So you think the stress of getting into college ends with your acceptance letter, right? Most students have been working hard towards academic success, SAT’S, and extracurricular activities so they can get into the college of their choice. Within the first weeks of their first semester many students are melting down from the unexpected pressure of this new environment. Thirty six percent of all US college students fail to graduate. They were accepted to college, but were they adequately prepared for their newfound freedom? This eye opening program for juniors and seniors provides the tools to jump start their entry into campus life.

As a nationally recognized speaker on college campuses for over 10 years Elaine has heard all the stories and can prepare high school students for the issues they may face. Are you too far from home? What happens when you are stuck with a roommate who likes to party 5 nights a week? Are you prepared for less sleep because students on your floor are up all hours of the night making noise? Should a student be forced to sleep in a lounge or in another friend’s room because their roommate is constantly entertaining their boyfriend or girlfriend overnight? How can you find a living environment on campus that is more conducive to academic success?

Elaine will talk about the effects of alcohol on a college education. She wants students to understand that one night of partying, or one inconsequential decision can be life altering. Forty one percent of all academic difficulties and 28 percent of all drop outs are due to alcohol abuse. Issues regarding sexual assault are discussed. The person who is most susceptible to being raped on a college campus is the freshman girl within her first 6 weeks on campus. She makes the students aware of situations that can put them at risk for this crime. Postponing sex, safe sex and integrity for oneself and for others is also discussed at length. Many students on campuses are mixing sex and alcohol. Elaine warns students that this is a high-risk combination that can lead to a life altering event such as an unwanted pregnancy or an incurable sexually transmitted disease.

She urges students to really look at the big picture when applying to college and she successfully prepares them for the challenges of a new and exciting life.

► Goals and legacy in life

► Choosing a college: the big picture

► Location: Climate & Proximity to Home

► Small versus Large Campus

►Teaching Assistants versus Professors

► Rural versus Urban Campuses

► Financial Considerations

► Support Services for Students

► Student Activities for Students

► High-Risk Drinking

► Safe consumption

► Negative effects of excessive alcohol

► Injuries, deaths, abductions, unprotected sex

► Date Rape and Date Rape Drugs

► Unsafe sex and sexual responsibility

► Predators

► Illegal drug use

► Alternative spring break activities

Detailed description:

► Researching your destination

► Key foreign language phrases

► Laws of destination on alcohol and drugs

► Cell phone usage in foreign countries

► Safety tips for getting about

► Staying in groups

► Where to store valuable belongings

► Looking confident

► Following instincts

Detailed description:

Each year thousands of college students flock to the beaches of the U.S. and other foreign destinations for a week of fun and sun. Unfortunately not everyone comes home with happy memories. Some trips have turned into a free-for-all of bad decisions where students sustained injuries, death, sexual assaults, and legal issues involving arrests. Even the simplest decision, like flashing the camera might have future implications. Will a prospective boss have access to those images before your first job interview? The purpose of this program is to prepare students for a safe and fun week.

Elaine advises students on how to thoroughly prepare for the trip. If one is traveling overseas, what websites are available to research your destination, what type of documentation is needed, and how do you best travel safely with those documents and your money? Once you are there, how do you remain safe? She shares tips on how to look confident and how to safely move from one locale to another.

The effects of excessive alcohol consumption on instincts, decision making skills, safety, and well-being are discussed. Elaine motivates students to drink responsibly, stay together and to look out for one another. Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise, with some being life-altering. She talks to the students about hook ups, safe sex, and provides them with numerous options for protection. Elaine also warns of sexual assault and the predatory date rape drugs. She teaches students how to recognize if they have become a victim.

Elaine's goal is to encourage students to value their safety and well-being over just having fun. This is a time to develop fond and lasting memories, not nightmares. Students learn that they can successfully balance having fun while making responsible choices at the same time.

Students enjoying roll playing excercise
at George Mason University

Students enjoying roll playing excercise
at George Mason University