Jackson Free Press

Now that I am in college I realize how great high school is and how things you do now (small or big) will affect you in the future. I know is sounds like a cliche, but it is true. So, here are some tips for high schoolers, and future high schoolers to follow:

1. DO NOT P R O C R A S T I N A T E!!!
I wanted to spell this one out because it is the BIGGEST problem most high school students have. When your teacher gives you a project start on it immediately. Being a procrastinator is a hard habit to break. Although, now its seems small when you leave the realms of high school, nobody cares that you started late, or your computer malfunctioned the night before, all they want to here is that paper as it falls to their desk.

2. Have fun!
Have no regrets, do not be afraid to attempt something, such as joining a team or a club while in school. You gain new friends, and sometimes you might find someone who holds the same interest as you. This could possible spark a business relationship in the future.

3. NETWORK!
Learning how to network is going to be key. People often say, "your net growth depends on your network." Get to know as many people as you can. Find out ways that you can help them and they can help you. Most opportunities will arise not because you were searching for it but someone knew to search for you!

4. Work as hard as you play and play as hard as you work.
A lot of people get this one confused, or at least they ignore it, because oftentimes you will have friends who play very hard but when it time to work they are scratching their head. Its very simple. When you are the classroom, WORK, and when you with your friends, PLAY. Trust me, being smart and a hard worker will get you way more than just knowing how to have a good time.

5. What you do today will reflect tomorrow!
Perfect example, my first semester freshman year of college I did not make the best grade in one of my classes, which caused me not to being involved with some of the activities I want to with work. I took this same class in high school my nint-h through twelfth-grade years. I disliked the teacher I had for this class my ninth and tenth grade years so I did not focus and barely did the work. When we were covering the elementary parts of the course in college I failed, because I did not get the foundation I needed in high school. The funny thing is, I remembered sitting in class ninth grade thinking I did not have to pay attention because I would never need this in college. So if you find yourself doing the same thing you might want to sit up, and PAY ATTENTION.

NOTE: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! I cannot stress that enough.

Previous Comments

ID

149964

Comment

This is great advice, Charles. Wish I'd known it all in my teens and 20s. Two other pieces of advice I'd add that I've had to learn over the years: 1. Be mindful and don't think about a million things at once. Do one thing at a time with your full attention. 2. Be reliable. Do everything you say you will, or call in advance to tell people why you can't. People just won't give opportunities to people who aren't reliable. And if you can't do it, don't sway you will. They will give them to those who are.See y'all at the meeting Thursday at 5 p.m.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-07-23T09:51:21-06:00

ID

150081

Comment

Charles, I love that you touched on the not "liking" your teacher part. If I could go back and tell my high school self anything, it would be that my preferences for certain personalities and dislike for others have NOTHING to do with my school work! I'd also tell myself that your teacher really does not dislike you, I promise! As a teacher, I get so frustrated when the "liking" thing becomes a brain block. But you know, we get in the "real world" and learn we will always have to work with people we may not like, but the reality is, high school IS the "real world!" Great advice. Hope to get it posted in my new classroom, when I get moved to the "old building." :)

Author

msknightteach

Date

2009-07-25T15:18:45-06:00