Thinking about the the Future

Does your mentee complain about school and homework?  Wondering why they need algebra or to be able to diagram a sentence?  My kids do too!  Sometimes it's hard to explain to them the "whys" of learning.  I found some good advice for us all...

"If you want to see [a] child succeed, you need to show them the connection between today’s planning and tomorrow’s opportunities.

As an adult, it’s easy to look back and see how your choices in school influenced where you are today. But think back to your younger days. The future impact of your daily choices probably wasn’t as obvious to you back then.

I hear students of all ages saying things like: “Hey, it’s not that serious” or “My grades aren’t that serious” or “How I act in school is just not that serious.”

Listen—it is that serious. And one of my favorite ways to challenge the students I meet is by explaining how the choices they’re making today will be a serious factor in the caliber of their future."

https://www.anthonyoneal.com/personal-development/helping-kids-think-about-the-future/

What does their future hold?  What do they see themselves doing someday?  Do they know how to dream big?  . It's never too early to start thinking about college!!
Here are some great tips:

"Prepare academically for college

It's not too early for college preparation. If you're in high school, enroll in the right classes, practice good study habits, stay organized and work on your writing skills.

* Take the right classes during high school

What are the right classes in high school? The courses required for college vary. Contact your guidance counselor to learn more, and check out these sites: 

ACT, Inc. recommendations (www.actstudent.org/college/plancourses.html) *The College Board (SAT) recommendations (www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/33.html)
U.S. Department of Education recommendations (www2.ed.gov/pubs/Prepare/pt2.html)
Colleges want students with a well-rounded education. Take the more challenging classes so you can get a better idea of what college courses may be like.

* Practice good study habits
You may not know if your study habits are up to par with college courses. Start now. Practice good study habits, so when you're in college, you'll already have some effective tools under your belt.
Tips to improve your study skills:

Stay organized by making a "To Do" list. Stick to it.
Set goals for yourself.
Prioritize! A test tomorrow is more important than an assignment due next week.
Take good notes, and then be sure to review them carefully later.
Experiment a little. Where and when do you work best? Alone or in a group, bright or dim lighting, quiet or noisy? Then study that way!

* Improve your writing skills
Effective writing conveys your thoughts into words. It's a skill you use throughout your life, and no matter what career you pursue, the ability to communicate in writing will help you succeed.
Quick tips for effective writing:
Think about your audience. For example, you would use a different tone in an essay than you would in a note to a friend.

Plan ahead.

List important points in the order you wish to make them.
Use a strong opening sentence to catch the reader's attention.
Be clear and to the point. Edit out unnecessary words and information.
Read through your writing for spelling errors and typos. Spell check programs don't catch everything!"

https://mappingyourfuture.org/successincollege/collegeplan.cfm

The bottom line is, according to Benjamin Franklin

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”