Category: Teen Life

4 Tips on How to Stand Out as a Leader in High School

High school is a very important time in everyone’s life. This is often a period of time in which life skills, work ethic, and the foundation for confidence are built. This is also a great time in which someone can learn the skills that it takes to be a leader. Here are four things that can be done to can help you stand out as a leader among your classmates and develop leadership skills that will serve you well later in life.

Help Out Others

One of the great parts of being in high school is that you’ll be surrounded by many different people in a variety of different settings. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the athletic fields, during part-time jobs, or any other setting, you’re bound to find yourself in a situation in which someone is struggling to succeed. Those who are willing to go the extra mile and to try and help others out will always stand out as a leader. They’ll also leave a lasting positive memory for everyone they helped.

Improve Processes Around You

A leader needs to be able to identify areas of improvement in projects and processes and be able to figure out ways to implement these changes. There are methodologies and techniques you can employ that could allow you to implement change with a smooth transition. For example, one source recommends using TIMWOOD as a helpful acronym to help remember a specific set of seven different wastes that can be applied to business as well as school.

Get Involved

In high school, there are many different activities you can participate in. According to ScholarshipPoints, if you want to stand out as a leader, you need to get involved. Further, he or she needs to be involved in an active way and seek out development and leadership opportunities in all of his or her activities.

Have a Positive Attitude

If you’re going to be a leader in high school, then having a positive attitude is extremely important. As a leader, you need to be someone that people can look up to and also be a role model. The last thing you want to have is a negative attitude or not be willing to put in the work. As one leadership development service points out, having a positive attitude will be contagious.

Ultimately, building leadership skills takes time. While some people are natural leaders, others need to work more on their leadership skills. It’s important that people in high school recognize leadership opportunities when they arise and that they act on these opportunities.

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What Teens Should Know About Ethical Food

Teens today are overloaded with choices, and it can be hard to decide on the best choices. It’s also hard to try to live a life that hurts that least amount of people and things as possible, but many people still try to live a life like that. With so many food options today, it’s easy to grab for some quick and easy food option that is loaded with fat, calories, processed sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. It’s understandable that living in today’s hectic world leaves many teens already juggling school, part-time jobs, relationships, and future life plans. This is a full plate as it is. How can adding eating healthy be added to the list without causing additional stress? Everyone knows they’re supposed to eat healthy, or eat smart, but what does that actually mean? A good place to start is thinking about eating ethically. This can begin with something as simple as choosing the right egg.

Why Ethical Food Matters

There are numerous reasons why ethical food should become part of a teen’s diet at this important stage of life that will in part determine the more immediate courses their lives take. Besides the good personal feeling of knowing that good quality eggs are coming from chickens raised in an ethical manner, there are good habits that you can learn from the perspectives of ethical treatment, ecology, sustainability, and overall quality of the chickens’ lives and, in turn, quality of the eggs.

Start Good Habits Early

Whether it’s good study habits, respect for elders, helping out neighbors, or learning other good values, as a teenager, you probably care about becoming better-equipped for adult life in addition to leaving this world in a better state than you found it. Getting the proper nutrition, staying out of trouble, working hard, putting forth your best effort at anything that’s worthwhile, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are things you’ve likely heard about from parents and teachers again and again. This can be taken a step further without much more effort by learning to think critically about where the food that is supposed to nourish you is coming from, how it’s prepared, and whether or not it’s ethical.

Chickens Also Have Working Conditions

When many consumers look at where other goods are made in the world and how they are made, such as shoes, clothing, and electronics, it’s so easy for many to become appalled by the working conditions under which these products are made. While many would agree that it’s unreasonable for these laborers to work in some rather grueling conditions, it’s also unreasonable for animals that produce food to have unpleasant working conditions. The production of ethical food encompasses taking care of food-producing animals, and that includes chickens.

