Ben Kaplan’s background

• Won ~24 scholarships totaling $90,000, enabling Harvard admission.
• First scholarship call: “Congratulations, you’ve just won $15,000 from Discover Card.”
• Authored How to Go to College Almost for Free and new book Scholars and Dollars.

Exploring breadth and depth

“Try a lot of things” to discover interests, then go deeper in passions.

College fit matters most

• “Are you part of something bigger than yourself?”
• Seek a community that feels like home and challenges you just enough.

Setting a positive milestone

• Treat admissions as your first chance to take ownership of your future.
• Make small action steps, seek advice, and build momentum.

"Professional judgment” in financial aid

• Financial aid officers can adjust inputs (e.g., average income over 3 years) for special circumstances.
• Document high medical expenses or variable income to swing aid by $50,000.

Effective scholarship searching

• Use free databases like Scholaroo (scholaroo.com).
• Check your and neighboring schools’ career center listings.
• Don’t neglect small, local scholarships—they boost credibility for larger awards.

Leveraging applications

• Recycle college essays for merit-based scholarships.
• A holistic approach maximizes effort and results.

Manage scholarship outreach

Create a throwaway email to avoid inbox clutter.

Key resources

Scholars and Dollars (available on Amazon).

Websites: scholaroo.com and learnipity.com (courses, essay feedback, toolkits).

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Michelle Pardue:

Email: pardue5@verizon.net

Decision • Faith • Action

“Everything is a matter of decision.”

Christina’s core formula: make a choice, take massive action, and trust something greater.

From Pro Golfer to Mindset Coach

Former five-time All-American golfer battled eating disorders and suicidal thoughts despite external success.

Built a mission to help others “be yourself” and escape the validation trap.

Social Media: Highlight Reel vs. Reality

Encourages authenticity over perfection.

Advises limiting screen time and engaging in real-life activities for fulfillment.

Confidence Is a Muscle

Teens are more resilient than assumed.

Self-trust grows by facing challenges and embracing failure as “just a lesson.”

Align Kids with Their Passions

Listen to what children genuinely enjoy instead of imposing parental expectations.

Support them in activities—art, sports, STEM—that build competence and self-worth.

Reprogramming Stories & Habits

Brain = computer; to change results, rewrite old patterns (e.g., money mindset).

Identify the “thing under the thing” and replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones.

Habits Caught, Not Taught

Parents’ behaviors shape kids more than words.

Model self-care: family meals with no-phone zones, shared hobbies, and visible self-improvement.

Working with Christina

One-on-one coaching (max. 30 clients).

Free clarity calls via Instagram @bchristina or text 501-222-3362.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Christina Lecuyer:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

YouTube

Work with Christina: 1:1 Coaching

Book Christina to Speak: Contact Here

Michelle Purdue’s Background

32 years teaching experience, 25 years teaching AP Biology

Chose teaching to inspire future medical researchers and practitioners

AP Biology Course Approach

Treats AP Bio like a sports season: “I’ve been prepping them all year to get ready for this test.”

Balances content delivery with test-prep strategies

Exam Focus Shift

Now emphasizes scientific thinking, data/graph interpretation, and time management

Multiple‑choice section: 60 lengthy questions in 90 minutes—practice under timed conditions is essential

Free‑response: requires concise, factual answers, not essay‑style writing

Key Study Resources

AP Classroom (College Board): videos, topic reviews, practice questions

AP prep books for targeted review (use early in study cycle to avoid burnout)

Peer‑to‑peer study groups to reinforce understanding

Strategies for Improvement

Identify and highlight FRQ command words (e.g., “describe,” “identify”)

Skim MCQs efficiently by knowing material—helps find answers faster

Time drills: simulate exam timing to build pacing skills

Parental Check‑In Questions

“Do you know the exam structure? (# MCQs, time limits, FRQ format)”

“Has your teacher taught test‑taking strategies?”

If the answer is no, consider supplemental tutoring or online resources

Tutoring & Support Offer

Zoom prep sessions for AP and regular biology students

Email: parduprep4bio@gmail.com to arrange one‑on‑one strategy and content reviews

Final Exam Tip

Expect to feel underprepared on test day—it’s designed that way. Stay calm and focused, and you’ll perform respectably.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Michelle Purdue:

Email: pardue5@verizon.net

Career Journey & Pivot

Nitin Gour shares his transition from a tech background to an 18-year career in finance before founding Bloomster.

He emphasizes that diverse experiences and a fast-paced environment shaped his approach to work and life.

Focus on Holistic Life Skills

Identified critical gaps in traditional education focused solely on academics.

Developed a holistic model covering social-emotional, intellectual, mindfulness, and physical dimensions with 25 key life skills.

Bloomster’s Educational Approach

The platform uses engaging methods such as comic-based storytelling, animations, and interactive courses.

Courses are structured in modules featuring real-life scenarios, knowledge checks, exercises, and workbooks to build skills like self-awareness, impulse control, and responsible decision-making.

Adapting to Technological and Social Change

Discusses the rapid evolution of AI and the unpredictable nature of future work environments.

Stresses the need for continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience for children to thrive in a future dominated by intelligent machines.

Parental Involvement & Early Preparation

Encourages parents to help their children build these core life skills early on, starting in middle school.

Recommends utilizing free resources and trial periods on Bloomster to get started with courses and interactive learning modules.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Nitin Gour:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: nitin@bloomster.com

Guest Introduction

Shelly Howard hosts Layla, a student from College Ready, discussing her research project on Alzheimer's disease.

Research Motivation

Layla chose to research Alzheimer's disease due to her personal connection; her great-grandmother suffered from it, igniting her curiosity.

Research Process

She found a research opportunity through the College Ready portal, which connected her with the Lumiere program offering structured research projects.

