<p>7D. Thanks for posting. Great article. For my DDs the BS experience has certainly helped build character. The both have learned to deal with more HW than they can possibly do to their personal standards, and had to therefore set priorities, and deal with the frustration of not being as prepared as they would like. The high level of their classmate’s achievements have helped them learn to persevere even when they are not the “best” at something. Their relationship with teachers, and the high behavior expectations, have helped tham learn accountability and how to advocate for themselves without being overly self-centered. </p>
<p>We have tried to reinforce character by always emphasizing the importance of effort and ethics over grades and competition. Earning the grade, getting the part, making the team is less important than did you show up and try your best.</p>
<p>For my DDs the BS experience helped them experience those challenges that build character in HS rather than college. I think for many students who have always been the best and brightest in HS, college (where everyone was the best and the brightest in HS) can be a real shock to the system. I think for my DDs they might have had more fun had they gone to PS , but certainly would be less “prepped”.</p>