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Thriving Minds is a citywide initiative that brings together organizations that believe in the power of imagination, creativity and innovation to change the way children learn. Through programs that promote creative thinking, project-based learning and experimentation, Thriving Minds is changing the way our city thinks about educating youth for the 21st century. The initiative is managed by Big Thought and includes the City of Dallas, Dallas Independent School District and more than 100 arts, cultural and community organizations that are committed to making creative learning a part of the education of every Dallas student—in and out of school. Visit www.thrivingminds.org for more information.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Day One: Exploring Professions & College Readiness



About 160 middle school students showed up for the first day of camp at the Universities Center in downtown Dallas.  Day 1 was all about college and careers.  UNT's Emerald Eagle Scholars gave participants the low-down on what college is really like, and what it takes to get there.  The rest of the day was spent cruising careers—learning about different career fields, what kind of education is required, potential salaries and more.  Campers also had the chance to start exploring their career tracks in fashion, music, the arts and technology through hands-on workshops with creative professionals.
"First day of camp and so far so good. I met several new friends. I thought it would be weird talking to other students from different schools we didn’t know, but it was interesting learning new things from them and probably they thought the same about us…" - Alejandra Vega
"It’s amazing how it’s only the first day and I already can’t wait to get to college. College can make your life easier; it lets you know what your life can really be. It shows you responsibility without your mom and dad. It could be something I would struggle with." - Kiera O’Quin

The Alchemist
Getting most kids to read is hard enough—but during spring break?  Well, that might be impossible….except, apparently, when it’s Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. One of the Brazilian author’s best-known novels on finding ones destiny and life purpose, reading The Alchemist was the starting point to getting campers to think about what they envision for their own futures.  Students discussed the book with peers and mentors throughout the week…and some have gone on to form book clubs on their campuses.
If you’ve read The Alchemist, what are some of your favorite parts?
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