Education & Employment: Take Advantage of Your Resources!

So- I know a lot of you are wondering... "Where has Miss Building Blocks been hiding?" The answer is short and very much true!

I have been dealing with the hectic schedule that most college students deal with, so don't think that I am any different because I have time to blog. I'm actually at work browsing the web, and will soon be doing my homework. But enough about me, let's talk about you!

My post today will explain to you the value of resources, which I know a lot of you may or may not take advantage of. But this is sacred information for any and everyone!

Let's first discuss middle school. In middle school, most students are only concerned with one thing- and that's going to high school. Bigger and better things right? Of course! But you must remember that there are things in high school that you'll encounter, that middle school doesn't teach you, or doesn't make exactly 'readily available' to you.

So here's a few things to take advantage of in middle school that can prepare you for the future!

Join the National Junior Honor Society, if grades permit! Ask your school counselor if there are any scholarships (yes, for COLLEGE) that you can get your hands on now. Don't be afraid to ask someone to be your mentor. They prove to be very beneficial in the long run. And if you have a hard time finding one, ask me! I provide E-Mentoring through this blog. Email me at missbuildingblocks@yahoo.com for more information! Also, if you're having an issue with your attitude, ask your teachers if there are any programs that you can get involved with to better your communication skills. When I was in middle school, I was a Conflict Mediator. I helped students through their tough times and altercations, which in turn enabled me to be able to deal with my own internal issues!

Now, let's take a look at high school. If you haven't already done so, take advantage of an organized sport such as basketball, football, even GOLF! Pick up the skills necessary to be successful in these sports, and it can take you far. It's never too early to invest in your life!

In high school, there are a plethora of opportunities for you. Sports, pep club, all sorts of academic based programs such as Academic Games, Poetry Club, Drama Club, School Newspaper, National Honors Society! Seriously, the opportunities are endless.

For education's sake, please, please, please take advantage of test prep courses and materials. At my high school, our counselor's office had free practice ACT & SAT test booklets. You can also purchase book aids at local bookstores, such as Borders or Barnes and Noble. If you are in high school and short on cash, use Half.com! You can usually find good quality books for cheap!

Begin your search for scholarships IMMEDIATELY! Read my earlier posts about scholarships, and even find featured scholarships on my blog!

In high school, some things are handed to you! However, in college, things are the exact opposite.

Professors, faculty and staff expect students to be hands-on. They expect a great deal from you, that's why it's important to gain these skills before entering an institution of higher learning. Do not for 1 slight second believe that your professor is going to point you out and ask if you need help. You do have a handful of professors like that, but they are limited! Your instructor has office hours, email and phone, and those are the best ways to reach them. NOT DURING CLASS TIME. Not only is it rude to ask a billion questions during lecture, but it also takes away from the other students' learning experience. Be cordial, short and to the point. If you can't get the help you need from your professor, begin your search!

Do not wait until the midterm to decide that you need a tutor in math! It does not work like that. College is progressive, therefore you need to learn the foundation immediately in order to be successful in your courses.

Don't forget to meet with your academic advisor at least one semester. They can usually guide you toward the classes that you need to take, your expected graduation, etc. Keep regular correspondence with them.

Take advantage of the library. Check out supplemental information if you need to, videos, CDs, etc.

I mean, really I could go on about using your resources! But, I'll leave that up to you, the reader. Be sure to leave Miss Building Blocks a comment whenever you find a resource on campus, or in high school that you didn't know existed!

Take advantage of Technology!