This is the Root of Early Farming

The farming portrayed in TV shows and movies tends to reflect the traditional farming methods that have been replaced by much of the mechanized world. Farming methods from the past are sometimes the best, and that is especially true when considering the ethical implications of raising chickens for their eggs in a manner that is inhumane. When farmers are able to do their jobs ethically, this benefits the overall health and well-being of the generations living today and the future generations that will eventually be raised by today’s teens.

An ethical farm that produces ethical eggs is a place where you would leave happy seeing how your food is made. You would not even have to think twice before grabbing and taking the eggs home to your kitchen. These are eggs raised in the traditional farming methods that support the chickens, give the farmers some peace of mind, and provide you with the nutrition you need now and for the rest of your life.

How Technology is Making it Easier

When taking a simpler approach, it’s seemingly common to think that technology can sometimes complicate life, but that is not the case with today’s chicken coops. Modern chicken coops are mobile, and come with a whole host of features to make them more energy efficient, and to help the chickens be more comfortable. After all, healthy and delicious eggs come from happy chickens. In addition to reducing energy costs in production, choosing ethical eggs translates to benefits for environmental sustainability and overall health for both humans and chickens.

Feel Good About Where You Get Your Food

Many teens have to take some sort of food class in their schooling experience and usually they have to watch some video about the behind the scenes of the food industry. There have already been some rather appalling stories about food production through documentary or other journalistic endeavors. These reports range from horrendous conditions for livestock to gross stuff winding up in various food products. With ethical eggs, those stories are nonexistent because the chickens are treated right and fed right, which results in eggs that taste great and give many consumers a better feeling about how the food was made.

Think Ahead Seven Generations

Sometimes it’s hard for teens to think of anything more than the day or current moment they are living in. With so much living in the moment that is common today, it’s easy to not think about long-term effects of decisions. The members of native tribes were traditionally taught to think how their choices would affect people seven generations into the future. With that thought process, please think ahead seven generations about how your choice of foods like eggs will affect the quality of eggs for those in future generations, especially considering those generations will be your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so on.

Feel Better Physically and Emotionally with Ethical Food

Teens are very good at noticing details or things that don’t feel right. Many consumers today can already tell a difference in taste from other foods that are organic or made without synthetic dyes and flavoring. The natural methods of growing and producing food tend to be preferred by consumers, even when the price is a little higher. You wouldn’t expect cheap food to taste great nor to be produced in a manner that is ethical and sustainable, so know that even though there is a slight difference in price, there are many greater benefits to eating ethical foods that include much better taste.

Something so common as the egg is easy to take for granted, especially with so many conventional options at various stores. It’s time to let good habits take root now during your life as a teenager. Technology has its place, and while it should not always be in one’s hands (especially while driving), it does help make it easier to choose ethical food options that make it possible to have happy eggs come from happy chickens.

Here are a couple articles about healthy eating that we think you’ll also find interesting!

Beyond Pizza and Starbucks: Healthy Food Tips For Teens

10 Simple Tips for Teens to Stay Healthy During the Holidays

What It Means to Be an Older Sibling

If you are an older sibling, you probably know that younger brothers or sisters naturally look up to their older family members. While this can sometimes seem like a nuisance, it can be an opportunity for you to have a profound effect on your immediate environment. As an older sibling, you have the power to lead and provide support in many ways.

Responsibility Changes a Person

Older siblings can have a lot of advantages over their younger siblings, especially if they are the firstborn over multiple siblings. There can also be plenty of challenges that he or she might have to deal with. Globe Life Insurance explains, “almost immediately, older siblings can be saddled with more responsibilities that he or she will find hard to get out of. This is especially true when it’s within families that cannot afford to pay for any kind of childcare.”

This means that, when mom and dad are not home, older siblings are often in charge once they get to a certain age. They are responsible for the safety and emotional comfort of their younger siblings. It might also mean having to help with household duties, which might include cleaning up when your younger siblings make a mess or cooking family meals.

The Power of a Role Model

Whether older siblings like it or not, their younger siblings will copy and emulate their behavior and attitudes. A role model can shape a person’s character, and this can have a decisive effect on that person’s ability to succeed later on in life. Older siblings are more likely to take the position of a type of substitute parent during many troublesome situations.

