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Tools for Success in High School

by Jeremy D. B

Welcome to high school! This is a time of great journey that will take you on a roller-coaster ride of all sorts of learning opportunities. The experiences you have in high school will develop you socially, emotionally and mentally. While you may be undaunted by the challenges you'll face, you will need guidance to have a successful high school career.
Balancing Time

Of all the resources you have, time is the greatest one, so use it wisely. You may find yourself having to juggle class assignments, friends, sports, clubs and organizations and maybe even a job. Find a quiet place and set aside at least an hour to do your homework. The fewer distractions you have will grant you the ability to apply your brain's power quicker and better. Also, if you're lucky enough to take study hall, make sure that you actually do your work during this time so that you'll have time for other activities later. Set up appointment dates with your friends. Let them know when and how long you can talk on the phone, play video games and visit. This will keep you from overdoing your social life so you can focus on your academic one. Don't take on too many extracurricular activities. It is up to you how many to take, but be realistic to avoid placing too much stress on yourself. Find out how much time each of these activities will take, and rate how much you truly wish to be involved in these activities. This method will help you decide what activities to join. If you get a job, find one with a flexible schedule. Let your employer know what your school schedule is like so that your available working hours provide you with time to complete your schoolwork.

Showing Initiative

Be serious about your endeavors, both academic and extracurricular. Go to class, be on time, sit where you can hear the teacher clearly and, most importantly, ask questions. Aside from getting better grades, your teachers will realize that you are an astute student, so when you need help, the teacher will do his best to assist you in his class. Take the courses that will prepare you for life after high school. There are a certain number of credits you will need to graduate, and you want to make those credits count. For example, if you plan on going to college, it may be more beneficial to take Anatomy and Physiology than Earth Science. Give 100 percent in your extracurricular activities. The activities that you are involved in will teach you integrity, hard work, dedication and interpersonal skills. Doing this will provide an impressive resume that will prove beneficial for college acceptance, scholarships and job opportunities. Also, you will create lasting bonds with your advisers, coaches and teammates.
Finding Friends

Friends are important to have at any stage in life, but make sure you find the right ones. There's an adage by Benjamin Franklin that says, "if you lie down with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas." In essence, to keep your own life in order and down a positive path, you need to avoid people who are instigators, who have no goals in life, or who are involved in negative activities. If you associate with people who are doing positive things, like going to class and paying attention, so will you.