​If 2020 taught us anything here at SMW Unlimited, it taught us that we all need each other more than we thought.  This year of separation and tribulations has taught us how important it is to take care of each other and our physical AND mental health. As we begin to emerge from our cocoons into a newly vaccinated world there are going to be some challenges.  

The temporary crumbling of the testing machine, allowed me unprecedented time to rethink my own future and to retool in order to provide a more meaningful educational experience for all learners.  It gave me time to embrace art, movement, nature, music, and meditation in my everyday life.  More importantly, 2020 allowed me the space to contemplate what these components look like when successfully integrated within learning.  This past year offered me a space to explore the ideals of social and emotional learning in our own and our children's lives.  As our children emerge into this new post COVID world there are going to be adjustments that will have to be made in order for them to thrive.  Our children are going to need us more than ever to help them understand the emotional complexities of surviving a global pandemic.  SEL coaching will play a more significant role in the future of education and we are ready.  

As we rediscover our way back to a new normal, SMW Unlimited is here to help you and your family navigate these new emotionally and socially saturated tides.  We are here to help you all find a safe space for emotional, social, and academic growth. We all face challenges and hardships along our path, but we are ultimately stronger when we have others to walk along side of us through these trials.  As we walk into this unknown future together, we are here to help you discover your own new normal.
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In 2021, SMW is embracing that there are UNLIMITED ways to help people discover their purpose.  There are UNLIMITED ways to learn, and there are UNLIMITED ways to embrace change.  We are here with UNLIMITED resources and UNLIMITED empathy to help you discover the answers that best fit you and yours.  

Until then, be safe and stay smart! 

 The curve is on the rise in NC, so I feel as if it is time for a quick update. SMW Unlimited is still closed until stage three of the reopening plan in NC is initiated. I am starting to receive more and more inquiries about my ACT Prep services, so I wanted to send out a quick post about where I think this crazy COVID-19 testing world is heading.  Simply put, if the testing industry has its way, testing will eventually go online. However, if higher education steps in now and calls an end to utilizing big testing in admissions then the testing industry might be forced to completely retool (my biased preference).  Any of you that know me know that I am not a huge fan of high stakes testing.  Ironically, I do indeed offer test prep for students. I specialize in the ACT. I am good at helping students slay this beast, but I would much rather be educating them. I will be ecstatic the day these tests simply go away. 

In all honesty, I am hesitant to take on new test prep students at this time (or to encourage paid test prep in general) because the ACT’s testing centers are not running in a predictable manner.  I highly encourage all students to get test prep materials off of Amazon and to read up on the tests and attempt some practice problems to keep their skills honed and their minds fresh, but I do not suggest paying coaches at this time-too much is changing, too quickly.

I am not able to predict right now if schools will even give a pre-ACT to sophomores this year. Then there is the layered relevance that many schools are waving ACT scores for the admission cycle for this year (2020-2021), and that they are moving forward with reevaluating how they will utilize these big tests in future admissions.  Duke recently issued a press release stating just this, and it is revolutionary.  Over the last couple of years, several smaller liberal arts schools have already made their admissions process test free (run a simple Google search to find them). It is extraordinary that a process I thought would take us another 10 to 15 years (phasing out high stakes testing) is happening now.  I hope the trend continues.  

So, what does that mean for you and your student? I think now is a good time to wait and see.  The best practice your student can embrace to be prepared for college is to read anything and everything, follow their passions (computers, gaming code, horticulture, animal husbandry, arts, music, architecture, anything that brings them joy), complete logic puzzles, and practice math using Khan Academy to fill in the gaps.  The rest will take care of itself. 

I will be here to help when the chips fall and when higher education and the testing industry have found a way forward.  I will resume tutoring, supporting home learners, facilitating education, and hosting (safe, distanced, and responsible) workshops for all learners, once NC hits phase three and it is safe to reopen. 

Until then...

Be safe and stay smart! 

-SMW

I just read this in an advert for another testing company . . . 

"Technology is a large part of all our lives—but it can also add stress (think: group text threads, Instagram notifications, vibrating phones on a hard table), especially when you’re studying. So we thought of a way to cut it from your GMAT prep. 

Learn with our new, in-person, GMAT Tech-Free Class. Put away your personal devices to allow for mindfulness, comfort, and the freedom to remain present while you prep. You’ll get everything that comes with a full GMAT course, but with a tech-free twist that includes tactile learning, mindfulness exercises, and more. 

Eyes up, screens off. We have a more peaceful, stress-free way to learn."

Finally, others see the value of distressing the stress of testing.  

We have always been the more peaceful, stress-free way to learn! 

We are opened for 2020 business, and filling up fast.  Contact us today! 

We promise to resume our regular schedule on January 5, 2020.  We can't wait to help you all reach your dreams in the new year.  Until then, enjoy your tribe and know that you are special.  We will see you all soon!