Winter 2019

Greetings

At this time of year, it is heartwarming to exchange greetings with the many families, educators, and other professionals with whom we work. We are so fortunate to live in a time that offers a tremendous variety of educational paths to challenge, support, and inspire young people to grow into their best selves.

In reflecting back over 2018, we are proud to have added Holly Daniels as a TBG affiliate. Her work further expands our expertise in serving teens who are overcoming obstacles to further their education. Throughout my career, it has been gratifying to see the evolution and expansion of resources for integrating educational and therapeutic resources.

Recent years have also brought an increased emphasis on wellness to the campuses of many colleges and traditional boarding and day schools, resulting in an upsurge in programs designed to help students find balance and build healthy lifestyles. At TBG, we keep abreast of both the opportunities and the challenges facing contemporary teens, which is why we are collaborating with Oxford Academy this coming May to present Cam Adair, an internationally known speaker on digital addiction.

When attending conferences alongside educators and admissions professionals this fall, three themes stood out among the conversations of what qualities are fundamental for 21^st-century teens. As always, schools and colleges are eager to admit students of strong character. Resiliency, with ongoing discussions about grit and growth mindset, continues to be a priority. Open-mindedness is a trait that is receiving increased emphasis. Each of these qualities helps students find the maturity to take healthy risks, bounce back from mistakes, and successfully collaborate with, learn from, and appreciate those who think differently from themselves. Whether preparing for interviews, writing essays, or exploring personal growth experiences, reflecting on these values can help candidates put their best foot forward in planning their school search.

Each year, we treasure the opportunity to know and work with each of our Bertram candidates and their families. We also hold the educators, schools, and other professionals with whom we work in high esteem. We wish you the best in the coming year and we look forward to another fulfilling year of supporting educational hopes, dreams, and new beginnings.

In this issue:

• Deena offers advice on choosing college essay topics that stand out from the crowd.
• Audrey outlines what to look for in schools to serve “twice exceptional” students, who are gifted and have learning differences.
• I interview faculty from Choate Rosemary Hall and Philips Exeter Academy, plus an LGBTQ diversity consultant about how boarding schools are supporting transgender students.
• In Bertram News, Krissy introduces upcoming speaker Cam Adair and explores the growing issue of video game addiction.
• Jeremy highlights strategies and services that help teens integrate therapeutic lessons into everyday life.
• Our Save the Date feature highlights an upcoming conference relating to transgender students.

Also, don’t miss Holly’s recent column that outlines the various platforms for submitting applications to traditional boarding and day schools. 

As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

Cammie Bertram and the Bertram Team