slide or sink or collapse when the rains and the winds come. Building a foundation is even more important in our children than in our houses.
If you have a college bound (or potentially college bound) 8th grader, or high school freshman or sophomore, it is time for us to meet. Every month that goes by,
opportunities for growth, affirmation, direction, and healthy “coming into
their own as a person” are missed. NOW is the time to start investing in the
next phase your children’s futures. Email me today to schedule a consultation. I’m
offering 40% off consultations this month, in honour of my birthday. (Discount offer ends 11/30/2024) KOB@CelticCollegeConsultants.com
To read Susan Andrews’ article: https://philosophynow.org/issues/164/Taylor_Swift_A_Philosopher_For_Our_Times
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