February 25, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN IL
Hi, Yoonjoo,
I agree wholeheartedly with Deb MacKay. High School to College is a harder
transition. If you've developed good study habits and values, you will not have
such a hard time, because these things will come naturally to you, as you get
used to taking care of yourself and taking harder classes. I believe that if
you take advantage of each day and each opportunity and do your best, you will
transition well. Now, this means, ENJOYING where you are NOW. Enjoy by
learning new things, having fun and doing things you like and learn from
everything you do. This also means, studying well.

Do not fret. Do not worry. Just DO.

And if you need to take a break from studying, do that. In high school, you
WILL have time to have fun. You WILL have time to just sit around once in a
while. But, also find the time to try new things. Deb was right - develop
leadership and teambuilding skills. And while you are in clubs and community
programs, pay attention to what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. In
college, you will also have time to do fun things, and relax and take that
break. But, you'll have to be more disciplined and work sometimes when you do
not want to and maybe give up some fun things once in a while. But, this
transition will come naturally because your preparation in high school will have
made it a little easier.
********************

February 23, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR DEB MACKAY IN KY
Things to do in High School to get into and be prepared for college:
1) DEVELOP GOOD STUDY HABITS
These will help you develop organization and concentration skills.
2) GET INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Get involved in activities outside the classroom - any and several
use these experiences to learn to set priorities and work well in a
team environment.
3) TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Use this time to develop leadership skills and demonstrate initiative
4) TAKE COLLEGE PREP CLASSE
just a note, Latin is great for developing a good vocabulary

I think the change from High School to College is harder because you need
to lead your life in college - get yourself up on time, choose whether to
attend lectures or not (do!), live with a roommate, set your own bedtime,
etc. No one is checking up on you. You make the decisions and you reap
the results.

High School is a good time to try different activities and see what you
really enjoy and excel in.