Lessons learned from the Roofer

A few months ago, in anticipation of the rainy season, I hired a roofer to patch up any potential leaks on my roof. After we signed the contract, the crew came in and patched things up. I welcomed the rain with worry-free arms...or so I thought.

Last week, as the rain dumped on northern California, I watched my ceiling begin to bubble at the seam of the very spot I had asked the roofer to patch. Disappointed, I asked him come back to double-check his work. Sure enough, the area that bubbled hadn't been patched. At this point, the roofer had two options; he could have told me that this patch would be an additional charge explaining that this particular leak was not covered in the terms of the contract or, he could provide exceptional customer service and patch up the one additional area at no charge.

You're probably wondering, "Why is this tale of your dilapidated roof relevant to my college application process?" Well, it is. In anything you do in life, it's your reputation on the line. Do it right; give it your all.

When it comes time to apply for colleges, will you be able to reflect on the process knowing you gave it your all? Have you done everything you could have done for the past four years to prepare you for this moment?

Have you taken advantage of opportunities to learn, discover, and grow as an academic and as a person? In school, are you confident that you submitt the best work possible? Are you proud of your grades? Have you left no doubt that you could have done better? Have you spent time giving back to your school, your neighborhood, or your community? What about your activities? Do you faithfully rehearse your piece or your lines for that flawless performance? Do you show up on time for each practice ready to give it your all? Are you respectful to your coaches, teammates, and the opposing teams?

The college admissions process is no easy feat. In addition to your classes, extra curricular activities, and personal committments, you have to also factor in countless hours of "college application stuff" such as essay writing, researching colleges and majors, procuring teacher recommendtion letters, and the literal act of completing the application.

When it's time to begin your "college application stuff", how will you handle this task? Will you haphazardly complete the process with minimal effort or will you dive in determined to do your best? Even with all of the pushing, encouraging, guidance, and negotiations your parents, counselors, and teachers do it's up to you to make this process your own.

It's your reputation, it's your future, and it's your job to get it done. Are you ready?

Oh, and by the way, in case you were wondering, the roofer patched up the leak at no charge and with amazing customer service. He explained to me that his committment to excellent customer service is what separates him from his competition. If he didn't do everything he could in his power to accomodate his customers, maintain a respecful reputation, and always put 100% effort into his work, then he'd be out of a job.