Category: Teen Life

Do You Know the 5 Most Common Crimes Committed by Teenagers?

Although most teens are decent people who try to help others, honor their parents’ wishes, and apply themselves intellectually, artistically, or athletically, some teenagers choose a bad path and commit crimes. The most common crimes committed by teenagers usually fall under the classification of juvenile misdemeanor crimes. Here are five of the top crimes that teens are most likely to commit:

Vandalism

Teenagers may think that vandalism is a minor offense and not a big deal, but the truth is that vandalism can come with a host of criminal charges. Defined as the deliberate destruction of private or public property, vandalism also includes graffiti and defacement of physical objects. In some places, even placing band stickers on telephone poles can land you in big trouble. Of the 5 most common crimes committed by teenagers, this one might not seem so important — but an area full of graffitti, broken windows, and scratched up utility boxes screams “get me out of here!” This means people who can, leave, and this often includes business owners who take jobs with them.

Alcohol Offenses

The legal drinking age in every state is 21. If a minor is found in possession of alcohol, stiff penalties can result regardless of whether or not the teenager was under the influence. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that possible penalties may include suspension of one’s driver’s license, required community service hours, and monetary fines. Factors that may influence the level of punishment include prior convictions and the offender’s age. In addition to illegal drug use, this one of the most common crimes committed by teenagers tends to lead to other crimes due to mental deterioration and the lack of self-respect and care that comes with abusing substances.

Disorderly Conduct

According to this source, this type of criminal activity encompasses a wide variety of offenses including fighting, disturbing yelling and screaming, public intoxication, or anything that disrupts the peace. Because the crime is so general in scope, the punishment also varies depending on the severity of the crime. Most disorderly conduct crimes get prosecuted as misdemeanors. However, the more serious ones tend to be judged as a felony — think of rioting or interfering with police officers.

Larceny

Defined as theft of personal property, larceny is likely number one of most common crimes committed by teenagers everywhere. According to one lawyer, larceny is when there is “an unauthorized taking of property from another with the intent to permanently deprive that person of the property.” The image of the teen in the store shoplifting food or an electronic item is not just a stereotype–many fall into this temptation. Theft and burglary is a criminal offense in every state, meaning that teens need to treat this more seriously than just a rite of passage or something to make you look cool (it only makes you look cool to fellow deviants, and they never stay friends with you for long).

Assault and Battery

This crime can be defined as actual physical harm or merely the threat of the action. Even simply making another individual afraid can be just cause to press charges in some areas (yes, this means BULLYING). Assault can be classified as both nonverbal and verbal threats. For this reason, teenagers need to be especially careful about what they say to other people and take care that it not be construed as a form of assault, especially because teachers and parents are much more aware of bullying.

Although most teenagers are tried as juveniles, they could be tried as adults if they are over the age of 18 or if the crimes are more very serious in nature. Stop being brainwashed by thugs in music videos or TV shows who encourage you to commit crimes — they just want your money and your attention (clicks on their videos and social media posts), so don’t give them any.

Things a teen can do outside and not on the phone

Teens are kinda addicted to their phones. Teens spend more time streaming videos online, playing video games, and interacting on social media combined than any other activities. Unfortunately, this means that teens rarely spend time outside, but finding things a teen can do outside and not on the phone is going to improve your health.

When you stay inside all the time, you miss out on the physical and spiritual benefits that sunshine, fresh air, and exercise can give you. Getting too much sun can be bad for you, but not getting enough sun can be worse. The sun can help elevate your mood and regulate your circadian clock, which i turn helps you sleep better. To reap these benefits, try to do things a teen can do outside and not on the phone. Here are a few ways every teen can get outside more often:

Involve your friends

Get a group of friends together for stuff you can do outside. Teens are kind of in between still being a kid and being young adults, so you can get away with being goofy and running around. Examples of things you can do include:

Volleyball (could be informal, just hit the ball in the air if you don’t have a net)
Hiking
Walking around the city and talking
Manhunt (you need a larger group)
Bocce ball
Miniature golf
Frisbee
Kick a ball around, or a hacky-sack
Hunt geocaches
Urban exploration (don’t trespass, but you can find really cool locations)

Active Sports and Activities

Take the initiative to participate in sports such as swimming or tennis if you are an active person. See if you can get involved in a baseball or softball league. You can also take a weekend hiking, fishing, or camping trip.

