College Excel Excellent News: Winter '07

Jared AndersonStaff Spotlight:
Jared Anderson

We're excited to have someone as dedicated as Jared on board as a life coach. "I do this work," states Jared, "because I feel compelled to give back what I have received."

Over the past years, Jared has sought out the most effective avenues for young people to make the transition to adulthood. "There are many necessary components that I believe need to be present in order for this transition to effectively take place. The two that stand out the most are the young person's willingness to step into something new and the support this young person has from others who have already made the transition."

Jared believes that successfully making this transition in today's landscape is daunting to say the least. "It takes a lot of energy to bring a person across the threshold. Children don't want to grow up and they can't be blamed for that. This is why in many cultures, the adults force the process to happen, by taking children away from their parents for a time to give the children an opportunity to find their identity as an adult and to become a contributing and responsible member of their community."

Jared emphasizes the importance of actually doing the work to make the transition happen. "Many young adults, when faced with the work of becoming their own version of a responsible adult, choose not to do it. And some, although they want to run, choose to face the difficulties and do the work. Today, it takes more for a young person to become an adult. At times, we have to push ourselves to take the steps and to create the community that will help us along the journey."

Jared graduated with a degree in counseling psychology from Prescott College. His recreational interests in climbing, skiing, and hiking serve him well in his professional life.

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