Photo by Adam Wink

So I am going a little off my usual topics today because I want to talk about my other “job.”  When I am not working as “mommy,” “swim coach,” or “pilates instructor,” the job that pays the bills is high school college counselor.  I truly enjoying working with my students and watching them grow over their four years of high school.  The change that takes place in a high schooler over four years is truly amazing.  In the last year, I have really noticed how the recession has affected kids and their college choices.  Nearly fifty percent of our kids will attend one of our in-state schools, while the other group will be going out-of-state to mostly private, smaller schools.  I have had the privelege of working at both large state universities and a smaller regional liberal arts school during my career.  I would have to say, hands down, I enjoyed the small school experience the best.

I believe that smaller schools allow you to be more engaged mentally, active in a campus community, and participate at a broader level in various campus activities.  Not to say state schools don’t have their merit, I am solely talking about the college experience that prepares a student for their future through open class discussion, small student to teacher ratios, and a focus on writing and critical thinking.  I recently read Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That’s Right for You by the late Loren Pope, he readily discusses the benefits of the small, liberal arts institution that focus on teaching and student research.  He believes the perfect college size is those that are under 5000 students because it gives the students the ability to interact with their professors and classmates.  Small schools encourage kids to have dialogues in and outside the classrooms and to take ownership of their own education.  Pope actually has his own list of Colleges that Change Lives and describes their benefits in the book of the same name.  What I find most intriguing is how today’s society focuses on the big name universities; ranging from the Ivy League to large state schools, in turn, dismissing many small, excellent institutions due to lack of name recognition.  Several years ago, I worked at a great liberal arts school, Truman State University, I was so impressed by the high level of teaching, camraderie amongst the students and faculty, and research done by the students that I would easily recruit students to that amazing institution.  In addition, the campus was thriving; they regularly had lectures from prominent national and international speakers, they had excellent sports teams and extremely active intramurals, and lastly it was cool to be smart and engaged in your own learning.  There are many great institutions out there that families don’t know about or discount because they haven’t “heard” of them.  If you have a student in high school I highly encourage you to check out some of the smaller, liberal arts institutions that will prepare your child for their future and help them grow into critical learners and productive members of our community.

While this post easily swayed from my usual topics, I have been extremely enamored with small liberal arts schools and the great college experience they can give to our young people.  In addition, I encourage you to check out those lesser known schools that may peak the interest of your student and/or yourself.   Active mommies need to also be active in finding our kids the best education possible!

photo by Shelly

In February, our StrollerFit group of moms focused on our Heart Health in honor of American Heart Month.  Most people do not know that the number one killer of women in America in heart disease. Children will only live what they know – monkey see, monkey do.  We, as parents, may wish we could instill the “do what we say, not what we do” premise, but our children will always aspire to be just like us.  What does this have to do with being “heart healthy”?  Plenty.  Children will not just learn their pleases & thank yous from us parents, they learn how to form lifestyle habits.  What you do every day reinforces to them that this is the right way to live.  Whether your day includes a half mile walk or two stops at McDonalds ~ your child takes it all in.  Moderate physical activity can help the heart get stronger.  Most people also find that exercise reduces stress and boosts energy levels. Regular physical activity also may lead to other important health advantages, including weight control, weight loss, better circulation and blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.  The American Heart Association has some great resources to help you learn about heart health and share the information with your family.  Check out the American Heart Association website for some fun games and activities for kids.

by Time Share

Today I watched my older sister complete her first marathon.  I have never actually watched a run, I usually am a competitor and I have run quite a few runs with my sister.  Last year, my sister and I started the marathon together, but she had to pull out for an injury after mile 13.  So this year, because I couldn’t run the marathon with her, I became her biggest cheerleader.  It was an exciting event and while I really wanted to be in the race running, it was a different and exciting perspective from the sidelines.  I was able to observe such a wide variety of participants all with the goal of completing one of the most challenging sporting events.  While I don’t think everyone needs to run a marathon, I do think participating in a road race as a runner or volunteer gives you a different perspective on challenge and committment.  I also think it is great for our kids to see a road race.  My son loved being part of the marathon.  At mile 18, he began to run with the runners.  He was an absolute hit and all the runners in that vicinity got a good laugh and cheered him on.  He has been talking about how he “ran a marathon” all day.  I am glad he has had exposure to such a challenging event and the excitement surrounding the participants.  Ninety-nine percent of the runners today ran this race not to win, but to finish and achieve their own personal goals.

A couple of things that really stood out where the number of competitors competing as part of the Team in Training  organization.  These runners, clad in purple, were running to raise money for the Leukimia and Lymphoma Society.  They committed their time to training and getting pledges and in turn had a professional coach and a group to train with.  These runners had a ton of sideline support and many cried as they crossed the finish line.  I am sure many of them have been directly affected by cancer and used this opportunity to help fight this deadly disease.   There were many other groups raising money for their particular organizations during the race and I am impressed with how many people committ to a cause to complete a marathon or 1/2 marathon. 

Maybe you haven’t ever been a runner, but sometimes committing to something larger than yourself is the push you need.  Whether you join a group like Team in Training or simply compete in a local 5K raising money for the YMCA, I highly encourage you to find a cause to run or volunteer for.  There are walks such as the Susan B. Komen 3 day, and even triathlons, bike rides, and hikes that raise money for a cause.  The incentive to get in shape and train for a competition while helping your community can be the ultimate push to get up and exercise each morning.  So put those running or walking shoes on and head to the gym!

I am proud to say that my sister completed her first marathon today.  She wasn’t feeling the best during the race, but she persevered and finished strong.  I am very proud of her accomplishment and look forward to competing with her next year.  Information on the PF Changs Rock and Roll Marathons and 1/2 Marathons.