Which word
would you use to describe how you view school?
·
Boring or inspiring?
·
Frustrating or rewarding?
·
Stressful or enjoyable?
If your view of school is primarily
negative, what can you do about it? If you have a positive view of school, how
can you sharpen your skills so that you get even more out of your education?
Using the Bible as a guide we will outline five keys to success.
Get Motivated
To be motivated
in any endeavor, you need to see its practical value.
WHAT is the practical value of school?
It will help you acquire wisdom, and the Bible says that “wisdom is for a
protection.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) How so? To illustrate: Imagine that you are
walking through a dangerous neighborhood. Which would you prefer—to be
wandering alone or to be with a group of friends who could protect you if
necessary? With a good education, you have several strong “friends” always at
your side. These include:
·
Thinking ability. Going to school can help you develop
what the Bible calls “common sense and sound judgment.” (Proverbs 3:21, Contemporary English Version) Acquiring
these skills will help you to solve your own problems instead of always having
to rely on others to bail you out.
·
Social skills. The Bible admonishes Christians to cultivate such
qualities as long-suffering and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Mixing with a variety of people at
school gives you plenty of opportunity to master those qualities, along with
tolerance, respect, and empathy—traits that will serve you well in adulthood.
·
Practical training. School can teach you the value of
having a strong work ethic, which will help you to get a job and keep it. Also,
the more you learn about the world around you, the better equipped you will be
to know who you are and what you believe. (Proverbs 14:15) Armed with such conviction, you will be able
to stand up for your beliefs respectfully.—1 Peter 3:15.
The bottom line: Since you need
an education, it will do you little good to dwell on the things you dislike
about school. Instead, get motivated by considering the incentives noted above.
You may even be able to think of a few more!
Why not get
started? Think of your
greatest incentive for succeeding at school.
Good Teachers Are Appreciated!
“My high-school
economics teacher could have been working at a financial institution, but
instead he chose to teach at our inner-city high school—a place where most
kids didn’t care about economics. Still, he taught the subject simply, with
humor, and in a way that related to us. One time he even called my mom to tell
her how well I did on an essay. When students asked him why he taught at our
school, he said it was the best place he had ever worked. He understood us, he
was concerned about us, and he commended us. He was the best teacher I ever
had!”—Reyon, United States.
Get Organized
The small
effort it takes to get organized can lead to a huge payoff—more time, less
stress, and better grades.
IMAGINE that you walk into a store to
buy a single item, but all the merchandise is randomly scattered about with no
sense of order. How long will it take you to find what you are looking for?
Would you not find it easier if the items were neatly arranged and the aisles
were clearly labeled? You can take a similar approach to your schooling. How?
Establish a schedule.
“One time I completely forgot about my
homework—and neglected my chores—because I was at a friend’s house for
the entire weekend,” says 18-year-old Zachary, from the United States. “On
Monday, I had to beg my teachers to let me turn in my work late. Now I make
to-do lists, which help me to remember what I need to get done.”
Writing things down also helped
Celestine, a young woman in Papua New Guinea. Reflecting on her school days,
she says: “I kept a schedule of all my activities, including homework, exams,
and social events. Doing this helped me to set priorities and meet my
deadlines.”
Tip: Write your
to-do list in a small notebook, or store it on your cell phone or other
electronic device.
Do not
procrastinate.
It is easy to say, “I’ll do it later.”
It is better to do things as soon as possible—especially your homework.
Tip: Make it a point
to do your homework as soon as you get home, before turning on the TV or
engaging in any other recreation.
Organize your
gear.
Have you ever arrived at class only to
discover that you forgot your notepad, pen, or books? You can avoid the hassle!
How? “I always packed my schoolbag in advance,” says Aung Myo Myat, a young man
in Myanmar.
Tip: Keep your
schoolbag or backpack neat and orderly so that you can find things more easily.
The bottom line: Getting
organized will save you the stress of forgetting things, running late, and
never seeming to have enough time for other priorities.
Why not get
started? Think about one
area in which you need to get organized. Then, with a parent or a
friend, brainstorm some ways that you can improve.
Get Help
Having a
support system is not only vital while you are at school but also indispensable
in your future endeavors as an adult.
WHO can help you in your efforts to
succeed at school?
Family.
“When I needed help with my homework,” says Bruna, an 18-year-old girl in
Brazil, “my dad would explain the material and ask leading questions. But he
let me find the answers myself.” *
Tip: To get started,
ask your parent how well he or she did with the subject that you find
challenging. If that parent did well, he or she may be just the person to help
you.
Teachers.
Most teachers are happy to know that a
student genuinely wants to succeed, and they would be glad to give assistance.
Tip: Simply tell
your teacher, “I’m struggling with this class, but I want to succeed. What
would you recommend?”
Mentors.
Perhaps a trusted family friend can
help you. Such an arrangement can have a twofold benefit: First, you will get
the assistance you need; and second, you will learn to rely on support when
necessary—a practice that will benefit you in adulthood. The fact is, success
in most endeavors is a team effort, not a solo performance.—Proverbs 15:22.
