Every month we spotlight one of our wonderful parents whose generosity and dedication have helped make Barrett, The Honors College the place it is today. This month, we center around Jim Sliwicki, a parent who after his son graduated from Barrett established the Austin James Service Scholarship. He shares his experience with Barrett and offers some advice:
How did you decide that Barrett was right for your student? It wasn’t until approximately mid-way thru his first year at Barrett the Honors College when he made a noticeable effort to formulate his future plans and goals and prioritize developing strategies for achieving them. He also began to exhibit leadership tendencies and a mindset for eliminating all obstacles to accomplishing his goals. And he placed great emphasis on strengthening his resume.
What opportunity was most exciting for your student to experience? I’d say one was the opportunity to intern during his first three summers at firms offering increasingly more demanding roles and a second was being asked to co-lead/teach the Investment Banking Industry Scholars Program within the W. P. Carey School of Business.
What advice would you give to first-time Barrett parents? My advice would be to resist the urge to give advice. Let your child know that you are there for them, listen to them but allow them to make and learn from their own decisions.
How have you continued to give back to Barrett since your student has graduated? I’ve participated in coffee chats with parents and I continue to fund a scholarship program for first-generation Arizona resident students within Barrett the Honors College.
If you are interested in being featured, email Christien Crynes at Christien.Crynes@asu.edu.
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