In 2006, students at Bronx Prep Charter School gathered to cheer on the 21 seniors in the inaugural senior class as they exited the gates together to mail their college applications at the local post office. Eight years later, that tradition—and the number of students participating—has grown. Today’s seniors enjoy a send-off from the entire student body and staff, and even an MC and DJ, as you can see in Bronx Prep’s video here.

https://youtu.be/FLARJHTGe-A

These kids are excited to be applying to college. They’re excited at the opportunity that waits for them after high school. They’re being cheered on by their community for doing the hard work to successfully arrive at this day. And none of it is predicated upon which colleges say yes.

Students, parents, and counselors everywhere should emulate their example.

No matter what your circumstances or where your kids hope to go, celebrate the milestone of applying to college. Celebrate all the hard work it took to get to this point. Celebrate the opportunities that are bound to come your way regardless of which schools return an acceptance.

How you celebrate it doesn’t matter (each of our Collegewise offices celebrates the final application submission in their own ways with their students). But find a way to recognize and celebrate the important step your student is taking by applying to college.

The best way to enjoy this process is to amplify the already enjoyable parts.