Boys and girls who are older siblings will be faced with different challenges when it comes to setting a good example. For example, Potty Genius explains, “having a male role model, such as an older brother, makes potty training go much faster and easier for boys.” Older sisters might have more complex issues to deal with. Being a female can be challenging, especially in today’s world. An older sister can guide her younger sibling to carry herself with dignity and counsel her on possibly upsetting issues, such as receiving her first period.

Accepting Responsibility with Enthusiasm

Being a sibling means you may not receive all the attention you could want. However, as an older sibling, you can be the one to bring the joys and rewards of having an older brother or sister. The Odyssey explains, “oldest siblings have a sense of responsibility at a young age to teach their younger siblings all the ‘important stuff’ in life. And they usually believe their older siblings unquestioningly. They also get the opportunity to see their siblings grow up in front of them.” Human beings need other human beings to stay mentally healthy and well rounded. You may find more joy in your situation if you accept it and take pleasure in this. It can be surprisingly fulfilling to be the support that your younger siblings need.

3 Ways to Steer Clear of Drug Addiction for Life

Drug addiction is a major problem among teenagers. DrugAbuse.com explains that, “although general trends show that teens are using alcohol and drugs less than previous generations, the drugs that are being used are more dangerous than ever. Especially in regards to pharmaceutical abuse.” The teenage years are among the most stressful periods of your lifetime, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Without all of the facts, using drugs to relax or celebrate may seem harmless. However, studies show that using drugs at an early age increases risks for addiction. Learning the risk factors can help you avoid drug addiction throughout life.

Get a Solid Support Network

As you near adulthood, it is natural to forge strong friendships with peers and depend less on adults. However, it is vital to maintain healthy relationships with dependable adults in your life. Talking to adults you trust can help you make the best decisions about drugs and alcohol.

It is important to consider how your relationships help you grow. Depending on your peers for opinions is normal and some types of peer pressure are positive. You should always feel comfortable voicing your own opinions. Surround yourself with positive role models. Avoiding groups who depend on drugs can help you avoid pressure to try them yourself.

Educate Yourself on the Dangers Involved

In order to make decisions, you must have the proper information. Don’t take the decision to use drugs lightly. Educate yourself on the risks of any substance you put in your body. Most teenagers aren’t even aware of how dangerous drugs are, and the information they share may not be accurate. According to The Recovery Village, “research has shown that only 11 percent of people who need drug treatment end up getting it. In addition, of all people over the age of 12 with drug use issues, over 82 percent didn’t recognize that they needed treatment, so they didn’t get help.”

Learning the facts about drug use and addiction can help you and those around you. Taking the time to get educated about the dangers of prescription and illicit drugs can alert you to the potential for addiction. Sharing your new knowledge with others spreads education about the dangers of these substances.

Beware of Alcohol

Alcohol is the most abused mood-affecting drug in the United States. Around 70 percent of people who seek help for substance abuse suffer from alcoholism. Although drinking alcohol publicly is illegal for people under 21 in most states, alcohol abuse among teens is a serious problem. According to MedicineNet, “almost half of 10th grade students and nearly 65 percent of high school seniors have admitted to drinking alcohol.” The dangers of alcohol use are larger than potential addiction. While under the influence of alcohol, teens are more likely to make bad decisions and participate in other dangerous behavior. Increased confidence often comes with the use of alcohol. Drivers can overestimate their abilities when they have been drinking. Your decisions regarding the use of alcohol include your surroundings. It is possible to become a victim of someone else’s alcohol abuse.

With the right knowledge, avoiding drug and alcohol abuse is possible. If you or someone you know is already suffering from drug dependence or abuse, effective treatments are widely available. Communication is the most effective way to eliminate this growing problem.

Does fitting in really make us happy? Research insights show….

