High school is an exciting time with lots of opportunities to grow and learn more about yourself! In this article, we’ll share ways to make the most of your time in high school, emphasizing building personal and social skills.

• Learn How to Set and Achieve Goals
• Build a Support System
• Learn About Managing Stress
• Learn About Digital Literacy

Scroll down to learn more about each!

Learn How to Set and Achieve Goals

A goal is a specific thing that you want to achieve. Setting goals gives you direction, focus, and a sense of pride. Here are some tips for setting and achieving goals:

• Break goals down into small steps. Setting large goals can be intimidating, so try breaking your goals down into smaller and more manageable steps. For example, if you want to become the captain of your soccer team by your junior year, start by signing up for the team now and set a goal of attending every practice this year. 
• Stay organized and keep track of your goals. Tools like planning apps and calendars can help you easily review your goals and update your progress toward them. 

Build a Support System

If you need some extra support throughout high school, here are some places you can turn:

• Teachers and school staff. Educators at your school can be a great resource in helping you succeed academically and personally. If you have questions about class or need support during stressful moments, talk to a trusted educator. 
• Clubs and extracurriculars. Peers and faculty involved with your extracurriculars can also be a great source of support! This can be people like advisors, coaches, teammates, or club members. 

Learn About Managing Stress

High school can be stressful at times! Here are some things you can do to de-stress and make time for yourself:

• Practice self-care. Self-care looks different for everyone! Whether you enjoy meditating, journaling, or spending time with friends, make sure to take some time for yourself once in a while.
• Practice saying ‘no.’ It's important to know your limits! If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to say no to additional responsibilities or activities. 
• Seek professional help if needed. If stress becomes overwhelming and difficult to manage on your own, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. 

Learn About Digital Literacy

In our increasingly digital world, it’s essential to understand how to use digital tools responsibly and effectively for school and your personal life. Here are some things you can do:

• Be mindful of your social media use and know when to take a break. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by what you see on social media, know that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while to reset.
• Be aware of false or misleading information online. Not everything you see online– especially on social media– may be representative of the truth. Learn how to tell what’s real and what needs a closer look. 

Have any questions about thriving in high school? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!