High school checklist

By: Brad Tripp

            This year’s school year is rapidly approaching its end.  For some students, it might be the end of school altogether, some may go on to college, and some may be facing several more years of high school. Regardless of where you’re at in your educational journey, what can one do to better their future, graduate, and possibly move on to college?

            When high school starts it can be scary to some. According to PBS.org, to better your high school experience try to orient or get familiar with the school building before attending. This can be taking a tour or simply speaking to your counselors. Another thing to do is to talk to someone who has already attended the high school before you. Chances are you may already know someone who’s attended that school or any high school in general. This can help to ease tensions about your classes and your attitude toward teachers. What can help you get comfortable with the high school scene? Many things contribute to helping take the “new kid” edge off.  Pbs.org also suggests trying and attending a school play or checking out sporting games, whether to watch or to play.

            Once you’re no longer new to the high school scene it’s time to better your experience and prepare for the future. What can you do all four years of high school? Scholarship.com states, “Whether or not you plan on attending college, high school is a good time to begin to take inventory of your aspirations, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses and start to figure out what sorts of things you might like doing when you’re on your own. You don’t need to have a precise career plan pinned down immediately, but during your first two years of high school, you will want to begin to think about broad categories of education and employment you might want to pursue later on.” They also suggest breaking it down year by year, setting goals each year to reach your main goal. In other words, it’s kind of like paint by numbers. Each number corresponds with a color and, after everything is colored, the big picture is visible.

            If high school is over for you and you’ve decided to attend college, what can help to make college better and easier on the pocket book? Well, there are many scholarships for just about anyone. Scholarships only for the “great” are no longer the case. Before you write out a big fat check to pay your tuition, see what you may qualify for.  Go to Seckman.net, then click on the guidance tab. Under that tab, click on the scholarship and ACT bullet. This will lead you to Fafsa.gov and allow you to fill out an application for student aid. This will tell you about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

            All in all, school is very important to shaping your future. Remember, you’re not the only one in the world attending school, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Also, counselors, teachers and administrators are there for a reason and that is to help and to prepare you for a successful future.