Teens are social creatures. Even the “outcasts” among us tend to find at least one friend to hang with, because we all NEED to be with other people, at least part of the time. Its in our DNA. However, sometimes we feel the need to change ourselves to fit in with the rest of the people in our social groups. Is it worth it? Does fitting in make us happy?

Dr. Jesse Viner of Yellowbrick rehabilitation center surveyed 2,000 Americans to find out how a sense of community affects us all. Here are highlights, and you can click here to read the full research https://www.yellowbrickprogram.com/blog/fitting-in#more-798:

The #1 reason for being part of a crowd you don’t identify with is convenience.
Only 62% of adults feel that they are part of a community and only 15% of us end up in the same crowd as adults as we were in high school and college
Adults who turn to the internet to find a sense of community are happier than those who do not!
Respondents said that when they were in high school, 68 percent felt that their community represented them well and 56 percent said that their community was important to their overall happiness.
As adults, survey respondents overwhelmingly said their community represented their identity (93 percent) and 70 percent said their community was important to their overall happiness. So if you don’t feel you fit in now don’t worry about it…it gets much better when you get older!

Fitting In 2 — Image courtesy of Yellowbrick

So what’s the takeaway?

Yes, fitting in to SOME kind of group makes us happy, and we will naturally try to do this all of our lives. It’s harder during younger years, but gets easier as we get older.

While we are in high school, we don’t have to be part of the super-popular group, like jocks and cheerleaders, but its important for each of us to find our tribe where we fit in somehow. This tribe will definitely change as we get older, and that’s okay!

4 Things Teens Should Know When Moving to a New City

Being a teen can be the worst. You’re told to act like an adult, but you’re still treated like a kid. And with all these hormones going crazy, you have to figure out who you are through it all. A move during this time can seem like the worst thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to be. For many, it’s what set them up for success. In the end, you’ll find that moving to a new city, while difficult, can bring great things into your life.

It’s Okay to Feel Insecure

It might not give you a lot of comfort to know that people can be insecure, but you can learn to recognize what people do to cover it up. As the new kid in a new school or block, you may become the target of bullying. While this sort of treatment is unfair, remember that some people will find another person that seems to have it worse or someone that’s new and target them to draw attention away from their own insecurities. Just know that a bully isn’t better than you. Often, they’re an individual who is carrying around pain and would rather take it out on someone else because of personal circumstances.

Source: 11 Things To Tell Yourself When You’re Feeling Insecure | Bustle

You’ll Make New Friends

You are probably leaving behind cool friends when you move to a new city. And despite promises to stay in touch…life happens and distance WILL affect your relationships — but this is not always a bad thing! Don’t be closed off to the people you meet in your new neighborhood because you could end up making some even better friends. In your life, people will come and go. Just because you’re moving, it doesn’t mean that your old friends won’t still be your friends, its just that you will be friends in a different manner. It can seem like the end of the world to leave behind those you feel closest to, but the new place can be filled with people who are just as amazing. Give it a chance.

This is a Chance to Try New Things

Most people would say, “This is a chance for me to reinvent myself.” It’s true. It’s hard to know who you are at this point as you’re still trying to find yourself. You will have some constants throughout your life. Your core personality doesn’t change much, but your taste in music does, and many other likes and dislikes change as well. Now is the time to explore those things. Start listening to different music, look up different ways to make art, and explore the world around you in general. You’re bound to grow and change.

Source: Moving in the Middle of High School | Moving Company Reviews

Reinvent Your Home Life

If home life has been less than ideal, a new place can help you change that to some extent. It’s not going to magically solve problems, but it’s a chance to change your habits. If you’re frequently told to clean your room, try keeping it clean without being told. Parents will definitely appreciate this. If communication with your parents or guardians has become difficult, try opening up about how you feel. Chances are that they’re on your side, but they may not know how to express it the right way.

Source: Building Strong Family Relationships | University of Delaware

Don’t let the new place scare you. As the start of a new chapter in your life, moving to a new city will bring with it a whole host of changes. It’s an exciting time and might turn out to be one of the most amazing things that ever happens to you.

