Last week, about 120 freshmen and sophomore students from Bryan Adams, Conrad and Kimball high schools attended a special seminar produced by The Compelling Why and conducted at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The seminars are designed to help students understand the academic enrichment and college-going resources… available to them and the motivation to take advantage of those resources as they continue their secondary education. These “students of promise” were selected by faculty or staff members based on their potential to be successful in college and beyond. The students heard from four very successful panelists, all of whom shared advice, words of caution, often-blunt motivation and inspiration.
Panelists included Dr. Jose Antonio Bowen, dean of the Meadows School at SMU; Rawly Sanchez, Deputy Chief of Staff, Dallas ISD; and Isaul Verdin, attorney, Verdin Law. The session was moderated by Mauricio Navarro, President & Founder, RAIZ Public Relations.
The Compelling Why was created by its president, Torrence H. Robinson. It aims to inspire and motivate through successful, real-world role models and honest, open dialogue. “I see myself in so many of today’s students,” said Robinson, whose day job is Director of Education/Workforce for Texas Instruments.” It’s critical that young people see and hear from successful professionals who have sat where they’re sitting, and help them understand that the journey from high school to successful professional is not farfetched, but requires engagement in school and a conscious decision to take advantage of academic, social and life-skill resources school and community is offering them.”
Following the panel, which included a robust question and answer session, students learned more about engagement and enrichment opportunities available at their schools through an “Opportunity Fair.” After lunch, the day concluded with a tour of the SMU campus.
The Compelling Why is sponsored by Southern Methodist University, UT Dallas, AMS Pictures, Haynes Boone, LLP, and is partnered with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Education is Freedom, Girls Inc., Group Excellence and Urban League of Greater Dallas.
Artcile originally posted by DISD Online News, November 2, 2010. View original article: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dallasisd/photos/?tab=album&album_id=173715215978744
