A New Year, A New Attitude

Six more days until the first day of school. It's time to put forth all those promises and commitments to yourself and your parents and kick it into gear. For some, this is the last year to make a difference either academically or socially. Make it a good one.

Here are some tips to help you have the most successful year yet.

• Invest in a calendar (or planner or organizer of some sort). Although I am a fan of an electronic calendar, I must admit that I am horrible when writing down my work and "To Do" list on my phone. A calendar or planner will help to keep your thoughts organized and written down in the same place.
  

• Keep in communication with your parents. Yes, I know this may be a very difficult task for teenagers, but it will come in handy for you, trust me. Your parents know way more about life than you think. One of the most important things to keep your parents in the loop with is your calendar, knowing important dates and tests will help them feel better about being in touch with your life.

• Start the year off strong! Commit to yourself (and your future) that you will keep up with your school work and study for those tests, submit your best work and be proud of your academic reputation. I can't tell you how many times I (and people around me) regret not starting this project earlier or not writing that paper sooner. Be proud of how you represent yourself through your work.

• Keep in constant communication with your teachers, they can be great resources (and can even write some awesome letters of recommendation).
  

• Get involved with stuff that matters to you! Do work/activities that make you happy because that will be the best representation of who you are to colleges/universities.

• Be flexible, keep an open mind, keep your creativity active, smile as much as possible and take many deep breaths. Take care of yourself and de-stress with physical activity-take a run, go for a swim or bike to a friends house. You must take care of you.