Making Wise Choices What can I do today to prepare for college and career tomorrow? 1

Why would you want to go to College and/or Get a Good Job? Earn more money over your lifetime Lower unemployment More choice and flexibility in your job Be a role model to others in your family And many more reasons! 2

What can I do today to go to College and/or Get a Good Job? Five Wise Choices 1.Be a Great Student 2.Think and Talk about Your Future 3.Develop Good Habits 4.Seek Positive People 5.Have Fun! 3

? 1. Be a Great Student Discuss with a Neighbor…. 4 What makes a Great Student? Or, what do Great Students Do?

What makes someone a great student? (Sample Answers) Gets Good Grades Shows Up – few absences Study and Organization Skills Tries Hard Asks Questions COMMITMENT Enjoys learning and trying new things Curiousity 5

? 2. Think and Talk about Your Future Discuss with a Neighbor…. 6 What do you want to be when you grow up? How can you find out more about that job?

Ways to Learn more about Careers 7 Explore your Interests – What’snextIllinois.org – Visit library and read – Extracurricular Activities / Clubs – Volunteering – Job Shadows and Internships Talk to Adults – your teacher, doctor, neighbor, counselor, coach – about their career and how they got there Share your Ideas for your Future with people who Believe in You – Don’t worry if you change your mind along the way! Save some money – even $10 is a great start!

Where you go to High School is Important Think about where you might like to go to High School – Your experiences in High School help set you up for Success in College or Career Do you want a high school that is: – Location – Close or Far? City or Rural? – Big or Small? – Has a specialized career and technical program? – Has rigorous academic classes, like Honors, AP or IB? – Has many extracurricular activities? To learn more, talk to your teachers, counselor, friends, parents and neighbors Research online. Visit high school websites 8

? 3. Develop Good Habits Discuss with a Neighbor…. 9 What Good Habits do you have that help you do well in School?

3. Develop Good Habits 10 Be on Time Stay Organized Work well with Others – Show Teamwork Practice good Time Management Be resourceful

? 4. Seek Positive People Discuss with a Neighbor…. 11 Who are Positive People in your Life that Believe in You? Why is it Important to be surrounded by Positive People?

People who believe in you and make good choices will help you succeed Did you know that your chances of going to college are higher if: You have parents and teachers who believe you? You have mentors who support you? You have friends who go to college? So, spend time with people who want you to be successful and will support you! 12

? 5. Have Fun! Discuss with a Neighbor…. 13 What are you Passionate about?

5. Have Fun! 14 Be Yourself Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things Believe in Yourself Develop your Passion

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life... Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” -Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, 2005 “Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility. ” -Oprah Winfrey 15 “Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you. Never say Never.” -Justin Beiber

What can I do today to go to College and/or Get a Good Job? Five Wise Choices 1.Be a Great Student 2.Think and Talk about Your Future 3.Develop Good Habits 4.Seek Positive People 5.Have Fun! 16

Thank You Thanks to the following people for providing information for this presentation: Rhonda Bell, Pathways to College and Career Chandra Clark, Howard Area Community Center Arlinda Fair, Morgan Park High School Alumnus Heidy Garcia, Bogan High School Lahari Goud, Pathways to College and Career Cortez Hicks, Kenwood Academy Lynda Lopez, Prosser Alumnus Chanta Williams, Jones College Prep Alumnus Eric Williams, Pathways to College and Career Lisa De Gregorio, Pathways to College and Career And others (please if your name should be 17 Note: Please Erin at if your name should be listed on this thank you page. I’m sorry I left it If you have additional information to add, please Erin as well.