If you aren’t interested in participating in sports, you can always spend time outside watching others play. Attend football, baseball or soccer games. Going to a beach or a lake to enjoy the beauty of the water is always a good alternative option.

People watch

Outside of playing games and sports to spend time outside, there are alternative options that you can choose. Walk around the park and just watch people. Don’t be creepy and stare, but just look them over and try to find something you like about them. This will help you come out of your shell a little bit, especially if you are mad at someone or very shy. Your mood will get better. And you never know where you might make a new friend!

Walk or bike everyhere

Making it a point to walk or bike everywhere is another way to get outdoors without having to play a sport or game. Get in the habit of walking or biking to school if you live in a safe enough area. If you are old enough to drive, don’t waste time hunting for a close parking spot at the mall, but park far and enjoy the extra exercise.

Safety comes first

No matter what outdoor activity you try, make sure you don’t take stupid risks or break the law. These are not worth it. Stay alert to your surroundings. Don’t walk or jog with earphones in your ears. This can drown out what’s going on around you.

Be sure to look out for cars that may back up out of driveways or that run red lights whenever you go outdoors. Be careful not to walk or bike after dark. Most pedestrian accidents that result in injury happen at night. It is also dangerous to cross the street anywhere other than the crosswalk of an intersection.

Once you enjoy things a teen can do outside and not on the phone more often, you may start to wonder whether you even need video games or spending so much time obsessing about your Snapchat streaks. Be cautious, be safe, and have fun.

Top 5 Study Tips for When Your Homework is Really Boring

We all love having fun after a full day of hitting the textbooks in school, but this is not always possible when we have assignments to complete and exams to pass that are just around the corner. Some tasks may be easy when you are discussing them at school, but they prove to be more difficult when you are tackling them on your own at home. Things just get very boring. Well, we are going to give you 5 study tips for when your homework is very boring.

Before we get into these 5 study tips, first a suggestion for Spanish-speaking students. You can avoid many of the frustrations of trying to figure out boring homework on your own by checking out https://www.rincondelvago.com/, where you can interact with other students from all the basic levels of study. You will find case studies, revision materials, and more stuff jst for students on this site, and thus make learning a but funner. Maybe one day they will develop an English site, but if you speak Spansih check it out.

Making your study environment at home a space conducive to concentrating can prevent that boring homework from becoming an uphill task that drains you all the time. Trying to motivate yourself by focusing on the big picture of what you will gain after studying well and completing your homework will help you keep focused, despite having the urge to do other things—like checking your Snaps for the 1000th time today. Here are some of things you can try to keep you interested and able to study for a long time even if your homework is boring.

1. Listen to some good music

Music has a way of relaxing your mind, and if you listen to some cool music that you like most, it can help keep your mind alert. Boring homework can make you lose interest in reading, but by listening to music, you are stimulated and this can help you pay more attention, which helps you to understand what you have just read. Keep the volume at a reasonable level so you can focus on what you are studying, but feel free to get up every while and dance around on a break!

2. Use the Pomodoro technique

This technique helps hold you accouontable and focused on what you are doing. The Pomodoro technique (pomodoro is “tomato” in Italian) involves setting a timer for 25 minutes, in which you study without stopping until the alarm goes off. After that, you can take a five-minute break to relax. After four of these 25/5 periods (which equal two hours of pretty steady work), you can then take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. You should utilize your break time by doing something that will help your get your mind off your studies. Stretch, eat a snack, check your phone, etc.

There are many free apps with Pomodoro timers, just search the App Store or Google Play.

3. Study with a friend over FaceTime or Skype

It can help to do homework with a friend. With FaceTime or Skype, which are easy and free to chat with, you can study with someone else at any time. Your friend may understand the parts that are hard for you, and you can also help them out with the parts that are challenging for them. You should, however, get someone who encourages and helps you to concentrate on your studies, and not someone who distracts you with a bunch of gossip or showing you the latest memes instead of getting to work.

4. Get a parent involved to help you

Getting help from a parent can sometimes help in keeping a positive attitude toward your studies. Not always (we get it), but give it a try. Do not feel shy to ask for their assistance when your homework gets hard or boring for you. You can discuss your problems, and chances are they can help you to reason out the concepts that you do not understand. The key here is to understnd they have not been in school a long time, so you have to show them patience because they might not understand modern schooling methods. They are, however, very experienced–which counts for a lot!

