Screening of "Personal Statement," about three New York City public high school seniors who advise their classmates on getting into college, even as they struggle with their own applications, followed by a discussion with Director Julianne Dressner; Enoch Jemmott and Christine Rodriguez, two students featured in the film; Dr. Riddhi Sandil, who heads TC's unique College Advising Initiative; and Liz Willen, Editor-in-Chief of the Hechinger Report, the nonprofit, independent news outlet based at Teachers College, Columbia University
Amid headlines about wealthy parents' criminal schemes to get their kids into elite colleges, the documentary Personal Statement shows the flip side: the hurdles low-income and minority youth face in navigating the higher education system without the most basic guidance and information.
Named for the 500-word essay that is key to college admission, "Personal Statement" premiered on PBS and comes to TC following a screening at the South by Southwest Festival, where it won raves for its moving human drama and unflinching realism. The narrative's subtext is America's shortage of guidance counselors: one for every 491 students.
