At this time of year, it can be easy to run out of steam. Overlapping assignment deadlines, extra-curricular engagements, and personal commitments can start to take a toll on students’ drive, especially with the winter holidays just around the corner. Luckily, our Educational Consultants have developed a list of six ways to help keep students on track! Check out part one here, part two here, and check out our final part in this series below.
Set goals
The final, winter break push is an excellent period for self-reflection and goal setting. Ask yourself: What worked well this year? What did not work well? What would I like to improve upon moving forward? What steps can I take to make changes and/or improvements? With another year of studies under your belt, it is critical to think about your executive functioning skills, study habits, and learning preferences. This knowledge can help you strengthen your performance in high school and at college or university.
In addition to setting academic objectives, it is beneficial to set personal goals. Ask yourself: What do I hope to achieve during high school (or after high school)? What kinds of volunteer, extra-curricular, or enrichment opportunities do I want to pursue? Are there any co-ops, internships, or jobs that I want to secure? Do I want to go on a trip or an exchange? Do I want to learn a new skill? Make your goals visible: write them down, create a vision board, or use a graphic organizer to help keep track of your progress.
When setting your goals, try to have a mix of both short-term and long-term goals. What do you hope to achieve in the near future (i.e., within the next few months)? What do you want to accomplish over the course of the next several years? Sharing and discussing your objectives with someone who you trust (like a parent, teacher, or friend) can help you exchange ideas or resources, and keep you motivated. These individuals can also keep you on track and accountable for your actions. During your journey, you can also create “checkpoints” for yourself so that you can monitor your progress at each stage.
When setting your goals, remember to make them SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The more concrete your objectives, the easier it will be for you to plan your next steps. Reflecting on your past will motivate you to think about your future—and all the success it will bring!
Keep calm, and keep an open mind
For grade 12 students, this school year involves a lot of research. You might find yourself asking: Do I have any tasks to complete my applications? How can I prepare myself for success in my first year? Have I selected the right programs? Will I like my classes? Do I want to live in residence? Which one? Will I need a meal plan? How about a bus or parking pass? How do I pay for tuition? What extra-curricular activities do I want to join?
Create a checklist of priorities and work through each one calmly and carefully. Your prospective school’s main website should also have an FAQ section dedicated to incoming first-year (“future”) students. The volume of items to address can seem overwhelming at first but remember: each student who has gone to school before you has endured the same process—and survived! There is no need to panic. If you do need any assistance along the way, our Educational Consultants are always here to help.
Whether you’re going off to college or university, entering the workforce, returning to high school, or taking a gap year, it is important that you remain adaptable. Commitment and dedication drive success, but circumstances evolve often and sometimes suddenly. Not everything will always go according to your plan. Flexibility is key. With an open mind and an open heart, embrace change as an opportunity for new experiences and growth. Remember to stay positive and keep your eyes on the big picture. Every step that you take shapes your narrative, which is continually being formed. Make the most of it!
