Why We Need Youth Social Entrepreneurship

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Why Independent Journalism is Fundamental to A Democratic Society

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A Note From the Editor: What's With All the Walkouts?

By: Isabella S.

The power of today’s youth is a “hot topic” in our society right now. With national walkouts, marches, and boycotts, students everywhere are making their voices heard. So, what’s the big deal? Does it really matter if we, as teens, get involved? I mean, some of us can’t even vote. Are they really going to listen to a bunch of kids? The simple answer: yes. Yes, your voice matters. Yes, they will listen. Yes, you are important.

Your Voice:

When we speak, we free our opinions and show others that they are not alone. Chances are there is someone out there who agrees with you but is scared to speak up. Speak for them. Speak for yourself. 

When you tell others how you feel, you are telling yourself that your feelings matter. 

Even if they don’t listen, they will hear you. Simply having a conversation with someone can brighten their day, tell them they’re not alone, introduce them to a new perspective, and encourage them to take action.

Your Actions:

Being politically active may seem like a daunting task. A term reserved for the Greensboro Four, Thomas Paine, and Alice Paul, this phrase may inspire images of huge rallies, presidential campaigns, and international marches. Though many individuals hold this perception, being a political activist is not as difficult as it seems. For example, 

someone who claims to be physically active is not expected to run daily marathons.

They may simply play a sport they enjoy or workout routinely. In the same way, to be politically active all you have to do is find something that speaks to you— some topic that inspires you and motivates you to act. These actions can be as simple as watching the news and listening to your peers. Staying informed is the first step to cultivating a reaction. Other examples of political activities include joining the student government, calling your representatives, attending town hall and community meetings, volunteering with a political campaign, or even organizing a walkout. The most important element to keep in mind is your values. Make sure that whatever you choose to do is productive to the cause you are supporting and that you are proud of yourself at the end of the day. 

Step outside of your comfort zone and pull a few friends along with you. 

It’s all about the experience and your ability to make a difference.

Your Purpose:

As a teen, your actions are not only a measure of your own determination but they are also crucial to society. No other generation has the same experience as the current teenage population. No adults can claim to share our perspective. Our voices are unique and our viewpoints varied. So, do not be afraid to disagree with adults. Experience does not yield perfection. They’re people too! Plus, their experiences are also limited in their own way. We’re all learning and growing. 

With topics such as politics, the world is constantly evolving and we should be too.

Your Revolution:

Through "walking the talk" and acting out your own beliefs, having healthy conversations about different opinions, and being involved in your community, along with its various organizations, you— as one, young person— can start a movement. Every action has an equal reaction. The impact of every small act will be multiplied every time it touches a new individual. 

Be passionate. Be compassionate. Be heard.

The Stairway to Success

By Danielle, Corine, Charlotte, and Curie

            For most students, the school year starts out in a good fashion. However, some students unfortunately fall into the same patterns of procrastination or indignation as the previous year. Before you find yourself slipping into last year’s problems, here are 8 steps to follow to become a successful student!

           

#1: Prioritize your activities with a planner.

            No matter what extracurricular activities you participate in, it is important to recognize that your education comes first. It is suggested to keep a planner to find a balance between your extracurricular activities and academics. You may want to try to avoid using a digital planner, especially one on your iPhone, because this can lead to playing apps or visiting social networks that eat up your study time. There’s also a feeling of accomplishment when you physically cross something off of your to-do-list! Using a paper planner will help you to keep track of the many things you need to do.

#2: Find your study “habitat.”

            Another important thing to remember is that everyone needs to study in his own “habitat.”  That means that each of us has that perfect location to study: whether it is one’s bedroom or the school library.  To choose the best place for you, decide how prone you are to distractions. There are some people who can filter out noise and actually feel more relaxed hearing others’ voices.  However, a lot of people will try to study then find themselves watching television for an hour.  If that sounds like you, then it might be important to “hibernate” and escape into the silence. Remember that your habitat is individualized. What might be a good place for you to study might be an awful place for someone else.  If you find yourself wandering upon someone else’s habitat, then make sure that you are respectful of their study needs.  After all, they are trying to succeed just as much as you are.

#3: Metacognition: evaluate your study habits.

            Let’s face it: some studying habits are better than others, and some studying habits work better for different people. So, we need to experiment. The previous two sections discussed the time and place for studying, and this section advises the reader to evaluate his or her study habits after every test.

In my AP Biology course the students are instructed to create their own study guides and follow their own pace to complete classwork until the day of the test. Test day is also the due date for all class work and study guides, and the test scores give a numerical reflection of the effectiveness of the students’ study habits. After every test, students ask themselves: which study habits worked? Which ones did not? Reflecting on successful and unsuccessful techniques and fixing bad habits will help you grow and succeed in any class.

#4: Be proactive in school.

Now you are prepared for school; you have your planner, study techniques, and “habitat.” But school comes with many other challenges: larger schools can be harder to navigate, rules may be unclear and confusing, online class environments may be unfamiliar … you name it. How do you overcome these non-academic obstacles to a successful start in school? Well, get familiar with the school, the classes, and online classes before it matters. Attend your school’s ‘Open House’, explore your online class during Meet the Teacher, and notify your online teachers with any of your questions and concerns. At the first day of school, pay attention to your teachers’ explanations of their rules and expectations and make sure you keep any handouts regarding that information.

#5 Be responsible in the classroom.

            The classroom is the place that you will do much of your learning. You should keep track of your behavior in the classroom in order to succeed. Always pay attention in class because you never know what you might be tested on, and paying attention in class can also help decrease the length your studying time later on. Taking notes in class also helps you get ahead, better preparing you for any future assignments. It will help you remember the information more easily and you will be able to get a deeper understanding of the material. Another thing to keep in mind in the classroom is that you shouldn’t sit with friends who distract you. Feel free to sit with friends that will be able to help you learn, but don’t sit with the friends that you feel will distract you during class.

#6 Interact with your teachers.

            Teachers are essential for your success, so strive to develop a strong relationship with your teachers. Teachers not only teach the course curriculum, but they also help you earn the grade that you want, and eventually, they can write recommendation letters for college applications. Several ways to develop strong relationships with your teachers are by asking questions, showing your concern about your grades, and talking with them often.

#7 Keep up with your coursework and homework.

            Many teachers give nightly homework, and some even give loads of classwork. In and out of class the key is to focus. Don’t let your friends, social networking, or technology distract you, and make small goals for yourself. If you tell yourself that you will finish the assignment in 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes, you will complete it with purpose.

#8 Look to the future.

            School years in North Carolina are 180 days long, so students are prone to get tired. Keep up the good work and maintain your grades. Remember, the rewards for working hard in school include good grades, high GPA, promotion to the next grade, and college admission. Your future holds great things!