5. Sketch or use toys or other objects to help you understand concepts

The last of our study tips is to use toys and other objects to understand concepts. This works because it makes the words on the page more real by putting them into the real world as opposed to just in your head.

By taking some paper clips, a few coins, and whatever else you have lying around and using them to demonstrate the important points of what you are studying, it stimulates your mind, encourages creativity, imagination, and expression of feelings. Sketching can also be useful in simplifying complex ideas into something that your mind can easily remember. Your memory can remember a sketch or an image much easier than some random fact, and this is much more entertaining than reading endless paragraphs of text.

Do you have any more study tips for boring homework? Share below!

GLORIA BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES NAMES 2018 WINNERS

Boulder, CO, September 17, 2018 – The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, an award that celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from across the U.S. and Canada, announces its 2018 winners. Established in 2001 by author T. A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. Fifteen top winners each receive $10,000 to support their service work or higher education.

“Nothing is more uplifting than stories about heroic people who have truly made a difference to the world,” says T. A. Barron. “The goal of the Barron Prize is to shine the spotlight on these amazing young people so that their example will encourage others to take action.”

This year’s winning achievements address a wide range of important issues, including water conservation, disease prevention, protecting national parks, saving endangered wildlife, providing food for those in need, helping people with disabilities, and more.

The 2018 Gloria Barron Prize winners are:

Alex Mancevski, age 17, of Texas, who founded Health Through Science, a non-profit working to eradicate preventable diseases — especially pediatric Type 2 Diabetes and obesity — by matching high school-age science coaches with underserved elementary students.

Armando Pizano, age 18, of Illinois, who created the Bridge Tutoring Program to pair young students in under-resourced urban communities with high-achieving high school-age mentors who offer free, weekly, after-school tutoring.

Bria Neff, age 11, of South Dakota, who founded Faces of the Endangered to protect endangered species through the sale of her artwork. She has sold more than 250 paintings of endangered animals and donated over $33,000 to animal conservation groups.

Claire Wayner and Mercedes Thompson, age 17, of Maryland, who co-founded Baltimore Beyond Plastic to reduce trash and plastic pollution in their city on the Chesapeake Bay. Their non-profit of more than 500 students has convinced the Baltimore City Council to pass a citywide ban on Styrofoam food containers.

Claire Vlases, age 15, of Montana, who created the Solar Makes Sense initiative and raised the $118,000 needed to install solar panels on her middle school. She has sparked a movement in her school district and community, inspiring a new commitment to green building.

Genevieve Leroux, age 12, of Quebec, who created Milkweed for Monarchs to help protect migratory monarch butterflies. She raises and plants native milkweed – monarchs’ sole food source during their caterpillar phase – and has logged more than 500 hours conducting research on the butterflies.

Harry and Heath Bennett, ages 13 and 9, of Massachusetts, who co-founded Bennett Brothers Balm after learning of their young friend’s cancer diagnosis. The brothers have raised more than $12,000 to support pediatric cancer research through sales of their hand-made line of lip and body balms.

Isaiah Granet , age 18, of California, who founded the San Diego Chill, a non-profit that pairs children with developmental disabilities with high school-age mentors who teach the younger kids how to skate and play ice hockey.

Kenzie Hinson, age 13, of North Carolina, who founded the non-profit Make a Difference Food Pantry to provide nutritious food in a compassionate setting for those in need. She has distributed more than 600,000 pounds of food to over 400,000 people.

Marcus Deans, age 16, of Ontario, who has invented the NOGOS water filter for use in developing countries. His filter costs just two dollars to manufacture and is made from three
readily-available materials: sugar, sand, and seashells.

Robbie Bond, age 10, of Hawaii, who created Kids Speak for Parks, a non-profit that is building an army of activists, including fourth-grade students (who can visit our national parks free of charge), who will speak up to protect our national parks and monuments.

Robby and Emma Eimers, ages 16, and 12, of Michigan, who founded the non-profit Eimers Foundation to help people in need. They have raised more than $80,000 to fund their weekly Sharings for the homeless, distributing food, blankets, and other necessities.

Shelby O’Neil, age 17, of California, who founded her non-profit Jr Ocean Guardians to educate young children about ways they can protect our oceans and planet. She also created the #NoStrawNovember movement and is working on legislation to eliminate plastic straws in California.

