**College Application Insights: What You Need to Know
Meeting Room 5
Presenter: Ms. Michelle Thompson-Taylor, Associate Dean of College Counseling, Choate Rosemary Hall
Graduation is a matter of time—which means it is time to get serious about what’s next. Two big questions are front and center: How do I apply to college? and how do I stand out on my college applications?
This engaging and eye-opening workshop breaks down exactly what you need to know to take control of your college journey before senior year even begins. From choosing the right schools to writing a personal essay that actually sounds like you, this session is filled with insider tips and practical strategies most students don’t hear until it’s too late.
You will learn how to build a college list that fits your goals and budget, understand what admissions officers really look for, and find out how to use your summer wisely so you’re not overwhelmed in the fall.
By the end, you will walk away with a clear action plan, a checklist to stay on track, and examples of real application materials that worked.
**This session meets the needs for students and adults.
Are We There Yet? Navigating Post-High School and Beyond
Meeting Room 6
Presenters: Mr. Jeremiah Brown, Mr. Jalin Thomas, (three MBK students/alum TBD)
Inspired by Jalin Thomas’s groundbreaking book, Clueless Compass, this workshop is designed to equip teenagers with essential knowledge and skills to succeed and thrive well beyond high school. Here is what you can expect:
Discover practical strategies to be successful in your first year of college or the first year of work
Learn how to create and use the five daily habits that the most successful people use
Hear from a panel of young people who are walking the walk
This empowering session will set you on the path to short-term wins in life and long-term success. Do not miss this opportunity to take control of your future and live toward your highest potential.
Media Literacy Matters: How to Decode the Messages That Shape Our World
Swyer Theater
Presenters: Mr. Brian Favors and Mr. Jordan Pierre
In a world where we scroll more than we speak and headlines come faster than facts, understanding how media works is not optional—it’s essential. This interactive workshop is designed to help young people become critical thinkers, smart consumers, and confident creators of media in all its forms. Participants will explore how media is used to inform, educate, entertain, and influence—from news reports and social media trends to advertising and pop culture. Together, we will break down how messages are constructed, who creates them, what’s left out, and why it matters. Through real-world examples, short video clips, and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain tools to:
- Recognize bias, manipulation, and misinformation
- Analyze how media shapes opinions and identity
- Understand the power of storytelling in shaping social norms
- Build awareness of how algorithms and platforms affect what we see and believe
Whether it is a viral TikTok or a breaking news alert, this workshop empowers young people to ask better questions, think deeper, and take control of how they interact with media—not just consume it.
