Fall Semester 2021 of The Word Magazine | Madeline Zukowski, DSHA '11
DSHA’s college-preparatory curriculum assists each student to think critically and communicate effectively while preparing for her college experience. When a student reaches junior year, her academic workload has progressed to challenge her beyond what she experienced freshman and sophomore year. Junior year also marks the second half of high school, which presents thoughts and decisions of what is next.
To allow juniors the opportunity to jump start what is to come—the college search, college applications, as well as interviews for college, scholarships, jobs, and more, DSHA Student Services created the annual Junior Activity and Interview Day. The first of its kind took place 11 years ago, in November 2010. The day took place on November 5 this year.
Junior Activity and Interview Day takes a wholistic approach, “helping students see who they are, what they want, and their goals,” said Director of Student Services Jacky Krawczyk. By junior year, students’ soft interpersonal skills, or how they communicate and interact with those around them, is developing according to School Counselor Mallorie Svetlik. The entire day, from taking a step back from the stress that comes with junior year to connect with one another, to putting each girl’s communication and confidence into practice, helps the development of the skills she will need in the future.
“We are a college-prep school and we provide this unique experience that other schools may not provide,” said Krawczyk.