The Ins and Outs of High School Leadership

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We know a good leader when we see one. They’re enthusiastic, focused, and ready to take on anything with the help of their team. These traits aren’t just in famous CEOs or policy makers though—your class presidents or basketball team captain have them too, and so do you. You can be a leader in your high school or community, helping to make change or putting on a great school concert! Although you may hear friends talking about leadership positions in terms of how they look on college applications, there’s more to taking on a leadership position that will benefit you long after graduation. These helpful reminders and research from Study Point will guide you toward a leadership position that fits your goals and away from the pitfalls some high school students make.

Taking on leadership positions, according to Study Point, will help you discover passions and build self-esteem. Actions associated with leadership (hard work, accomplishment, recognition) boost positive self-image and increase self-esteem. By leading your school softball team, youth ministry, or school newspaper, you’ll put in hard work and see the amazing results you and your group have achieved, showing your unique capabilities as a leader. In addition, one study showed that students who held leadership positions in high school were more likely to hold managerial positions as adults, according to Study Point. By participating now, you could set yourself up to guide people in whatever career path you choose!

When looking for leadership positions in high school, it’s important to know what your passions and skills are. If you don’t like public speaking, you shouldn’t run for class office, but if you love art you could become president of the art club. And while you’re dreaming of the big title now, know that in order to get there, you have to work your way up from the bottom. This will make you a better leader though, providing you with valuable experience and knowledge about the organization. As a leader, you’ll also have to know how to work well with others and listen to their ideas, which you can get while working as a club member! Other important traits to have as a leader are optimism and the ability to take action. Seeing the positive in every situation and knowing when to step up and make a decision will let your peers see you as a leader and rely on you in tough situations.

While it is tempting, resist the urge to have multiple leadership positions just so “it looks good.” Pick areas you’re interested in so you can dedicate more time to them. Leadership isn’t just about the title—it’s about demonstrating those qualities in everyday life! So be a leader, whether you’re captain or a great team member.

Transitioning from Middle School to High School

Upon entering high school, you’re faced with many challenges. You leave old friends in middle school or just outgrow them; you get serious about your future, more homework, first jobs, and new friendships. You just want to learn where you fit in with all of this confusion and be your confident, happy, high school self.  Let TGHT give you a few ideas on the transition from middle school to the high school lifestyle!

Make a good first impression: When transitioning to high school, first impressions are important. Get to know your classmates and be eager to learn in any situation. Reach out to other students, be kind and polite, and keep in mind that they are in the same position as you. Don’t be afraid to meet new people; if you feel someone in your class shares the same interest as you, be friendly and get to know them.

Be YOU: Don’t get carried away with growing up too fast. Yes, you have four more years until college, but enjoy your high school years. Find your interests and join organizations that you feel can help you express yourself. Don’t get caught up in appearances and being with the “popular crowd” if that’s not who you are. Focus on your grades and how you can become a better you—not anyone else’s efforts. Above all, remember not to judge others—especially when you haven’ t gotten to know them.

Listen: In high school you have a little more independence than you did in middle school. You’re given your homework and a due date with a little more creative freedom. Make sure you’re taking in everything you’re being taught. If you have questions in class, don’t be afraid to ask them because someone in your class is probably confused about the same topic. If you show your classmates that it’s okay to listen and ask questions, you may give them the courage they need to participate as well.

 Make new friends: In high school you’ll more than likely split from old friends, whether you attend different high schools or simply just outgrow each other. Don’t worry; with age comes maturity, and you may not always mature at the same pace as the friends you had in middle school. You must be more independent and explore your new environment, and while it may be hard seeing your old crew but not having that connection, it will get better with time.  Be open to new friends and new opportunities; join clubs, find new interest and be open to new experiences!

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The transition from middle school to high school can be very confusing, but adjusting and making the best of your experience is the best option.  Remember that meeting new people and having to study hard is not a bad thing, it’s preparing you for the next step. So enjoy your high school years, join organizations, create relationships with your teachers, and have fun!

Perfect Study Spot

When making the transition from high school to college,  new ways of studying have to be put into place. High school provides you with lots of quiet time in your room, after school tutor sessions, or open book/open notes test. In college things, are quite different. You have more freedom, activities to get involved in, and no parents to answer to. You may think you can open your notes for a few in your dorm before the test or run to the library for an hour, but those two places are full of distractions. How can you find the perfect study spot without interruptions? TGHT has a few ideas. 

• Pick one indoor spot and one outdoor spot. Both locations should be noise free with wireless access if you need it.

• Your outdoor spot should be a nice shaded area with a great view. Enjoy nature while reading for your history class or reviewing for your next French oral test.

• Make sure the locations are "your" spots; always choose the same area. Let a few friends know where you are for safety reasons.

• A small coffee shop is also great for studying. They’re normally quiet and have great snacks. 

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Do you live on campus?

When you live on campus, life is so much easier, right? You’ll be in your dorm studying and preparing for the next day’s lecture...NOT! On campus, you meet tons of new friends, attend events, and get involved in thousands of other things that do not involve studying. 