Shreya Ramachandran, age 14, of California, who founded the non-profit Grey Water Project to promote the safe reuse of grey water, along with water conservation, as a way to address drought. Her outreach includes curriculum for elementary students and a partnership with the United Nations’ Global Wastewater Initiative.

Tabitha Bell, age 18, of Utah, who founded Pawsitive Pawsibilities, a non-profit that has raised more than $130,000 to place nine service dogs free of charge with people challenged by physical disabilities.

Since its inception, the Gloria Barron Prize has honored nearly 450 young heroes and has won the support of Girl Scouts of the USA, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, and the National Youth Leadership Council, among other organizations. The Gloria Barron Prize welcomes applications from young people residing in the U.S. and Canada. The online application system for 2019 opens January 7th and the deadline for entries is April 15^th. For more information, please visit www.barronprize.org.

In addition, T. A. Barron is running a year-long #SparkGoodness social media campaign to recognize everyday acts of goodness. Through October, anyone sharing their good deeds and acts of positivity at www.sparkgoodness.com is eligible to win one of several monthly prizes. At the end of 2018, a Grand Prize winner will be selected from all the winning entries throughout the year.

Is CBD Oil Safe? Should Teens and Young Adults be Taking These Types of Substances?

CBD oil is the health craze of the moment, and interest in this product shows no signs of slowing down; but what exactly is it? Is CBD oil safe to consume? And is it something that teenagers and young people should be trying either with or without adult supervision?

is cbd oil safe for teens

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for cannabidol, and it is one of the 100+ chemicals which are found in a cannabis plant. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid which makes you high, but CBD doesn’t have that effect; making it an attractive option for people who want the medical benefits of weed without the psychoactive side effects. CBD oil is produced by taking the CBD from the plant and mixing it with an oil like hemp seed or coconut.

How does CBD oil help people?

Although there is not much documented scientific research on the benefits of using CBD oil, many people claim it relieves pain, reduces anxiety, helps clear up acne, helps aid sleep, and can even help better manage epilepsy. CBD oil can be added to moisturiser and applied to the skin, inhaled using a vape device, or taken directly through drops or a mouth spray, making it simple and convenient to use. There are many brands that sell CBD Oil online such as sensei cbd oil.

Is CBD oil safe?

This is a strongly debated question. There haven’t been as many scientific research studies on CBD oil as on other medical products, and some scientists are worried that the long term effects are likely to be harmful. However, there are enough positive reports of smaller research products to suggest that, in general, CBD oil without too much THC is able to help people with a variety of health conditions.

The legality of CBD in the United States differs from state to state. In the UK, CBD oil is not illegal f used for medical purposes. Regardless of legalties, caustion should be used, because like any medicine CBD oil can have unpleasant side effects, including nausea, dizziness, raised anxiety, depression, dry mouth, vomiting, upset stomach, and appetite changes.

It can also have a bad reaction to certain medicines you may be already taking, so to be safe it is always best to talk to a medical professional before using CBD oil.

Another worry is that without strict regulations in place anyone is free to make and sell what they claim to be CBD oil, but could actually be anything at all.

Is CBD oil safe and something young people should be using?

Medically supervised CBD oil treatments have proven extremely effective in treating conditions such as autism and severe epilepsy amongst American young people, perhaps because the doctors involved are able to deliver the best CBD-THC ratio. Many believe CBD alone is not effective, but a ratio of 19:1 is generally fine, and produces the desired results without a child or young person getting high.

There is no evidence that CBD oil is an attractive recreational product.When used for medical reasons –while keeping an eye out for typical side effects — there’s no suggestion it is unsafe for users of any age as long as used under the advice and supervision of a licensed medical professional.

How to Write a Killer Essay

Do you find yourself dreading essays and putting them off until the last possible moment? While not everyone loves writing, you can certainly make things easier for yourself. An excellent essay won’t just impress your teacher and peers, and it will also help build your confidence. Here are some tips on how to write a killer essay.

1. How to write a killer essay rule#1: nail the thesis

The first step in how to write a killer essay is to come up with a compelling thesis. All essays need one. This is the statement at the end of your introduction that you seek to support by the end of your essay. It’s not like proving the existence of Bigfoot, but it does involve having supporting arguments through evidence — like verified research you can cite. If your essay is research-intensive, it helps to gather your evidence BEFORE doing your thesis. Should you find anything that strongly refutes your argument, you need to revise it.

