Taking Responsibility for yourself

Yes it's true learners think they have it all figured out. They come up with excuses, of how the dog ate their homework in the morning, or even better yet how it was done but then mysteriously disappeared while they were sleeping. As a learner you have to take responsibility for your life. You cannot simply go through school making up stories and hoping for a miracle to help you pass.

Ultimately you are responsible for your studies, and the last thing you want is to have to learn this lesson in life while repeating the same grade. As much as we all love television and facebook, you have to know how to prioritise. Your chores and school work should all be completed before you attempt to do anything related to relaxing.

Taking ownership is vital for you to have a successful school career. You have to understand that without hard work and dedication you cannot achieve your goals. Especially in high school you always have to be aware that your results will affect your future, because you have to have good marks to get accepted into university. Your parents and teachers cannot do it for you, so the ball is in your court and only you can take the decision to work to the best of your ability at all times.

The importance of journal writing

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. This is especially true when it comes to writing, an activity that many young students find intimidating, tedious or just plain difficult. However, developing strong written communication skills is a vital component of your overall success in primary school, high school and university (as well as in the adult workplace).

This is a skill that is important for you to have. In many ways it can help you say the things you want to say, which makes it an excellent way to communicate your feelings or just simply get things off your mind.

It can also be a fun activity you do to relax. By creating a journal you are allowing yourself to be as creative as you want to be. There is no right and wrong. You are able to express your inner thoughts in any way you desire to.

All that's left for you to do is to get started and make it a habit by including it in your daily or weekly timetable depending on how much time you have to spare for relaxing.

Ideas from: www.cwcoachingclub.com/2011/the importance of successful-journal-writing

Peer Pressure in school

Peer pressure has always been a major issue in teenagers' lives. We all feel the need to be accepted by our peers resulting in a power struggle between our friends, our family and society. More and more we are hearing stories of increased sexual activity among learners from a very young age in schools. Teenage pregnancy, gang initiation in schools, drop outs and lack of school attendance are becoming the norm. Why is it so difficult to say NO, but so easy to get sucked into situations with potentially devastating consequences?

As a learner you have to develop a strong sense of self and very clear lines of communication with people you know only have good intentions for you. It is important that you are active in the role of developing your self confidence and self esteem. Learn to accept yourself and appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have.

The friends you choose speak volumes to the kind of person you are. Make sure your friends have a positive influence on you and that you have honesty and trust in your friendships. Stand up for your beliefs and don't let anyone tell you, you are anything less that what you know you are because our future lies in your hands and the decisions you make in your youth may make or break your future plans.