Trying to Lose Some Weight? Be Careful

In the last few years, social media has intensified the pressure to look perfect. Teens are especially susceptible to this pressure that makes them want to change themselves to fit a new picture-perfect mold. Over the years, there has seemingly been an influx of healthy teens trying to lose some weight unnecessarily.

To be clear, when there is a true need, there is nothing wrong with trying to lose some weight. This is especially true for teenagers as building intentional healthy habits early can help them to be healthy and mindful adults. Dieting due to a concern of your health is much different than dieting due to a fear of gaining weight when you are relatively healthy, though. Dieting when healthy can lead to disorders in teens, a potentially life-threatening problem.

Know the Difference Between Diets and Disorders

Before jumping into information about eating disorders, it is important to establish what is and is not healthy dieting. This is especially important for teens to understand as they are becoming more and more autonomous from their parents. You’re in a time where you’re gaining independence and responsibilities. There is nothing wrong with anyone trying to lose some weight and become healthier, particularly if they are overweight. These steps are usually mindful, enjoyable, and preferably given under the direction of a doctor or nutritionist.

If you are open and honest about your desire to lose weight and your dieting intent, research and compile a balanced diet full of varying healthy foods to lose weight at a moderate pace. A diet designed with the intent to lose weight will typically consist of a 250 to 500-calorie deficit per day, allowing the person dieting to lose a healthy 1-2 pounds a week.

On the flip side of the coin, do not allow fear of a disorder developing make you discouraged from switching to a healthier diet. Eating balanced meals, exercising, and reducing or outright rejecting junk foods is not necessarily an indication of a disorder, even if it seems to be a deviation from the norm. You should tell your family and friends your goals and to let them support you, because sometimes if there isn’t communication people can get overly worried and start to think things that aren’t true.

How it Starts

Many people fail to realize that eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are mental disorders. Individuals that suffer with these disorders have developed anxiety about food and their looks which causes them to believe they must lose weight and rid themselves of food at all costs. Eating, exercising, and weighing themselves becomes a system of torture and reward.

This mental shift of trying to lose some weight can come on subtly, or there can be a defining moment that causes it. All of a sudden, certain foods are not foods that should be avoided but are BAD and CANNOT be eaten. Exercise MUST be done to counteract the calories eaten. Weight checks become habitual and can make or break their entire mood depending on what the scale says. Some even begin eating and exercising alone because of perceived shame. Many teens say this happens “before they know it,” so it is imperative for teens to pay attention for telltale signs that something is wrong. This is another good reason to tell those around you, so if they begin to notice you doing things that are unhealthy they can step in and help.

Signs to Watch Out For

There are a few common symptoms of eating disorders that people can usually pick up on, such as:

Eating alone
Eating abnormally small portions
Being or becoming very thin
Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
Exercising excessively, especially after meals
Using laxatives regularly

Some of these symptoms are more specific to one disorder like anorexia, but making a diagnosis is not your main concern as they can all point to danger. If you notice any of these signs, you must take action quickly.

How to Stop Disorders Before They Begin

If someone is engaging in eating behaviors that seem extreme to you, speak to them openly and honestly about what they are doing. Are they simply taking a firm stand for their positive change, or is something more serious happening? There are subtle differences in language that can help you get a feel for what they are thinking. As previously mentioned, keeping a doctor or nutritionist involved from the very beginning of anyone’s weight loss journey can help prevent unhealthy ideas about food from developing when trying to lose some weight. It is important for you and the doctor to frequently check in on your progress. These mental shifts to disordered eating can come subtly and seemingly without warning if not checked. A simple conversation with a professional is usually enough to notice a change.

If you know someone who has unfortunately shifted from developing healthy habits to disordered eating, you must be bold and take action. Here are a few tips on how to approach your friend once you notice. If you see these behaviors in yourself, seek help from a trusted adult or an eating disorder helpline. There are healthy ways to lose weight and people who can help.

