We meet a lot of students who are eager to ‘make an impact’ in high school, motivated by both the desire to contribute meaningfully to issues that matter, and to strengthen their college applications with the kind of special project they believe will set them apart. We meet even more parents who are anxious to see their kids have this kind of tangible item to put on their activities list or resume. While parents and students alike are often hungry for direction from us, wondering what outcome to strive for and what will ‘look good,’ we take a different approach.
Read on for how we recommend high school students think about doing something that matters–
Our greatest advice is quite simple: just begin.
Any project or objective you devise for the express purpose of impressing others is not likely to have the impact you hope for. The truth is, good projects come from good works, good questions, and good relationships. Here’s what that looks like:
Take an issue that is important to you, a question you are curious about, or an interest you have and go do something. The ‘something’ is less important than what happens next. Sign up to help out, ask if you can intern or shadow, volunteer and keep showing up, read everything you can about the topic, or even meet with a relevant person to ask questions and learn more. No matter how insignificant you might think your contribution is, the important part is to get involved; any action can be a starting point.
Once you start doing, reflect on the experience. 
As you start ‘doing,’ pay attention to what you see, learn, experience, and wonder. Reflect on what you discover that you didn’t know before. What new understandings are you developing, what assumptions are shifting, what needs or challenges do you now recognize? What questions do you have from this new experience? How do these questions or learnings inspire you to take your next action?
Lean into the relationships you have the chance to build. 
Importantly, who do you meet? How does what you learn from the people you encounter shape your understanding of the opportunities, needs, and challenges related to the issue or area you are exploring? The relationships you build will help you understand the complexities and lived experiences of people who are closest to the issues you want to impact. 
Let’s say, for example, you see homelessness as an issue in your community. Deciding on your own or with a group of classmates what people experiencing homelessness need and setting out to meet that need is very different from getting to know people who are themselves experiencing homelessness and listening to how they define their needs. You might find this out by volunteering at a shelter, a homeless outreach effort, or a food distribution center. You may think, I’m just making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but taking the time to listen to and learn from the people who are experiencing the problem themselves, or those who have been working in this area for a long time, will bring you closer to the true needs and deepen your understanding.
Repeat the cycle as you move forward.
Every time you act, reflect, and build relationships, your engagement will lead you to a more meaningful and impactful idea for what you can do or how you can help.
Let your questions and learning guide you to the next action you take, the next question you ask, and the next relationship you build. So if you aren’t sure what you can do, start by doing something; almost anything can be the first seeds of a great idea. In this way, the best ideas and most impactful projects are born of engaging this cycle of reflection, action & relationship building to lead you to what’s next.
This is the second in a multipart series on mattering in the college process. Read part one Think Grades Get You In? Think Again here. Check back in the coming weeks for more on how mattering can shape a student’s high school experience, prepare them to thrive in college, and create the foundation for the kind of college application that sets a student apart in the college process. 
TBU Advisors are experienced in supporting students to navigate their college choices and personal best fit. If you’d like to explore working with a TBU Advisor, get in touch here. We look forward to connecting with you.
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