Transitions, Changes and Triumphs
Congratulations! You’ve passed on to the next grade or graduated high school, been accepted to college or career school, enlisted in a service academy, or have acquired the job you have been certified and, thus, qualified to do. And no matter what pathway you are taking, you have a great future ahead of you. The time is now to stay on track and make sure you make it all the way through – from your first day and throughout your final year of high school.
Here are some tips worth saving!
Acknowledgment to Collin College, www.collin.edu, for ideas about transition tips.
Here are some tips worth saving!
- Continuously check your e-mail and any personal student accounts you’ve created with your school, including NAVIANCE and the applied to college, career schools, and service academies for those important dates and reminders.
- Attend all student orientations for Bridge, Jumpstart, and other transitional programs scheduled at your high school, college, career school, academy, and/or your place of employment.
- Manage your time carefully by first taking care of your responsibilities related to school, work, or to your family, so you have time for fun later on.
- Take the initiative. Make sure you ask questions and never assume anything! Factual knowledge is power! Attend all classes, activities, and scheduled events.
- Get to know your teachers, counselors, mentors, advisors, professors, deans, managers, and administrators, and be sure to schedule appointments for when you need additional help.
- Find the library or a quiet space away from your dorm, house, or apartment where you can focus on studying, making plans, and reviewing your schedule.
- Join study groups to work with classmates on studying and completing projects and assignments.
- Take time to reflect and rest. Make sure you are pursuing interests and a program you like.
- Know who is on your team. When you feel overwhelmed, know who you can rely on, whether they are family members, friends, mentors, or other people close to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. We all need it sometimes.
- Continue to check with the financial aid and scholarship offices regarding your awards, and make sure you complete your FAFSA every year you’re in school. (For graduating seniors only.)
- Take your college, career school, or service academy placement tests to make sure you can enroll in the right classes. (For graduating seniors only.)
- Be sure to locate your school’s student services center where you can schedule appointments with tutors or with teaching assistants. (For graduating seniors only.)
Acknowledgment to Collin College, www.collin.edu, for ideas about transition tips.