2. Know how to structure it

An improper structure keeps many essays from being neat and organized. There are four major types of essays: descriptive (which uses expressive language), narrative (where the writer recounts an experience), persuasive (where you need to make an argument and back it up), and expository (which delves into a specific topic). When you’re assigned an essay, make sure you understand what kind it is. A narrative essay can be made engaging by starting in the middle of the action and going backward to establish how you reached that point. A persuasive essay should outline your points in the beginning and explain them one by one. Read examples of each type of essay to understand structure better.

3. Make it flow

Great writing is all about the flow. For how to write a killer essay, there should be a clear connection between each sentence and paragraph. Choppy writing makes essays challenging to read. You should consider each point you present and whether it appears naturally. If it feels out of sync in any way, consider revising it.

4. End it strong

A compelling essay keeps the reader’s attention from beginning to end. While it might be easy to rush through the conclusion, you need to nail the landing for a great essay. Go back to your thesis, discuss your supporting arguments in your thesis, and think of an excellent final statement which reiterates your thesis.

No one is born knowing how to write a killer essay. It’s a talent that is developed through practice and patience. When you understand the fundamentals of essay writing and know how to formulate your arguments, you’re already on your way to success. Take this advice to heart and go into your next essay with newfound motivation. Remember not to procrastinate and be consistent with your work on it.

References:

Youth on Course “100 Hole Hike” makes budget golf available for young people

Youth on Course — the non-profit providing young people with subsidized budget golf rounds, college scholarships, caddie programs and paid internships – has organized challengers from six states and the District of Columbia to participate in its 3rd Annual “100 Hole Hike” to raise funds for its nationwide program.

On Monday Sept. 10, supporters from Georgia, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington, D.C. will aim to complete more than five rounds of golf in one day, securing donations for every completed hole. Contributions in 2018 have already doubled last year’s total, eclipsing $200,000 two weeks before the event.

“With each dollar raised, Youth on Course continues to help remove the cost barrier for young people to play golf,” says Youth on Course Executive Director Adam Heieck. “The outpouring of support means providing further access to opportunities for junior players.”

Born in Northern California, Youth on Course helps fund budget golf rounds for members to increase affordability and accessibility to the game. The organization has grown its presence to 26 states and reaches more than 40,000 kids ages 6-17 who can play at partner facilities for just $5.

Fundraising for the 2017 Hundred Hole Hike resulted in Youth on Course securing $91,506 to support its goal of providing affordable golf for all members. To support the “hikers” and Youth on Course, backers can pledge any amount per hole to any participant.

Follow Youth on Course via Twitter and Instagram (@yocgolf) using the hashtag #YOCH3 for the latest information about the event and real-time updates.

In addition to subsidized rounds, the organization also facilitates college scholarships, paid internships and a caddie program. Since the inception of the scholarship program in 2008, Youth on Course has awarded 222 students with scholarships totaling more than $1.4 million in financial support. The current Youth on Course scholarship retention rate is ninety-eight percent, with 53 students already graduated.

Top 10 Biggest Myths about High School

High School Myths!

Looking back at my high school years, I am filled with bittersweet agony. I, like so many millions, looked forward to entering high school and did so with the best of intentions. However, I made a few missteps — a lot of which were a result of pressure built on by the numerous high school myths which filled my head from movies, T.V. and books which made high school look like some sort of a wild jungle party.

In the following, I will be debunking a few of them for every teen out there who is about to enter high school.

1. Only the popular kids have fun

No high school is anything like what we were shown in the movie Mean Girls! There is no elite group which runs the whole school. Yes, there will be certainly people who are more outgoing than others and have a wider circle of friends, but the truth is that most high schools are so big that people don’t really care about how popular you are. And there are not going to be crazy parties every weekend being thrown by this popular clique, with being invited to the party as some sort of acceptance criteria.

The idea is to find your group of friends or like-minded people and have the best time possible while focusing on learning as much as you can (and proving it with good grades). Most parties or hangouts are among close group of friends and are low key. The supreme power of the popular clique is a totally fake high school myth, unless your high school has like 30 kids in it total.

Do not enter high school with a mindset that you need to be part of any clique to survive that place. You just have to be yourself for the right kind of friends to like you just the way you are.

2. I’d better hide on Freshman Friday

I remember walking scared all day long on the first Friday of my high school year. All you freshmen out there, you may breathe a sigh of relief there is hardly such thing as a Freshman Friday any more! Especially since these days, bullying is on everyone’s radar and hazing is hardly acceptable any more.

