On October 4th, 2024, parents and students gathered at the Consulate General of India in New York for "Future Ready: Key Skills for High Schoolers," an insightful panel discussion designed to empower Indian-American students on their journey toward higher education. As high school students prepare for their futures, it's essential to understand the fundamental skills that will lead to success—not only in high school but also in college and beyond.

Ohai Event Overview:

The event was sponsored by Ohai.ai and The Culture Tree. These two set the stage for an engaging evening focused on one central theme: ensuring that every student can successfully navigate high school, build resilience, and apply to the colleges of their choice.

Moderated by Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Founder, and CEO of Ohai.ai, the event featured a diverse panel of experts: Sara Harberson, a college admissions coach; Casey Schmalacker, an executive function expert; and young adults who recently navigated their own college journeys. Together, they provided practical guidance, strategies, and personal insights.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Executive Function Skills: A Foundation for Success

Executive function skills—such as time management, organization, and goal setting—are crucial for high school success. One of the panelists, Casey Schmalacker, explained how these skills help students manage their academic and extracurricular workloads while staying focused on long-term goals. Without these skills, students may struggle to keep up with the increasing demands of high school and college applications.

Ishaan Prasad, a Harvard University graduate and JP Morgan Chase employee on the panel, shared his own challenges with time management and how he developed better habits over time. Reflecting on his experiences, he emphasized the importance of using tools like AI-powered productivity assistants and calendars to stay organized.

2. Tools for Organization, Time Management, and Goal Setting

In today’s tech-driven world, students have access to an array of AI tools to enhance their productivity. From AI-powered personal assistants to research tools like Unriddle.ai and Perplexity, students can streamline their processes and stay on top of deadlines. As Kaveesh Pathak, a Northeastern University undergraduate student, noted, using apps like Ohai.ai helped him chunk his tasks into manageable pieces and even scheduled reminders for important deadlines.

These tools are useful not only for students but can also help parents support their children without micromanaging. Casey suggested that parents focus on helping their children build these skills early so they can independently manage their workloads.

3. Managing Stress and Pressure

The stress of maintaining good grades, participating in extracurricular activities, and managing college applications can be overwhelming for high schoolers. Sheila opened this segment by emphasizing the importance of balancing high expectations with mental well-being. Both Ishaan and Kaveesh discussed their personal experiences dealing with stress during high school. They highlighted the importance of setting aside time for relaxation and staying connected with friends and family for support.

College admissions expert Sara added that while building a strong application is important, students should also prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. She recommended strategies such as mindfulness and mental health check-ins to ensure students maintain a healthy balance.

4. Mental Health and Support at Home

The panel concluded with a discussion about the role of parents in supporting their children’s success. Casey emphasized the delicate balance parents must strike between providing guidance and allowing their children to develop independence. Over-involvement can lead to added pressure, whereas the right level of support helps students build resilience.

Sara, who works closely with families through the college admissions process, shared her experience guiding parents to be effective partners in their child’s journey. She advised that parents should focus on emotional and mental health support, ensuring their children feel understood and supported during these challenging years.

Why You Should Attend Events Like This:

- Holistic Preparation:

Learn about both the academic and personal aspects of preparing for college.

- Expert Insights:

Hear from professionals who have extensive experience helping students succeed.

- Actionable Tips:

Leave with strategies you can implement immediately to improve time management, organization, and stress relief.

- Community Building:

Connect with other parents and students navigating similar paths.

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The Path Forward

As the event wrapped up with networking and refreshments, attendees left feeling empowered and better equipped to tackle the challenges of high school and college preparation. The insights shared by the panelists, coupled with the practical tools highlighted, made it clear that every student’s journey is unique—but with the right guidance, success is within reach.

For those who couldn’t attend, the key message was simple: success in high school and beyond isn’t just about academics. It's about building strong executive function skills, managing stress, and fostering a supportive environment at home. With these tools in hand, students can confidently chart their own paths to a bright future.

Stay tuned for future events hosted by Ohai.ai and The Culture Tree, and be sure to explore the AI tools discussed in the event to help your student become "Future Ready!"