The journey to accomplishing your dreams starts earlier than you think! High school is when the foundation for good decision-making begins. What no one tells you is that the choices you make during these crucial years can affect the rest of your life. With that in mind, here are our 3 tips for HS success:
1) Avoid the Noise: High school is a time when social circles form based on common interests and similarities. If you are serious about fulfilling your dreams, then surround yourself with positive like-minded people. If you are a shy person, one way you can do this is join a club that draws your interest. But whatever you do, if you suspect that there are any negative influences around you, avoid them! Its ok to be cool with “The Crew” on the block but keep it moving if you know that they are looking for trouble. The easiest way to limit your ability to see everything that the world has to offer is getting caught up in the US prison system. Your freedom is priceless
2) Stay on Task: This step is easier said than done, but good study habits are invaluable and will help you tremendously as you advance in your career. Here are a few things you can do to that will help improve your performance.
a) Pre-read: There is an old saying that “a picture says 1000 words”. This is absolutely true when it comes to learning! You don't have to read everything, just pictures and graphs to familiarize yourself with what to expect the next day in class. It helps your focus more in class and allows you to ask relevant questions.
b) Create A Planner: The reason for this is to make sure you complete all your assignments and goals. Your planner should include your goals for every class, what you’re gonna do to reach them, and how you’re going to do it. Priority should go to the classes that are more challenging for you.
c) Show up! Once you do this, take good notes, or befriend somebody who knows how to take good notes.
d) Do your homework: Homework gets done way faster if you follow steps A-C. Look at your homework as your daily review. The easiest way to get behind and get off track is to not do your homework.
e) Schedule a weekly review for everything that was covered.
3) Humble Yourself: You have to realize that you are not supposed to know everything. Thats what school is for! Asking for help shows that you care about your performance, and teachers remember this when it is time to give out grades. Even more importantly, sitting there trying to figure something out on your own is unproductive and wastes too much time. Your days are limited and part of your process for success is learning how to be efficient with your time. Get the help you need to get to where you want to go, whether that is from a teacher, classmate, or tutor.