The Young Leader

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5 Things I Wish I’d Done Before Graduating from High School

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Graduating from high school is one of the most highly anticipated and noteworthy moments in life. In terms of memorable stepping stones, it’s easily compared to attaining a college degree, being offered your first job, buying a home, and even getting married. While countless adults look back on their high school years fondly, the unfortunate truth is that too many people regret certain aspects of their youths. Looking back, it’s often easy to identify missed experiences and opportunities; hindsight is, after all, twenty-twenty. For those who have yet to complete this meaningful rite of passage, however, there’s still time to live this period of life to the fullest. Here are five things you should seriously consider doing before you graduate.

1. Participate in More School Activities

Upon reflection, many individuals wish they had been more involved in the activities and opportunities provided to them by their high schools. Prom, for example, may seem insignificant now, but choosing to skip it is a decision you can’t take back later. Likewise, extracurricular activities, such as basketball, band, and debate, help prepare you for success in college. You only get to enjoy things like this for free for a very short while; take advantage of them while you can.

2. Spend Time with Family and Friends

On the flip side, it’s also easy to get so caught up in your extracurriculars that you miss out on important, quality time with friends and family. There will be very few periods in your life when you will have this much free time to spend the way you choose. After high school, you can get bogged down by work, chores, and other daily responsibilities. Cherish the moments you have with those you care about. The memories you make with loved ones today will mean a lot to you in the future.

3. Sign Up for Auto Shop and Home Economics

Contrary to popular belief among teens, being an adult is hard. As you get older, there will be all sorts of requirements expected of you, including cooking for yourself and taking care of your car. Reliable transportation is an absolute must in today’s society and frozen pizzas will only get you so far. While focusing on academics is vital, it’s just as important to acquire useful life skills like these during high school. Taking an auto shop or home economics class now will make you more self-sufficient, save you money, alleviate future stress, and enable you to live a healthier lifestyle.

4. Focus on Building Healthy Habits

It may be hard to believe, but you won’t be this young forever. That’s why it’s so important to begin taking care of your body now. Starting to build healthy habits, like regularly brushing your teeth, running in the morning, and eating right, will set you up for a long and productive life. Don’t automatically assume you can make up for eating a whole pack of Oreo cookies when you’re older – it’s much more difficult to break a bad habit than it is to establish a good one.

5. Travel Abroad

When you’re in high school, it’s easy to forget there’s a much larger world out there. There are people who speak different languages, drastically diverse cultures, awe-inspiring historical monuments, and natural wonders that will take your breath away. With so many things to see and experience, it’s utterly impossible to do it all. That’s why you need to start now. Whether you travel through a study abroad program or with family on a vacation, visiting another country at least once before you graduate will open your eyes to what the world around you truly has to offer.

Contributed by Amanda Vosloh Bowyer

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Global Leadership Training: How Young People Can Develop Leadership Skills in a Globalized World

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Is leadership a skill that you want to build on and develop? Are you interested in how leadership will look in our rapidly globalizing world? If so, you don’t have to wait until you graduate with your college degree. You can start right now! Here are some ways to develop your leadership skills:

Lead in Your School

You can develop strong leadership skills within your own school. School is about both knowledge and practical application, which are both important principles of leadership. Your school is there to help you, so take advantage of it! Don’t know where to look? Just check out the posters spread throughout the halls or in your counseling office. There are countless opportunities to find your niche and develop as a leader. You could start with the most obvious and see if there are any business and/or leadership clubs to join. Through clubs like these, you can gain some great training and experience. Some organizations such as DECA* work with teens like you, offering all kinds of programs, events, and even scholarships!

Also, consider joining an intercultural/diversity club. You will have opportunities to learn about and experience other cultures, which is extremely beneficial in an increasingly globalized world. Not only will you be making new friends, you will also be creating a more globalized worldview. Or, if you are taking a language class, think about joining a language club to practice your conversational skills. It is especially beneficial to know another language in our world today, and as a leader, this is a great skill to have.

Participate in a United Nations Program

Did you know that you can gain leadership experience from the United Nations? They offer all kinds of teen programs, such as their “Model UN Workshops.”** You’ll learn how to be a responsible leader who can influence the world for good, and you will learn how certain procedures are carried out. What better way to develop your leadership skills than by learning from a globalized program such as a Model UN?

Get a Job

It might not sound like the most exciting option, but joining the workforce in the summer or on a part-time basis can really fast track your leadership experiences.  Of course, this job probably will not be your dream career, but no one starts leading from the top. At first, you may feel confused or overwhelmed, but eventually, you’ll be surprised at how much you have learned. Plus, when you work hard and set an example, going above and beyond what is asked of you, people notice and appreciate leadership like that. And not only will you gain very practical knowledge, but it is also likely that you will participate in a globalized work force. Getting a job and working hard in it gives you practical skills and develops you as a global leader.

