Tip # 27    School’s a fun place to hang out, but…

Teens are at that time of their lives where socializing is their # 1 priority.  They prefer hanging out with their friends instead of with mom and dad; it’s only natural therefore that some teens consider school as the extended party place. 

And spending time with their friends is an excellent excuse for postponing school work.  When you’re spending too much time in the corridors, locker rooms or cafeteria discussing next Saturday’s disco dance, your academic work will lag behind. 

To avoid the school principal calling your parents, be reasonable about academic work.  Submit papers and assignments on time. 

To illustrate:  if you’ve got a paper due in two days where you need to research on the social instincts of Neanderthals and their need for company, tell your friends politely that no, you can’t join them at the mall after school.  

Go seek refuge in the library instead, pick a quiet and inconspicuous corner where you can’t be interrupted.  Pore over the Neanderthal books and write a smashing essay.  Hanging out in the mall won’t tell you much about their social instincts!

Tip # 28    School counselors are there to help…

Instead of agonizing over an academic problem indefinitely, have you ever thought that your school counselor could be a valuable support person?  If you think you need a tutor for Physics or Chemistry because you’re having a whirl of a time understanding the equations, ask for help before it’s too late. 

Faced with academic difficulties, students tend to procrastinate in asking for help because they’re either too shy or too lazy to ask for help.  Take advantage of school resources like tutors and academic counselors before you get an “F” at the end of term.