Mentorship Experience

Layla was matched with a mentor who had a strong background in neurological disorders and provided guidance throughout the research process.

Structured Schedule

The program included weekly meetings and deadlines set by Lumiere, which helped Layla manage her time effectively despite her busy schedule.

Research Enjoyment

Layla enjoyed the research, focusing on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diet and fitness, making it accessible for Alzheimer's patients.

Writing and Publishing

Writing the research paper took about eight weeks. Layla plans to publish her findings to share her work broadly and bring awareness to the subject.

Startup Initiative

She developed a digital platform for caregivers and patients with Alzheimer's, integrating scheduling and dietary advice, furthering her commitment to the cause.

Empower Education

Layla is now the president of Empower Education, highlighting the community's impact on education in underserved regions, like Uganda.

Encouragement for Peers

Layla advises students to start with College Ready, emphasizing how it opens doors to various opportunities and helps discover passions.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

🎓 Early Career Conversations

Start discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills.

👨‍👦‍👦 Parental Involvement

Encourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths.

💼 Importance of Real-World Experience

Teens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work. This helps them understand their likes and dislikes, building confidence in their career choices.

🚀 Sampling Careers

Promote “sampling” various jobs, even informal ones like tutoring or working at a pizza place, to expose teens to different environments and responsibilities.

🧑‍🎓 Resume vs. Experience

A resume with a 4.0 GPA is valuable, but employers increasingly value life experiences and problem-solving abilities over grades alone.

📈 Career Preparation and College

In addition to academics, students should engage in extracurriculars, internships, and community service to build a well-rounded application for both college and future jobs.

👥 Networking and Exposure

College is not just about the degree; it's also about networking and exposure. Engaging with peers and professors can open doors for future employment.

⚖️ Student Athlete Benefits

Being a student athlete can enhance job prospects. However, students must learn to articulate how their athletic experiences translate to skills valuable in the workplace.

📚 Book Recommendation

Colby Goodman’s book, “Start Now and 49 Other Things You Need to Do to Be Employed by Graduation,” provides actionable steps for students to prepare for their careers.

🌍 Real-World Skills Over Classroom Focus

Emphasize the importance of skills learned outside the classroom. Employers look for problem solvers rather than just job doers.

🔗 Engagement with Career Coaches

Working with a career coach can help students clarify their goals, enhance their resumes, and prepare for interviews to secure jobs post-graduation.

💬 Final Thoughts for Parents

Encourage ongoing conversations about careers, framing them as exploratory rather than pressure-filled, to cultivate a positive outlook on their child's future.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Rachel Mead:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Email: advisor@enhancedprep.com

🎓 Early Career Conversations

Start discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills.

👨‍👦‍👦 Parental Involvement

Encourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths.

💼 Importance of Real-World Experience

Teens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work. This helps them understand their likes and dislikes, building confidence in their career choices.

🚀 Sampling Careers

Promote “sampling” various jobs, even informal ones like tutoring or working at a pizza place, to expose teens to different environments and responsibilities.

🧑‍🎓 Resume vs. Experience

A resume with a 4.0 GPA is valuable, but employers increasingly value life experiences and problem-solving abilities over grades alone.

📈 Career Preparation and College

In addition to academics, students should engage in extracurriculars, internships, and community service to build a well-rounded application for both college and future jobs.

👥 Networking and Exposure

College is not just about the degree; it's also about networking and exposure. Engaging with peers and professors can open doors for future employment.

⚖️ Student Athlete Benefits

Being a student athlete can enhance job prospects. However, students must learn to articulate how their athletic experiences translate to skills valuable in the workplace.

📚 Book Recommendation

Colby Goodman’s book, “Start Now and 49 Other Things You Need to Do to Be Employed by Graduation,” provides actionable steps for students to prepare for their careers.

🌍 Real-World Skills Over Classroom Focus

Emphasize the importance of skills learned outside the classroom. Employers look for problem solvers rather than just job doers.

🔗 Engagement with Career Coaches

Working with a career coach can help students clarify their goals, enhance their resumes, and prepare for interviews to secure jobs post-graduation.

💬 Final Thoughts for Parents

Encourage ongoing conversations about careers, framing them as exploratory rather than pressure-filled, to cultivate a positive outlook on their child's future.

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Nara Legrand:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Email: nara@legrandprep.com

🎭 Background of Will Dennis

12th-grade teacher at a private all-girls school.

Owner of an improv company, Unscripted Productions, focusing on applied improvisation.

🤔 Journey into Teaching and Improv

Initially uncertain about career path; influenced by strong educators and theater participation in high school.

Transitioned from professional acting to teaching after discovering love for teaching through improv classes.

🌱 Improv in Education

Improv creates a safe space for all students, promoting social-emotional learning and growth mindset.

Focuses on accepting mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

🔑 Key Philosophy: Yes, and...

The phrase "Yes, and..." emphasizes radical acceptance and contribution, vital for effective communication with teenagers.

Encourages parents to validate their child's feelings while contributing positively to discussions.

🎉 Classroom Activities

Start with trust-building exercises to ease students into improv.

Use games like Epic Rock, Paper, Scissors to foster teamwork and support.

Incorporate content review through fun improv activities that celebrate learning through mistakes.

💡 Advice for Parents

Engage teenagers using the Yes, and... mindset to enhance communication and understanding.

Explore creative thinking exercises together to validate their ideas and feelings.

🛠️ Improv's Impact on Students

Helps students manage pressure and anxiety by recognizing that imperfection is acceptable.

Allows students to take risks and build confidence in a supportive environment.

📬 Contact Information

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Connect with Will Dennis:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Email: will@unscriptedproductions.com