PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

DISCOVERING YOUR INTERESTS

Doing well in school is an important part of preparing for the future. Activities other than studying can be just as important. Extracurricular activities are activities that you do that aren't part of your school work. Clubs, sports, and volunteering are all extracurricular activities. These activities are a great way to make friends and to identify and explore your interests and talents. Elective classes are classes that you can choose to take for a grade but are not required. Some electives may include band, choir, shop, and keyboarding. Elective courses enrich your education and help you learn new skills.

Activities should be a source of enjoyment, not of stress. You must be careful not to do too much. Activities should not keep you from doing your school work, spending time with your family, or getting enough rest.

GETTING ENOUGH REST

Juggling with friends, family and other activities requires a lot of organization. Being disorganized forces you to spend a lot of time redoing things you've already done. By being more organized, you can reduce stress and be more productive. To be organized, you need both skills and supplies. Most importantly, you need discipline. You must be willing to spend a little time planning in advance, to save a lot to be done the next day of time later. Sometimes, taking the time to be organized seems like too much trouble, but in the end you'll be glad you did. Here are some tips for becoming more organized:

1. At the beginning of each week, spend at least 20 minutes planning what needs to be done that week. Every evening, spend about 5 minutes planning what needs to be done the next day.

2. Use a filing cabinet, a bookshelf, or your locker to organize the different projects that you are working on.

3. Discuss other ways to be better organized with friends or adults who you think are well organized.

   If you take these steps, you should find that you will get more work done in less time. Being organized leaves you more time for relaxation and other activities.

   Thanks for reading.