I spent this weekend at a College Summit workshop and it was every shade of amazing and inspiring.  College Summit is a non-profit that focuses on creating a college-going culture in low-income communities.  I was a writing coach at a weekend retreat for students and helped four gorgeous (not like that matters, but they were, so I might as well say it) young ladies on personal statements for their college applications.  I walked into the experience nervous about almost every element.  I’d never taught, had only ever written one college personal statement and it was in 1999, and couldn’t even fathom getting four students to write complete personal statements in three days.  But the College Summit program totally delivers.  Every student walks out of the weekend workshop with a pretty stellar personal statement, a list of colleges to apply to, a thorough understanding of financial aid, and a whole new team of supporters to guide him or her through the process.

It’s a wonderful program for a student and a moving and motivating experience for a volunteer.  I’d definitely recommend anyone and everyone to get involved.  You don’t have to be any kind of writer or have a background in teaching to be a writing coach.  You just have be open to following the College Summit writing curriculum, willing to spend a Thursday through Sunday on a college campus, and able to stomach some gnarly dining hall food.  I just decided I was feeding my soul, not my belly this weekend.  Weight loss through community service, does it get any better?  Hold up, that’s a for serious really great business idea, right?  Please don’t steal it.  I’m going to do something with it.

For more (on College Summit, not Community Love, Not Love Handles…that website is to come.) click here.