Ben Rous,
Assistant Head of School
Director of Upper School
(Former Director of College Counseling)
Director of Upper School
(Former Director of College Counseling)
HRA: The COVID 19 pandemic has, among many other things, disrupted our ability to choose the activities we do. This narrowing of choice had led many of us to invest more emotion in mundane tasks. Moreover, this investment frees us to enjoy these tasks on a deeper level—a trip to the grocery store becomes an outing; folding laundry gives us time to blissfully zone out or reflect; mowing the lawn is similarly inspirational. The point is, a narrowing of options offers the opportunity to appreciate and reap the rewards of meaningful choice-making.
Such are the claims of Sheena Iyengar, a professor at the Columbia University Business School and author of the book The Art of Choosing. Her thesis in the book is that having more options doesn’t always lead to better or happier decisions. To grasp her point, think of all those channels you have available to you in your cable package—does it make you happy to have such a range or is it frustrating? Or think of Pelican’s SnoBalls; have you ever found yourself paralyzed by the myriad flavors available?
Professor Iyengar’s research indicates that attitudes to choice vary by culture, but a recurring theme in her experiments is that satisfaction with one’s choice is diminished when that choice was made among many options, rather than a thoughtfully vetted few. As Professor Iyengar notes, “The power of choice lies not in being reactive to what’s in front of us, it’s being able to be proactive in creating those choices that enable you to go from who you are today to whom you want to be tomorrow.”
And that sentiment perfectly encapsulates what the college search and application process can—and should—be.
There are over 2000 four-year college options in the United States. It’s absurd to ask a seventeen-year-old to “pick one”. What criteria would she use? The football team is great! My mom went there! My friends love it!
Seems like a thin basis to make a decision, but it happens all the time. It’s a basic human tendency when faced with overwhelming choices to gravitate to the known or familiar.
But what is more familiar to us than ourselves? I would suggest that this familiarity makes the best launch pad for a college search. A seventeen-year-old (or sixteen, or eighteen) likely knows what she likes (Teacher lectures or class discussion? Living in a city or the country? Being in a warm climate or a cold one?), and the answers to these questions can dramatically narrow the focus of a search.
Once these foundational elements are established, then our seventeen-year-old (or sixteen, or eighteen) can start applying other metrics to the search (cost, relative strength of a particular academic program, a robust Greek system). The resulting realization might be thus: I want a mid-to-larger sized college, in or near a city in the Midwest, and with a string computer science program and the list of colleges might include Case Western University, the University of Chicago, DePaul, Miami University in Ohio, and the University of Tulsa.
It makes the choice much more manageable, right?
And thoughtful!
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Supporting Every Student
At Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) in Newport News, VA, the school recognizes the uniqueness of every student and is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that meets individual needs. With a focus on personalized attention, HRA ensures that each student receives the academic guidance, emotional support, and extracurricular opportunities necessary to thrive. This approach is underpinned by a culture of compassion that informs every interaction and initiative.
HRA is also committed to making its top-tier education accessible to all families. Through customized tuition assistance programs, the school works to ensure that financial concerns do not hinder a student’s access to quality education. HRA takes pride in offering a wide range of resources and support, ensuring that the needs of its diverse community are met with care.
A Commitment to Excellence
At HRA, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment lies in nurturing the whole student through a rigorous and comprehensive academic program. Our curriculum emphasizes honor, integrity, and personal growth, ensuring that each student is recognized for their unique strengths within a supportive community.
With small class sizes and a focus on personalized attention, our dedicated faculty provides tailored support to help every student succeed. HRA fosters a healthy, encouraging environment where students can thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. This holistic approach allows us to meet each student’s individual needs, empowering them to explore various academic and extracurricular activities—from the playing fields to the stage.
Why Choose HRA?
As the Peninsula’s only independent school serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, HRA provides a distinctive educational experience that stands out. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, HRA meets the highest standards of academic excellence.
Beyond the classroom, HRA offers a wide range of opportunities that enhance student development. The athletic programs promote teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship, encouraging students to compete with integrity. The robust arts program allows students to express their creativity in both visual and performing arts. Additionally, the REACH (Real-world Experience and Academic Choices) Initiative enables students to connect their academic learning to real-world applications, fostering a commitment to personal growth and community service.
Schedule Your Tour of HRA in Newport News, VA, Today!
At Hampton Roads Academy, students receive an exceptional education paired with a strong emphasis on character development, preparing them for future success. The school cultivates critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery, all aimed at shaping innovative and empathetic leaders for an evolving world. Serving families in Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, HRA encourages you to schedule a campus tour to explore how its nurturing environment can help your child grow and inspire them to achieve their full potential.
