Calum Regan ’24

Are you scared of what’s to come in life? Fear Not! St. Luke’s is ready to prepare you for adulthood. 

A common criticism of both public and private school education is that students often feel ill-prepared for the real world and day-to-day life. St. Luke’s has launched a series of optional mini-courses to help prepare the senior class transition into the real world.

Each Friday during Club Time, seniors will have the option to attend a class, taught by Emily Allen, Admissions Officer and Upper School Teacher, and Jim Yavenditti, Director of Studies, that helps enrich their life skills. The dates and options are as follows:

1/26 – How to read a pay stub

2/2 – How to read an apartment lease; how to write a check

2/9 – What to include on a resume; basic interview tips and tricks; thank-you note related to job interview 

2/16 – Health insurance; deductibles, benefits, HSA; retirement accounts

3/1 – How to jump-start a car; how to check oil; how to change wiper fluid

4/5 – How to check PSI; how to change a tire

4/12 – Self-defense

4/19 – How to help a friend in distress; basic first aid

4/26 – Basic sewing & laundry

Seniors have already filled out a Google Form selecting the courses that they wish to attend. 

The senior class has responded positively to this idea. Sofia Staikos ‘24 signed up for ‘How to read a pay stub’, ‘How to jump-start a car’ and ‘How to check PSI’, while MJ Owens ‘24 is looking forward to ‘Self-defense’ and ‘What to include on a resume.’ 

The buzz in the college counseling office following the first session this past Friday made it clear that the courses are a welcome addition.

In fact, seniors believe these courses to be so beneficial that they wish they had the opportunity to take them earlier. Some seniors have remarked how helpful it would have been to learn how to change a tire and check oil before starting to drive in their sophomore and junior years. Similarly, laundry and self-defense are essential skills to learn well before adulthood. Perhaps the administration will consider adjusting their approach to these popular mini-courses accordingly and opening enrollment to all grade levels in the future.

Although students have already signed up for the courses they would like to take, the deadline is flexible. Seniors, if you were not able to fill out the survey or were unsure about taking a class you can still opt in by emailing Mr. Yavenditti.