Tip: Ask your
parents about who might be a good mentor for you.
The bottom line: There is
nothing wrong with asking for help!
Why not get
started? Make a list of
two or three role models—people whom you look up to. Would any of those
individuals be in a position to help you with your schoolwork?
“My Favorite Teacher”
“My favorite
teacher was really strict, but everyone respected him. He was enthusiastic. He
gestured and walked from one side of the room to the other as he spoke. He got
everyone involved in class discussions. If you didn’t understand a point, he
patiently explained it until you did understand.
He repeatedly told us that he welcomed
our questions. He said that questions would not only help him see what
we didn’t understand but also help him become a better teacher. He took a
personal interest in everyone. Many students chose to pursue a career in
accounting—the field he taught—after spending just one year in his class!”—Alana, Australia.
Stay Healthy
Taking care of
your health can improve your performance at school—and your quality of life.
IT ONLY makes sense to take care of the
body that God gave you. (Psalm 139:14) To illustrate: Imagine that you own a car, but
you never take time to maintain it. The car will only go so far before it
breaks down. The same can happen to your body. What kind of “maintenance” do
you need?
Rest.
Skimping on sleep can make you look
haggard and leave you feeling lethargic, confused, and even depressed. In
contrast, getting sufficient rest will give you more energy. It can also
accelerate your physical growth, improve your brain function, boost your immune
system, and enhance your emotional well-being. That is quite a return for
something that requires so little effort!
Tip: If possible, try
to go to bed at the same time each night.
Nutrition.
Teens grow
rapidly. Between the ages of 10 and 17, for example, most boys double their
lean body weight. Girls experience a growth spurt too. Growing bodies need
plenty of raw materials and energy. Make sure that you give your body the
nutrition it needs.
Tip: Do not skip
breakfast. ‘Fueling up’ before class can help you improve your concentration
and your short-term memory.
Exercise.
The Bible acknowledges that “exercise
is good for your body.” (1 Timothy 4:8, Contemporary English Version) It
can strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your stamina, control your
weight, increase your mental capabilities, boost your immunity, alleviate
stress, and lift your mood. Of course, exercise can also be fun, since it can
include activities you enjoy!
The bottom line: Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise
will help you keep your “engine” running. And that, in turn, will help
you upgrade your performance in the classroom. *
Why not get
started? Establish a
reasonable exercise routine. Track your sleeping habits and diet for a month,
and note any improvements you need to make.
“When I go for a walk, I seem to get
more energy—even if I was tired when I started out.”—Jason, New Zealand.
“My thinking is, God made food to fuel
our bodies, and I want to put the best fuel in me!”—Jill, United States.
“I run three times a week, and I bike
or walk twice a week. Exercise gives me more energy and releases
stress.”—Grace, Australia.
Have a Goal
School becomes
more meaningful—and more enjoyable—when you know where your education is
taking you.
GOING through school without a goal is
like running a race on a track that has no finish line. The Bible says: “Know
where you are headed.” (Proverbs 4:26, Contemporary English Version) Having a
goal will keep you focused and make your transition to the working world
smoother. How can you set a goal?
Ask yourself, ‘How do I plan to earn
a living?’ Do not put off answering that question. Instead, plan early.
Why? Think of it this way: If you wanted to go on a trip, first you would need
to decide on your destination. Then you would look at a map and determine the
best way to get there. You can take a similar approach to your schooling. Think
about which occupation you will pursue, and then choose courses that will help
you reach your destination.
Caution: Many young people are so
determined to do only work that they feel most passionate
about—becoming a professional musician, for example—that they find the
thought of any other type of employment intolerable. What is a better approach?
1. Consider your
abilities. For example, do
you enjoy service-related tasks or being helpful to others? Are you good at
mechanics? numbers? finances? fixing things?
2. Consider your
options. Which
occupations are a good match for your abilities? Brainstorm several options
rather than focusing only on your “dream” job. And think practically. For
example, will the field you want to pursue be available in other locations, in
case you should move? Will the training that is required put you in
unreasonable debt?
3. Consider your
opportunities. Once you know which occupation you would like to pursue, look at the market
for that type of work locally. Do you know any potential employers? If so, do
they offer apprenticeships? Are there vocational training programs available?
Tip: Consult your
parents, teachers, and adult friends. Check out your local library and online
resources.
The bottom line: If you have a
goal, your education will have direction and purpose.
Why not get
started? Think now,
while you are still in school, about the three points noted above. Write down
your goals, and discuss them with your parents.
You might have noticed that this series
frequently referred to the Bible when outlining the keys to success at school.
The publishers of this magazine, Jehovah’s Witnesses, believe that the Bible
contains “instruction for right living.” (2 Timothy 3:16, Good News Translation) It is
practical for everyday life—not only at school but also at work, in the
family, and elsewhere. For more information on how the Bible can help you, visit
the Web site www.jw.org and see page 32 of the
printed edition of this magazine.