• Find a study spot someplace other than your dorm room. Head out to one of the local study spots we discussed previously and keep your dorm room for last minute overviews.

• Instead of heading back to your dorm for a quick hour nap, spend that in between time studying. That hour or two before your next class starts is the perfect time for studying while your mind is fresh.

• If you have plans to visit friends or family on the weekend, plan accordingly. Make sure you get all studying done during the week in your designated locations.

Living off campus?

Living off campus gives you more freedom and more study spots to choose from, but commute times can throw your whole day off. 

• On campus study spots are a great idea, so find a location and stick to it. Just because your last class is over doesn't mean you must race home. Enjoy campus life for a few hours.

• Coffee shops near your apartment or house is also great for off-campus students. Make sure it’s not during peak hours and wireless access is available. 

• Public parks or flower gardens are great study spots. A nice scenery and just the right amount of serenity helps you stay focus. 

Where was your on or off-campus go-to study spot?

Homesick

When going off to college we automatically think our weekends will be spent studying, making new friends, and attending on campus activities. You’re so excited about learning your way around campus and making sure all financial aid paper work is in order, that being homesick is the last thing on your mind. Think about all the things you’re missing: a home cooked meal, privacy, less responsibility, and quiet time ….you should be worried if you don’t get homesick, LOL!

This can be a challenge for some, but let TGHT help you survive being homesick.

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Leave your dorm room: It’s okay to talk to your parents, skype your friends or talk on the phone to those you miss but being in your room is when you’re most homesick. Designate one day during the week where you’ll make those types of phone calls. If you’re starting to feel homesick in your room, head to your campus university center or coffee shop to mingle or do some reading.

Be sad and get over it: If you miss home, it’s normal to be sad. We’re pretty positive that other students are feeling the same way you are. Just remember, be sad for a day and that’s it! When that day passes it’s time to move on, get up, and get active. Join an on campus club, work out, attend an event, and make sure you’re getting the full “campus life” experience.

Make college home: Yes we all know college will never replace where you grew up, but you can always make some of the same memories. Think of it as a home away from home. It’s all about recreating those moments. Did you have great friends? Were you heavily involved in your community? Love for journalism? Meet new people, sign up for campus volunteer groups, or join the schools newspaper staff. Also decorate your dorm room similar to your room at home; this will help you feel more comfortable in your new space.

You’re not alone: Do you feel like everyone is adjusting so well to campus life and you’re the only one in your dorm room homesick? That’s not true at all; you’re not alone so take the time to reach out to others.  Have a “homesick sleepover” night and invite your new friends, make sure they bring blankets, movies, and snacks. Are you good at planning? Organize a day to go out and volunteer at a local shelter. This will remind you how precious family time is and how fortunate you are to go off to college.  

Make sure you’re keeping in contact with your high school friends. They may be struggling with homesick and need to hear your voice. Schedule a three way call once a week to update each other on college life and experiences or schedule a weekend visit and enjoy a different college atmosphere. Having those childhood friends close during your college years will help your transition even smoother.

Do you have any tips for a homesick college student? 

Before You Say Goodbye: Four Ways To Have Fun With High School Friends Before College

In a couple of months, you’ll be in a new city, new state, or just down the street beginning your college experience! You and your friends will be busy these next weeks, going to orientation and furiously packing your life into giant plastic containers. While all of you are pumped for what the fall will bring, you may be feeling sad that the people you shared third grade field trips, middle school dances, and high school classes with won’t be sharing your journey with you. Instead of letting it get you down, use your free time in between work or college prep to spend some quality time with your pals before college begins.

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·         Explore your hometown: Go take a walk with your friends around your neighborhood or the local park. Pack some snacks and take plenty of pictures as you uncover the hidden gems in your area. Use the time to catch up on everyone’s summer plans and college excitement, and get to know your town a little better before you say goodbye.

·         Take a road trip: Ask your parents for the car keys and hit the road! Drive to the beach, state park, amusement park, or city to see the sights and create your own adventure. When you’re missing them in a few months, you’ll have this summer day to brighten your mood and remember how much you care about each other.

·         Spend a night in: Plan something casual and fun that’ll be easy on everyone’s budget. Bring your sleeping bags, make some microwave s’mores, and camp out in the backyard, or grab some popcorn and have a movie marathon. Even something simple will allow you to see old friends and bond in a familiar environment.

·         Try something new: Learn to dance, play soccer in the backyard, create pottery masterpieces, bake a complicated dessert, whatever you want! This will allow you to step outside your comfort zone (something you’ll all have to do when you arrive on campus) and provide plenty of laughs.

As the summer winds down, you’ll finish your packing, say one last goodbye, and begin the next chapter in your life. You’ll feel sad leaving these people behind, and that’s okay! Feel happy knowing you spent a great summer together and that all of you support each other as you head to new and exciting experiences. Have fun your first semester so each of you has great stories to tell the others over winter break!