Operation Varsity Blue- A Statement of Our Society's Facination with Appearances

Hello,
It's Sunita here.

It was hard not to be glued to the news feed about the college admissions scandal this week. Wealthy and privileged people accused of buying their way into highly regarded educational institutions. What an unimaginable plot...

Really?

Let's look at how our society has become more and more outwardly focused in the age of 'celebrity'. Influencers are now people with no obvious qualifications but with huge social media clout. Young teenagers are caught up in becoming You Tube stars. Photo shopped nirvana is what gets likes and hence ranking and popularity in the social media world.

It's a feeding frenzy to achieve a conspicuous, status driven and name brand identity.

Is it shocking that some people allegedly would go to the lengths that have been reported in the news this week to get their kids into prestigious universities? If we were honest we would say no.

The process of college applications and admission is full of stress, uncertainty and chance. Many high schools report a high level of depression and anxiety amongst their student populations. Sleep is a big trade off for these already mentally and emotionally taxed students. The results are disastrous at worse and difficult at best.

Until we encourage our children to do their best and be happy with that, there will always be a sense of failure if their 'goals' are not met. But these goals are not what their life is about. It's about their resilience when what they dream about and plan for does not happen. That is when they will rise above who they are at that moment and redefine themselves. And create something of value in their life. There is no elite school pedigree or unearned glory that can give them that.

This scandal has given us a great opportunity to talk to our children about many important issues in our society that it has uncovered. It is also an opportunity to reassure them that they are enough as unique human beings. Their intrinsic value is what makes them special and will lead them to do great things of distinction in their lives. Just because millions of people may not hear about their greatness does not mean that they are not amazing!

Building a meaningful life takes a lifetime of commitment to both our inner and outer worlds. Not just a fancy college degree. We need to remember that at all times if we want to reach our full potential.

Wishing you a thoughtful week,
Sunita
#selfloveselfcarefirst  #jointhemovement