Why You Should Be Thinking About Your Financial Future Now

It’s never too early to start thinking about your financial future. Even if you are a teen who is still in the process of figuring out what you want to do with your life, there are reasons why you need to start planning now. By beginning to think about your financial future, it’s possible to ensure the money is there when you need it. Investopedia provides some basics that you can start to employ right this minute and be secure all of your life.

Creating and Reaching Financial Goals

One reason why you need to start planning now has to do with goal setting. It’s up to you to decide what those goals may be. Perhaps you would like to own a home by the time you’re 30. Maybe you want to pursue a higher degree, like a doctorate. Start by learning how to set goals, including how to go about securing the resources to reach them. You may have to adjust or refine those goals as you get older, but that’s much different from having none at all.

Reserving Funds for Major Expenses

Another good reason why you need to start planning now for your financial future has to do with making significant purchases when you grow up. A home, a car, college, and even retirement are major investments that require cash. According to Your Quest, money management is more important than ever for young teens to learn, as retirement keeps becomes more and more expensive. Report indicate that Americans are living longer than they used to, and thus are needing more money in retirement funds to sustain themselves (sometimes needing up to 38 years of funds or more). Even if those expenses feel years away, now is the time to learn how to create a budget and live within your means. Make sure the budget includes line items specifically for each major expense.

Set goals for how much to tuck away each paycheck and stick with it. Remember to include a line item for emergency funds, since you never know what could happen. Along with watching the funds grow, you’ll learn a lot about avoiding overspending and stop yourself from going into debt.

Setting Up Savings and Investment Accounts

When you have at least a few goals for the future, brainstorm how you can begin working toward them now. On the financial front, this means learning to save money now and possibly invest in some manner. Hands on Banking reinforces, “opening a savings account is easier than ever before. All you’ll really need are forms of identification and a little bit of money to start your account with. Once that’s done, you can start planning more effectively for your future.” Start with simple plans like opening a savings account, then move on to setting up a certificate of deposit. The goal is to put mechanisms in place that allow you to earn interest on the money that you save.

In time, you will be old enough to make investments. Start with safe ones that are highly likely to earn some sort of return. As you become more comfortable with the market, it’s okay to allocate some of your money to options with higher risk and a chance for a higher return. As long as you maintain a solid financial cushion and learn not to invest more than you can afford to lose, you’ll be okay.

Ultimately, the habits you develop now make it possible to maintain financial well being and make life a little easier. As you accumulate wealth and achieve your goals, there will always be one more to set and reach. With your sound skills, there will always be a way to get where you want to go. Think about your finanical future today!

5 Habits You Can Begin Now to Give You a Head Start in College

College is something that a lot of people do, but it isn’t for everyone. If you choose to take this path, it will be a time in your life between high school and your career. This can be a time of confusion, but it can also be a great time to learn and meet new people.

All in all, college is going to be a lot of work. It is much different than high school, and it is vital to prepare for it so that you do well. If you are nearing the final years of high school and planning to further your education, this is a good article for you to read. Here, we are going to discuss five habits you can use right now to give yourself a head start in college.

Develop Time Management Skills

Time management is something that a lot of college students struggle with. This is partly because students are on their own a lot, but it is also because classes are structured very differently. Unlike high school, your teacher won’t remind you every day about an assignment that is due. It is your job to figure out when things are due and when you are going to have time to work on them. StraighterLine explains, “You need to establish your priorities. School needs to be a primary concern, not a secondary one. You also need to sleep and be healthy in general.” Without time management skills, college can quickly become overwhelming and stressful.

Learn to Study Properly

Learning to study is another important skill that you need to learn before heading to college. Above-average students may not have had to study much in high school, but a lack thereof in college can be devastating to your grades. Studying will be necessary, so make sure that you learn how to have a productive study session with minimal distraction.

