3. Engage.
Be Involved. Be a part of something. Join a club, play a sport, lead a committee, sing, cheer, play an instrument. You will never regret being a part of something. You will learn skills applicable to life and gain experience that may direct you towards a career.
4. Academics come first.
Before any game, party, social dance, date, or job, school work and grades take priority. It is your one focus at this time in your life. Study hard, do your best, sit in the front, participate, ask questions. Let your teachers know who you are and that you care. And ALWAYS do the extra credit.
Your studies are priority and should be taken seriously, but not too seriously. You will do your best in the most challenging classes for you. You will learn responsibility, organization, priorities, and deadlines, as well as communication skills. Learn to juggle. Classes, homework, sports, clubs, and friends must be managed. You will be juggling things for the rest of your life. Learn how in high school.
It is the first of many permanent records. Your demeanor, behavior, GPA, attendance, truancy, and effort all matter. You will be challenged and disappointed many times. Friends will disappoint you. You will have to learn from these setbacks. How you handle them defines your character. You can build courage, confidence, and resilience from learning how to handle challenges.
Make happy memories my sweet girl. Follow your heart and engage, discover, laugh, and learn; and remember I am always among your brightly colored school supplies, happily cheering you on.