It took me a whole day of holding my breath to realize everyone’s just too busy and don’t really care enough about the freshman to torture them. Some seniors might make you feel that they are superior to you in some ways, which they really aren’t except for their knowledge about the building. There might be some ragging or some people might pull a few pranks but people rarely get physical, unless you somehow end up involved with the wrong kind of kids — in which case get an adult involved if you do not feel safe or are bullied harshly.

Many high schools offer freshmen some sort of mentoring program to jump start their high school experience, so make sure you check out what your school has to offer before the school year starts.

3. Everyone drives a wicked cool car in high school

This is one of those high school myths which comes from just about every teen movie ever made. the trith is, not everyone comes to school in their own personal Benz or Mustang GT — most of the cars in the parking lot probably belong to the teachers or the staff.

Unless your parents got bucks, the usual way you get your first car is that you finish school, get a job and then get your own car, even if its a jalopy. Do not expect your parents to buy you a car automatically when you turn 16, and do not enter high school thinking you need a ride to impress people.

If you want to impress people, impress them with your talents and your personality.

4. Appearance is the key to acceptance

Yes, it is true that we become more aware of our sense of style and fashion in the high school years, but it certainly doesn’t mean you have to be on some sort of a bandwagon — even though Instagram tends to show otherwise!

It helps to look presentable and take care of your grooming, because that is just polite and also makes you feel good, but your style or the label on your clothing is not the key to your social life. Within a couple of weeks after school starts everyone gets so busy with exams, projects and other stuff that people hardly pay attention to what other people are wearing.

So no need to fret over what to wear every morning, just follow what is your true style or whatever you are in the mood for.

5. These are the best years of my life

A lot of teens enter high school thinking these are supposed to be the best years of their lives and they should live it up as much as they can before its all over. Boy, can this high school myth wreck your attitude when things don’t quite go that way.

Also, just because everyone seems to be dating, doesn’t mean you have to be in any hurry…because the best years are still to come. Your thirties and forties will be way better than this, believe me.

These are the years to make mistakes and not take things too seriously. I was so nervous about “being trapped” that I ended up being in an open relationship. I thought with this “no strings attached” kind of thing going I would be happy and free, but the truth is I ended up being miserable and multiple commitments even effected my grades. It was immoral, and I knew it, and regretted it.

High school can be a different sort of an experience for everyone. You shouldn’t enter high school with too many preconceived ideas. It is the best time to explore yourself, and what options you have for the future. Your college admission also depends on what you do in this time, so sacrifice a little here by hitting the books and it should pay off in the best years of your life later.

6. The only thing that matters is my grades

Another of the high school myths which should be debunked here is that teens often think “I don’t need to participate in extra-curricular activities; I should just focus on my grades.” This statement is completely false.

Colleges and Universities always look for well-rounded applicants. Even if you are the smartest kid in your school academically, colleges will debate whether they should accept you or not just because you did not participate in any extracurricular activities. Even without college plans, extracurricular activities teach you so much more than what books can. You get to learn patience, persistence and discipline, as well as develop artistically, athletically, and/or spiritually. These are desirable qualities and part of your life education, so do not focus only on your grades, but try something new to expand your horizons.

7. There is a gang of kids drinking, smoking and/or and doing drugs in every bathroom

I was terrified of entering bathrooms when I first went to high school, because nearly every movie I have ever seen shows a bunch of tough looking kids in leather jackets that hang out in bathrooms all day ready to beat nerds up in between drags of their cigarette or swigs of beer — or smoking weed and being stupid.

While you may encounter a few kids here and there being naughty, this is rare. And definitely not like what you see in the movies. In fact, if teens are going to misbehave, they usually do it far away from teachers — meaning they wait until after school on their way home.

8. I don’t have to worry about the SAT or ACT until Senior year

Many students believe since they need their standardized test results just before they need to apply for college of their choice; they should wait until the very end to even think about these tests. Actually the earlier you prepare for your ACT and/or SAT exams, the better off you will be. There are plenty of resources for taking practice tests, study guides, and more online which will help you prepare. It is better to take the SATs as early as possible, as it gives you more time to restudy and retake the test for better scores.

This comes from personal experience.

9. I must strive to shine like a lone star

Another very interesting myth that is sometimes manifested is that the lone star shines the brightest. In truth, teens need to learn the importance of teamwork and getting along with people.

