A Missed Opportunity and a Second Chance
Lisa Potter 
As the new school year begins, I find myself reflecting on the importance of transitions—not just for our children, but also for us as parents. Before school started, my son and I continued a journey of discovery that began with my daughter two years ago.
A Missed Opportunity and a Second Chance
When I was applying to college, it never occurred to me to visit campuses. The cost seemed too extravagant, an indulgence that we couldn’t afford. Throughout my childhood, vacations were rare; the only trip that I clearly remember was a visit to Niagara Falls on one of those bustling coach buses from Chinatown. It was a quick weekend adventure and not the kind of exploration that shapes life decisions.
During the past two years, I’ve made up for that lost opportunity by researching and visiting colleges with my daughter. I’m fortunate to have had the flexibility in my career coaching business to make these trips. As our family walked past manicured lawns and through historic buildings, I frequently was struck by a pang of envy, wishing that I could have had these experiences. More than that though, I felt joy—that our sacrifices had led to more options for our children. The real value of these visits was the time spent together, nearly the last opportunity to bond before they leave the nest.
A Yale Visit: A Moment of Reflection
With my daughter preparing to leave for Cornell, my attention turned to my son before the busy autumn football season kicked in. Amid his summer football practices, we took a trip to visit Yale. I had hoped for some bonding time during the four-hour ride to Connecticut. However, as soon as he settled into the car, he fell asleep. Honestly, he was awake for only about four hours that entire day.
At Yale, our information session presentation was led by an admissions officer who is a graduate of Princeton High School. His father is a physics teacher at PHS. This felt like a serendipitous connection. He spoke candidly about the admissions process, dispelling the myth that it’s about gaming the system. This resonated deeply with me—especially after experiencing the process with my daughter. Finding the right college isn’t about chasing prestige; it’s about finding a place that feels like home, a community where you can grow and thrive during your time there. It’s about aligning with a place that nurtures your interests and supports your journey into adulthood.
Applying Lessons to Our Local Schools
Just as we research colleges to find the best fit for our children, the same care and diligence should be applied when making educational decisions for our district. Extensive research, listening to diverse perspectives, and weighing the benefits of various options are crucial to ensuring the best outcomes for our students.
Commitment to Princeton’s Future
Informed decisions lead to better outcomes, both in college selections and in school governance. I don’t intend to stay in my cocoon. I plan to network with other school districts to discover best practices, learning from others to bring the best ideas to Princeton. As a candidate for the Board of Education, I am committed to investing the time and resources necessary to create the best educational environment for all students. Our children deserve the same careful consideration regarding their local school environments that we give to their college choices. Both are places that nurture their growth, foster their talents, and prepare them for the future.
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Categories: : #reflection
