TEM #021: A compass for 2024.

December 8, 2023

Happy Friday!

It’s that time of year where people are simultaneously rushing to cross off 2023 to-dos while starting to set 2024 goals. It’s equally exciting and overwhelming (you’ve got this).

Whether you’re making the decision to apply to graduate school in 2024 or waiting for acceptances so you can start strong in your next education chapter, check out my go-to annual reflection and planning tool below.

This week’s highlights:

• Your education affirmation

• How to make your Year Compass

• Darwin and Irwin’s tortoise 🐢

• The 1:1 Personal Statement Review winner’s circle!

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Education affirmation.

I am excited to step into a new world.

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Your Year Compass.

I randomly found Year Compass several years ago - it originated in 2012 with a group of friends in Hungary on New Year’s Eve. Their year reflection and future planning process went viral.

Last year, 2 million people downloaded this free resource to do a written download of wins and areas of improvement from the previous year.

It gives a sense of closure and provides a springboard of excitement to dream and set goals for the new year.

Highlight questions:

• A book or a movie was made about your past year. What title would you give it?

• Is there anything you have to let go of before you can start your next year?

• What does the year ahead of you look like? Why will it be great?

Year Compass is as fantastic for those taking the leap on their graduate school journey in 2024 as it is for the colleagues, friends and family supporting them. Enjoy!

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Fun fact.

Harriet the tortoise’s 176-year life span allowed her to be owned by Charles Darwin in the mid-1800s and eventually Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin until her death in 2006.

Are you goal setting for 2024?

Going back to graduate school could start a 100+ year legacy in your own family.

(Or you could buy a tortoise, both are lasting options!)

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Winner’s circle.

🎉🎉🎉

CONGRATULATIONS to Shelby on winning the 1:1 Personal Statement Review Contest!

Here’s what she’s won (cue the “a new car!” voice from The Price is Right):

• One 45-min overview call

  • We’ll discuss application requirements, personal story and current personal statement questions/concerns

• One 10-day review period that includes:

  • A statement review with comments and recommendations on 1) clarity of story, 2) areas to condense or expand, 3) ensuring there is a distinct narrative arc, and that all application questions have been answered from the reviewer's point of view

  • A few days to read the recommendations and ask clarifying questions followed by my answers and additional guidance

Everyone send good vibes as she prepares to hit submit on those graduate school applications in the coming weeks! 🥳

Thanks for being here and reading each week, I hope you’re enjoying The Education Mindset as much as I enjoy writing it.

Have the best weekend!

Dr. Jena

P.S. What’s the most fun dream on your 2024 list?

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