Stay on Top of your GPA

Unlike high school, your teachers won’t be as lenient with your grades. At the end of the semester, your grade is your grade, and your teacher won’t give your bonus points just to help you out. Start off the year right and keep your grades up because it will be hard to catch up if you let them drop early on. GPA Calculator explains, “staying on top of your GPA in college is also important for other reasons. If you land a scholarship or grant that depends on you to maintain a GPA above a certain threshold, then not meeting your GPA requirements could mean you lose your financial backing for college.”

Learn to be independent

College is going to be a time where you spend a lot more time alone than you did in high school. You will need to learn to take care of yourself in various ways. Stay on top of your mental and physical health, get sleep, eat healthily, learn to do laundry, etc. There might not be anyone there to help you, so you should learn to be independent so that college isn’t a total shock. That, of course, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check up with your parents here and then. Being so suddenly disconnected from familiar surroundings can be shocking, and keeping in touch with loved ones can be a huge help.

Beat procrastination

With so much free time in college, you might feel like you have a lot of time to lie back and relax. In reality, any event that you have downtime you should probably take a look at upcoming assignments. Use your time wisely and don’t put things off until the day they are due because it causes a lot of stress and even low grades.

Hopefully, reading this article has given you a better understanding of the ways that you can get a head start for college. Even if you were the smartest person in your high school, there will be a plethora of people just as smart as you in college. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel as highly about yourself. You just need to prepare to work harder and continue to be the best student that you can.

Graduating from High School Early: Fact or Fiction?

As you head off to high school, you can’t believe you have four more years of school. It seems to stretch on for an eternity. You’re bright and have big ideas. You tend to think outside the box. The thought of being tied down to the same routine is frustrating. For someone who wants to spread their wings and move on more quickly in life, it can be tough to wait it out in senior high. However, you don’t have to follow the traditional path. Be a mover and a shaker. Some students have graduated high school before they’re 13 years old. By graduating from high school early, you can get a jump on college and even work.

How are Students Graduating Early from High School?

Students are earning their ticket out the door earlier by planning ahead. They’re organized. They talk to their academic advisers to find out how many credits they need to complete all of their course requirements earlier than the norm. To reach their goals, they have to be really motivated. Every period is filled, eliminating study halls. Independent studies, online courses, and summer school provide students with more opportunities to shorten the length of their stay in high school.

Many choose to graduate a semester early. Others manage to shave off a year. Jennifer Lawrence, the movie star, managed to graduate at the top of her class after only two years in high school. Actor Penn Badgley really broke the mold. At the age of 14, he completed his high school requirements by passing the California High School Proficiency exam. He was so fired up about pursuing an acting career that he enrolled right away in college.

Graduating early from high school can be even easier if you are homeschooled, because you can work ahead.

Why Do Students Choose to Graduate Early?

Students who choose to graduate early typically have big goals for the future. They know exactly what they want to get out of life and they are eager to move on. For some, they simply just don’t like school. They’ll do anything possible to finish their requirements early to get out in the real world. Others are bored by traditional schooling or are so advanced that they are ready for higher learning. Online schools allow students to proceed at their own pace, which means the truly motivated can easily get ahead in their studies.

What Options are Available to Advance for Students Who Don’t Graduate Early?

The fast track out of high school isn’t for everyone. However, students still have options that can help them to get a kick start to college while they are in high school. Taking online college courses, college courses that are offered through their high schools, and advanced placement classes can help them to earn college credits.

Earning credits in high school is also possible through dual-enrollment, where you are still in high school (public, private, or home school) and take community college classes — even for free in many cases! So you could do finish your AA while still in high school, thereby getting two years of college without paying for them–and then graduate with your Bachelor’s in only two more years because you finished all your prereqs while getting the AA. SWEET!

Graduating from high school early is not all roses. We know of a couple of extremely bright kids with good upbringings who graduated high school early, but were unfortunately introduced to drugs and other harmful things by their community college student peers. Being immature and freer from parental and teacher supervision (in college you are on your own), they fell prey to the peer pressure, and to this day are suffering from their bad choices–including substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, and even imprisonment. So make sure you are mature enough to handle life outside of high school because it can be a jungle out there.