When working together, sometimes team members become competitive and try to outshine each other or focus only on their part in the project. There has been a paradigm shift in the corporate culture over the past few years. Every company now looks for a team player and wants to see how well you will blend in. Therefore, it is very important to participate in all sorts of group activities. High school is one of the best times to get exposed to the concept and don’t become an anti-social jerk just because “nobody gets me.” What are YOU doing that is making you so hard to “get?”

So, whenever you are part of a group don’t just focus on yourself and sulk in a corner or try to dominate: see how you can contribute to the success of the whole team.

10. I must lose my virginity in high school

No you don’t. You also don’t need to do so in college either. The truth is, there are no 100 percent, across the boards rules about this. Instead, it kind of depends on your upbringing, your parent’s guidance, your cultural background, your religious beliefs, and even what part of the country you live in. Mots of all, it depends on your gut, and what makes your comfortable in accordance with the previous factors.

The point is…there is no rush.

So there you have it. High school is what you make of it, and hopefully you will get to know yourself much better. It is a phase where some of the lessons you learn will stay with you for life, so do not let these high school myths spoil your experience for you.

5 Stupid Driving Habits You Shouldn’t Do (Even If They’re Not Illegal)

Stupid driving habits can cost you. An auto accident occurs on U.S. roads every five seconds, resulting in more than six million crashes every year, according to Driver Knowledge. Many of these accidents cause considerable, life-altering damages for the individuals involved, with approximately three million injuries resulting. Sadly, 6% of those accidents, or about 90 per day, resulting in death. There is always an element of danger when driving a ton of metal on the roadways, but there are many precautions that can alleviate some of your risks. Whether or not illegal, vow to avoid dangerous activities when driving and keep yourself, those in the vehicle with you, and other drivers and pedestrians on the roads safe.

Playing Overly Loud Music

It may seem a bit silly, its a stupid driving habit to blast music beyond reasonable levels. Keep the music at a reasonable volume. It’s perfectly fine to turn on your favorite tunes and may even make the drive a little more tolerable. However, excessive decibels can damage your hearing and may result in a disturbing the peace ticket from law enforcement according to WEAU News. Excessive noise prevents you from hearing car horns and other important sounds that could potentially prevent an automobile accident. Not only that, but they’ve found that the louder the music in a car is, the more likely the driver is to speed or perform other dangerous actions. Keep the volume reasonable when driving!

Looking at Cell Phones or GPS

Looking at your cell phone is off-limits when driving and is probably the worst of the stupid driving habits. Texting while driving is illegal in many cities and states, just like talking on the cell while driving. According to Craig Swapp, “The list of possible driving distractions seems to grow every day. From cell phones to GPS systems, distractions in the car drastically increase the chance of accidents. If a driver was distracted when he or she caused your accident, he or she can be held legally responsible.” If something critical comes up while driving, then pull over in the nearest parking lot or onto the shoulder of the road to check your phone. The few minutes that it takes to pull over to check your phone can save a life!

Distracted by Passengers

When friends are in the car with you, make sure they aren’t too rowdy. It is hard to imagine that your friends and their happy moods could be dangerous, but if it becomes too distracting to focus on driving and the road, that is very well the scenario. Ensure everyone in the car is cool, calm, and collected before arriving at your destination and keep everyone safe!

Applying Makeup or Getting Dressed

It may seem a little over the top, but there are many people every day who get dressed in some way while driving to work or school. NPR states that, “27% of teens admit to sometimes changing clothes, putting on shoes, putting on makeup, changing out contact lenses, and even doing homework behind the wheel.” This is frankly unacceptable due to how distracted such actions can be. All it takes is one wrong action, and lives can be irreversibly changed or lost. Being a couple minutes late to work, class, or whatever else you’re going to is worth safety.

Driving While Tired or Drowsy

Never get behind the wheel of a car and drive if you’re sleepy or tired. In many places drowsy driving is considered illegal, but it’s not illegal everywhere. That being said, a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that drowsy driving and drunk driving are very similar in regards to reaction time and making the best choices in the event of a reaction needing to occur. Even though it may not be illegal it can be incredibly dangerous for yourself, others in the car with you, and other drivers on the road.

Check out some of our other articles on similar subjects!

