As the new school year approaches, it's time to gear up for success! 🎓 Whether you students are incoming freshmen or seasoned seniors, laying a strong foundation for the year ahead is crucial. Here are some essential tips to ensure they make the most of their high school journey and road to college:

📅 Organizing Thier Study Routines: Effective time management and study habits can significantly impact their academic performance. Encourage them to create a study schedule that allows them to cover all subjects while leaving room for breaks and relaxation. Consistency is key!

🎯 Setting Thier Academic Goals: Ask them “What do you aim to achieve this year?” Whether it's maintaining a certain GPA, excelling in a particular subject, or participating in academic competitions, setting clear goals will keep them motivated and focused.

🎉 Exploring Exciting Extracurriculars: High school isn't just about academics; it's also about personal growth and exploration. Challenge them to engage in extracurricular activities that align with their interests, be it sports, arts, clubs, or volunteering. These experiences can shape their character and open new doors… And they’re very impressive on the application!

⭐ Staying Proactive: Advise them not to wait for challenges to arise – be proactive! If you're facing difficulties in any subject, seek help early. Teachers, tutors, and peers are there to support you on your learning journey.

🔍 Planning Their Post-Secondary Path: It's never too early to start thinking about their future beyond high school. If not already a requirement, strongly encourage them to schedule a meeting with you to discuss your post-secondary options. This conversation will provide invaluable insights and guidance as you help map out their educational and career path.

Remember, success is a journey, not just a destination. They should embrace each experience, both in and out of the classroom, and make the most of the opportunities that come their way.

These practical tips on goal setting can help make it easier to set and reach goals:

1. Specific, realistic goals work best. When it comes to making a change, the people who succeed are those who set realistic, specific goals. "I'm going to recycle all my plastic bottles, soda cans, and magazines" is a much more doable goal than "I'm going to do more for the environment." And that makes it easier to stick with.

2. It takes time for a change to become an established habit. It will probably take a couple of months before any changes — like getting up half an hour early to exercise — become a routine part of your life. That's because your brain needs time to get used to the idea that this new thing you're doing is part of your regular routine.

3. Repeating a goal makes it stick. Say your goal out loud each morning to remind yourself of what you want and what you're working for. (Writing it down works too.) Every time you remind yourself of your goal, you're training your brain to make it happen.

4. Pleasing other people doesn't work. The key to making any change is to find the desire within yourself — you have to do it because you want it, not because a girlfriend, boyfriend, coach, parent, or someone else wants you to. It will be harder to stay on track and motivated if you're doing something out of obligation to another person.

5. Roadblocks don't mean failure. Slip-ups are actually part of the learning process as you retrain your brain into a new way of thinking. It may take a few tries to reach a goal. But that's OK — it's normal to mess up or give up a few times when trying to make a change. Remember that everyone slips up and don't beat yourself up about it. Just remind yourself to get back on track.

What is your name and occupation? 

My name is Shelia Walker and I work for the New Hanover County Deparment of Social Services. My job title is Operational Reports Team-Quality Assurance. I receive reports from the state of North Carolina for Family and Children's Medicaid, Food and Nutrition, Adult Medicaid and Work First.  With these reports I make sure everyone is still eligible and following guidelines.

What degree/ degrees did you get for that position? 

I received a degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Criminiology whichs blends with my job because we work with Program Integrity for the County to make sure people are reporting accurate information to the agency. I didn't necessarilty need that degree for this position but I believe it helps immensely understanding people.

What are some key things you would share with others interested in pursuing this pathway? 

Those who want to join the Civil Servant club must have strong customer service  skills, a willingness to want to help communities, and empathy/understanding of all walks of life you will encounter in this type of position.

Did you find your job easily/ what do you think the future for your career is? 

I found my job by going to my counties governemnt career page. The future of my career I believe is always evolving.  The pandemic changed a lot of rules and regulations for the state of North Carolina and all across the United States and now were transitioning to rules before the pandemic. It's true theres nothing constant but change espeically working for local government.  

What advice would you give high school students about college and pursuing a career?  

The advice I would give high school students about college and pursuing a career is to know there isn't one way to get a higher education. You can go to community college, trade schools, or of course the 4 year university, but don't feel that theres only 1 way you can go. Find something you're passionate about or interested in and see what kind of career that could lead to or point you in the direction to a career you'd like to see yourself in.

Share a bit of your perspective that correlates to being an Upward Bound alumni and how it helped with college/ career? 

Upward bound helped guide me in navigating college by helping filling out financial aid, finding grants, help with my studies. Getting to take college classes before I really started my college career showed me how college was  gonna be, all the self guidance  I would have to take on in my studies. Traveling to different places and creating friendships with some of the best people that I still have today is defintely a perk. :) Upward Bound helped paved the way for me to have a successful future and I'm extremly grateful for my time in the program.