Volunteer

True leadership means being willing to get out of your comfort zone and serve. As you know, you do not develop leadership skills by simply bossing others around and watching from afar. There is a place for delegation, but the best leaders do so out of a position of humility. And through volunteering, you will have the opportunity to serve alongside of and learn from others. This helps build important leadership principles, such as experience, initiative, team-work, a learner’s attitude, and humility. So, find something you are passionate about and sign up to volunteer. Do you care about animal welfare? Help out at a local animal shelter. Want to lead the way in extinguishing poverty and hunger? Set up a food drive with a local organization. And in our globalized world, there are increasing opportunities to volunteer in a multi-cultural context. This is a fantastic way to experience culture and learn from people all over the world! Global Leadership Adventures has a multitude of programs, and you are bound to find one that matches your passion. They even have experiences that specifically focus on globalized leadership, such as their “Social Entrepreneurship Initiative” in beautiful South Africa. No matter which one you choose to volunteer with, you will have the chance to practice and develop your leadership skills.

Are you ready to develop as a leader? Show the world your initiative and dive in!

Contributed by Addie Davis

*”High School Programs.” Deca.org. Accessed March 18th, 2017. http://www.deca.org/high-school-programs/

** “Students.” Un.org. Accessed March 18th, 2017. http://www.un.org/en/sections/resources/students/index.html

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Easy Service Projects for High School Students

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Volunteer and service projects are usually a high school graduate requirement or a great addition to a college application. Who doesn’t want to see all the ways you’ve helped out in the community or better yet, the world! With summer just around the corner, here are some ideas that you can do over the warmer months, on the weekend, or even in your spare time right now – the possibilities are truly endless!

1. Donate. If you don’t have much time but want to still cross off volunteering on your checklist then this is the way to go. There’s tons of ways you can give and we’ve put a few below for you.

  • Clothes. Go through your closet, your drawers, the piles of clothes on the floor and see what you can give to your local shelter, Salvation Army, or Goodwill. Guaranteed there are items that you no longer wear or haven’t touched in years, like that rhinestone tank top or oversized sports t-shirt.
  • Food. Take a look in your pantry and see if there are any cans of soup, vegetables, or fruits that are about to expire or you don’t think you will ever use and donate it to a food bank. Better yet, next time you’re at the store, ask if you can purchase a few extra canned goods, they are usually under $2 and go a long way to help those in need.
  • Toys. Remember those Barbies you used to play with or the electric car you would drive to be just like your parents? Well check in with the hospitals nearby and see if they will accept lightly used toys for those kids who are currently in the hospital. And if not, keep a lookout because there are usually toy drives during the winter months where you can give a purchased toy!

2. Fight for a cause. If you are passionate about an issue, enjoy writing, and want to share your thoughts with others than consider taking action.

  • Write a letter. Grab your laptop and begin writing to your Congressman. Share your thoughts about an issue, include ways to improve the situation or an alternative solution. A letter from a young person who cares about the future is rare this day in age.
  • Social Media. If social media is your niche then a few Tweets, DM’s, and FB posts to the right people can definitely make an impact.  Maybe you’ll gain a following and who knows, you might even start a new movement!

3. Volunteer. More than likely you have a few hours free time this week or a free Saturday/Sunday in the upcoming month and what better way to use that time than by helping others!

  • Event Volunteer. There are tons of events happening especially over the summer months from a community movie night, Relay for Life, or a Dance Marathon. Check online and see what is happening near you. There’s probably a volunteer tab you can click on to find out more info and how to sign up.
  • Animal Shelter. If you’re an animal person, and who isn’t, then this is a great way to spend your time. Just think of hanging out with adorable dogs or cats for several hours and making some new bff’s. Sure you might have to clean up after them – but let’s not think about that!
  • Nature Reserve Clean Up. Does hiking or an afternoon surfing sound like an ideal way to spend your time? If so, see if there are any clean ups happening because if you spend most of your time outdoors, you might as well contribute to making it a clean place.

4. Help a Neighbor. More than likely there is someone you know, your parents know, or a neighbor that could use a little bit of help. So why not ask and offer assistance! Here are some ways you might be able to help:

  • Housework. Ask if you can mow someone’s lawn for free, weed their yard, or walk their pet! There are endless possibilities within this realm.
  • Errands. Perhaps there is someone who could use a ride to the grocery store, a doctors appointment, or help driving their kids to activities in the evening. Whether you volunteer for several weeks, one day a week, or something else, the thought and intention is what counts.
  • Tutor/Mentor. See if there is someone in a grade below you at school, a friend’s sibling, or even a local program where you can tutor other students in a subject, or be a mentor. Working with others can make a bigger impact than you know.

These are only a few service projects for teens that can earn you service hours for high school credit or additional info on your resume. Think outside of the box, do something your passionate about, and talk to others for even more ideas! Service not only makes a difference for others, but it also has a lasting impact on yourself.

Contributed by Samantha Watkins

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