5 Things You Should Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

How to Conquer Your Fear of the Freeway: Driving Tips for the Fast Lane

Fatal Mistake: 5 Driving Mistakes that Could Get You Killed

What Does My Dream Mean? Read This to Learn 5 Common Dream Symbols

Dreams are the mind’s way of sorting through your waking experiences and helping your brain to process thoughts and feelings. In a way, you can think of it like defragmenting a computer disk: your brain needs time to rest, file away information, and store its memories. This is why getting enough sleep is so important for your health and memory.

However, dreams are also filled with symbolism. There are many recurring themes that appear in dreams, and understanding what they mean can help you to have better insight into your life and future. Some dream symbolism comes from your subconscious mind connecting patterns that you might not see while you’re awake. Some may even have a more mystical and unexplained origin. Whatever the case, here are five of the most common types of dreams you might experience and what they could mean.

Being Naked in Public

A common dream motif is being naked or partially naked in public. It often manifests as a normal dream about going through your mundane routine before realizing that you’re not wearing any clothes. You might be talking to a crush, giving a presentation in front of the class, or walking through the mall when you suddenly realize that you’re not dressed.

For most people, being naked in a dream is a symbol of vulnerability and exposure. It may happen when you are stressed or worried about the outcome of something, especially an event that could affect your social standing. You might be worried about how others see you and that you’re not living up to their expectations. It may also be a sign that you live with an outward projection or mask and that you fear that mask slipping, enabling people to see the real you.

Flying

Dreams of flying and falling are some of the most commonly experienced. The sensation of falling is common in the early stages of sleep as your brain begins to disconnect from your body and prepares for its nightly journey through your subconscious. In some cases, that falling sensation might jolt you awake. Other people may move seamlessly from falling into flying, and those dreams can be joyfully adventurous.

Flying dreams are powerful because they create a sensation of freedom and mobility. You may feel yourself soaring high over the ground and enjoying weightlessness and freedom. Most people find flying dreams to be extremely enjoyable, and the symbolism they contain is similarly pleasant.

Flying may symbolize happiness, joy, freedom, and self-fulfillment. Dreaming about flying could mean that you are content with your life and feel empowered to make the right choices to support your happiness.

Death

Dreams about dying can be frightening, but they are also a common motif among dreamers. You may dream about your funeral or of the aftermath of your death. You may also dream of the act of dying itself, whether from natural or violent means. Many people wake up before they die in a dream, but others will dream through the entire process.

If you dream about dying, don’t be alarmed. The idea that dying in a dream means that you will die in real life is nothing more than an old wives’ tale. In general, death is often a symbol of change or of something ending in your waking life. You should view death in a dream as symbolic of change, transition or the death of the status quo, not a literal death. In the sense that they can signal transition and new beginnings, death dreams can actually be symbols of good fortune!

Being Chased

Another common nightmare motif is the feeling of being chased or pursued, often by unseen enemies or monsters. You may run through what seems to be a maze or an endless environment. These dreams can be exhausting to wake from and may leave you feeling tired throughout the day.

Being chased in a dream is often a manifestation of anxiety from your waking life. It’s an especially strong symbol for responsibilities that you’re avoiding or things you don’t want to confront head-on. When you have unfinished business that needs to be addressed, like a college application you’ve procrastinated on or an important chore you’re avoiding, that business can come for you in your sleep. Taking a hard look at the things you’ve left unfinished during the day can help you tackle these nightmares and sleep peacefully instead.

Failing a Class

A very common dream motif, especially among students, is of going to school only to realize that you’ve missed an important test or assignment and now are failing without realizing it. Another version of this dream is that you realize during midterms that you were enrolled in a class that you’ve never attended. In some cases, this dream might lead into a panicked and endless search through the school to find the class you’re supposed to be attending. These dreams can feel very realistic and leave you wondering whether they were true even after you wake up.

You might be surprised to learn that this dream is common even in older dreamers who haven’t been to school for years. That’s because the dream isn’t really about school as much as general stress. It’s a symbol of priorities that have been forgotten or left on the back burner. It’s also a symbol for the loss of control or feeling like you can’t get everything done that you need to. Taking a hard look at your priorities and schedule can help you find places where important things have been ignored or shuffled aside. Taking steps to bring balance to your schedule will alleviate some stress and keep these dreams from coming back.

Of course, dreams and their interpretations can be as individual and personal as the people having them. If you’re interested in learning more about dream interpretation, it may help to begin keeping a dream journal and writing down your dreams as you have them. Journaling will help you to remember your dreams better and will also help you identify the trends.

References: