t
from the publisher
hose were the days, when I only had to worry about potty training and keeping kids
corralled from danger. Now with teenagers, I’ve entered a life that is fun but sometimes
overwhelming—and definitely more expensive! As my boys approach adulthood (or at least
collegehood), I feel a sense of urgency to prepare them for life beyond our home.
At 15, my oldest, Spencer, is a smart kid with a lot of interests ranging from football to jazz
band. My middle, Mitchell is 13; he is a percussionist and wrestler. My youngest, Trevor, is 11
and plays anything that involves a ball. My husband, Dave, travels this journey with me —He
provides comic relief and the stern dad-voice when needed.
Two years ago, we felt confident that their college funds were well funded, given a sizable
infusion from their grandparents. However, once we investigated the current costs of private
and public universities, our confidence turned to consternation. How did college costs rise
so much in two short decades? The more internet searches about college that I did, the
more I realized, “I don’t even know what I need to
know”about the financial side of sending
kids off to continue their education. And, my need
to make sure I’ve instilled certain skills and values
in them before they go was heavily reinforced.
This magazine was born from my
on the
cover
Sarah Catherine Hook,
a hard-working theatre
enthusiast and her
parents. Photography by
Britsnap Photography
contents
6 GEAR UP
7 5 THINGS
8 WHAT I KNOW NOW
9 TOP TEN
10 WISE WORDS
14 IFE 101
L
16 HAPPY + HEALTHY
in each issue
desire to help my children make
19
22
30
wise choices and help them navigate the pathway to adulthood—
without me hovering. (Although, I may
never quit hovering completely.) I want them to
C AMPUS CONNECTION
S POTLIGHT
TAKE NOTE
know how to drive a car safely, how to balance
a checkbook, perform other basic life skills, and
contributors
develop a vision for their future and work to realize it.
Also, with a looming six-figure college bill for each
publisher Pam Mashburn
child, my pocketbook necessitated that we get more
art director Erika Tracy
involved in our children’s preparation. Their job is to
graphic design Heather Cooper
get good grades, get involved in activities that don’t
editorial consultant Ryan Dohrn
involve TV or Xbox, and prepare to earn scholarship-worthy SAT/ACT scores! High goals,
writers Caitlin Howell, Jennifer Kornegay
I know, but all achievable with the right resources. Which is where parents come in; we are
sales Stacie Berry
the best resource to give information, support and motivation our teens need. We just have to
know how to best deliver all of that to them. And that’s where Potential enters the picture.
Potential is designed to help you find those tools and other resources that will assist you
in helping your college-bound child achieve and fulfill their potential. Our premiere issue
focuses on six local teenagers who are excelling in different areas and accomplishing some
really cool things! Our favorite part has been talking to their parents. We love learning from
parents who are helping their children reach their goals and sharing what we learn with you.
Potential is for you, so let us know what you think about this issue. Our goal (the fulfillment of our potential) is to be your go-to guide when it comes to “parenting teens to achieve.”
photography Drew Hoover
Martin Harris/Britsnap Photography
distribution LeAnne Thomas
potential is published by exploreMedia.
2012 exploreMedia. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part without permission
is prohibited. Editorial content verified
but can not be guaranteed.
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questions & comments
pam mashburn
[email protected] /
334.201.8787
4
p.s.ou believe thos0e1?
y
20
can
s from
little guy
to [email protected]
forms & guidelines
Nominations for Teen Spotlight
available at www.potentialmagazine.com