Types Of High School Students

Hey sweeties!

It's a few days before school for me, although for all of you whose first day had already passed - the best of luck in your new year; there's a lot of difference you can make in your life; plan ahead!

Today, I'll do a bit of a relaxing post, where I'll talk about a few different types of high school students.  Please do not take this as any kind of offence if you feel like I'm generalising or stereotyping; I'm absolutely aware of the fact that all people are different and unique in their own way.
Enjoy!

1. Overachiever

This, is an obsessive individual who does multiple times more than expected. Overachievers are always ready, know their stuff, but annoy other students and even teachers sometimes with that endless enthusiasm. The negative side of the overachiever - is inability of perceiving to fail. Failing affects them very much, and often they suffer from a mild-intense mental issues deep inside. The positive side - is that they are very intellectual individuals who often contribute a lot to the field of their choice - most likely math or sciences (but not always). Oh, and they often get called "nerds" at school.

2. Athlete

These guys are physically hyperactive, but often a bit more passive at studying. They share their leadership skills, always have a water bottle beside them and compete whenever they can. Same with overachievers, athletes have a hard time perceiving a failure. For the most part though, these guys are optimistic even if they are half dead running 10 km with sweat dripping down their bodies. They most likely wear different attributes of the team or the institution they are playing for everywhere.

3. Underachiever

I'd like to address those students who simply don't even care about studying...at all. They happily accept a passing grade and move on, often living everyday like it's the last day of their lives. These people are most likely very satisfied with themselves, although often have bad habits such as smoking, drinking or drugs. Sometimes they try to impress a prof, but that's a one-in-a-lifetime-thing, just not to fail a course, because they wouldn't prefer to retake it. Sometimes it's great though, to be a little more careless.

4. Gossip Groups

That's not a person, but rather a group of (often) girls with a "popular" leader who is assured that everyone likes her. These people don't really focus on studying until the moment when it is the last chance. Then, the group often breaks down and every individual starts to live their own life.
These (most likely girls) often discuss stuff that doesn't even exist, and for some reason they find it entertaining.

5. Shy

These people are very shy, often satisfied enough with their academic achievements, but rarely somebody knows their names. They most likely either don't have close friends at school or have a little group of friends, and people find them kind of "cute". They do everything on time, and quietly, so that they don't earn any additional attention.

What Makes A Great Public Speaker (How To Present)

Hey, guys!

School is right around the corner for me and most likely has already started for you. If you are in school or in a program that demands a lot of presentations and public speaking experience, I'm here for you to share some of my tips. Before I start, I should mention that presentations require a lot of work done on them, but once you practice - it gets much faster and easier. Here we go!

Preparation Required

This might mean a basic high school presentation, or the whole school in front of you. In either situation - these are the tips when you have and need time to prepare.

1. Research and Brainstorm

For a successful presentation, you definitely have to have thorough content. If the presentation time is limited, try to fit 90% of your research in there, leaving 10% for question-and-answer session. Having mentioned that - ask a few of your friends to ask you a particular question, and then answer it according to your findings, if you don't have a question-answer session pre-set up.
When you are doing your research, try to find a few quotes, statistics or dates, since it helps the audience interpret the information better.
Do not forget to create a very detailed outline based on multiple resources!

2. Plan It Out

It is always a huge advantage to include multiple components into your presentation. Here is an example: an oral component - you; a visually appealing component - a Power Point; and a tangible component - a pamphlet. As simple as that!
So when you have thought of the components that will make up your presentation, think about how to  arrange them properly,  so it will take up a required amount of time.

3. Structure

If you would like to be professional, at first - introduce yourself. Then, introduce your topic. Introduction - if done properly, is the main chance to intrigue the audience and make that first impression.
The body of your presentation, should be thorough, and contain the information, from which the questions must be formed. Here, you should try to impress people with your vocabulary. Once in a while, insert a professionally-sound synonym of the word, and that will play out into your favour.
Of course, create a conclusion. No, do not "rephrase your intro"! Conclusion, like any part of the presentation should be unique. If appropriate, insert your personal opinion on the topic or summarise related theories, although do not insert any new information!

4. Practice

Practicing is vital. Not only it will make you memorise your presentation - it will also make you much more comfortable with it. If you are a type of person who feels uncomfortable presenting - grab a few classmates and casually practice in front of them. Repeat it with a few groups of classmates.
If the audience is unfamiliar, and you are really uncomfortable, keep your text with you and be very organised with your presentation. This way, you don't have to be very nervous; and practice out loud!
Practice the phrases such as "Excuse me, I couldn't hear you" etc. in case you will be needing to use them! Also, if you have that opportunity - practice from the stage you will be presenting on.
If you absolutely need to memorise your presentation - practice it and once you see more and more progress, rely on to your Power Point or whatever visual component you have.
FYI: The visual component must not have and entire text written on it - only a few words or ideas and a nice, appealing design.

5. Get yourself ready

On the day of your presentation, you must feel good about yourself. Dress accordingly, but if you feel particularly uncomfortable with something - revise it. Don't forget about your breath and try not to wear clothes with pockets - because you will try to puts your hands in to it.

6. Present

Everything must be very organised and open in front of you on the stage. Also, make sure that you did your best with practicing - because if you did, then you will be much more confident.
Once you walk out, take your time to feel settled and when you notice a lot of attention -present.
Great your audience; keep your voice louder and clearer and let your hands help you - not  ruin your presentation. If your hands are relieving your nervous condition, keep them on your tangible piece of your presentation or on the device that's controlling your visual part.
Thank the audience for their attention and once you answer all of their questions - thank them again and leave.
Don't forget to hand in any work that you've done on that project in a folder with your name and whatever else on it.

Good Luck!

9 Tips on How to Deal With The Dilemma of Working in Groups

Hi, honeys!

Today, I want to discuss a topic that is very relevant for all of us who are getting the group projects. I, myself don't really like working in groups, because for the most part, I'm the only one who does work. If it is familiar to you, here is how I deal with it...

1. Why?

First of all, you have to understand why that group project is even given to you. In general, they are given in order for you to practice you team work and communication skills; as well as share information and ideas regarding the topic. Even if you really hate group work, you will most likely experience it all throughout your life and career, so why not do really well at it....

2. Divide

You should divide the project into multiple parts (if not already divided) and distribute responsibilities among the group members. If there's an odd number of group members, let the last person edit, or divide the biggest part  of an assignment into 2. Division, is a smart move, because that way everyone deals with more less familiar or interesting to them skills; and even if not - at least practicing new skills...
Also, don't even dare forgetting to set up at least one check point before the deadline.

3. Help Out

If one of your group members doesn't understand the info, help him/her out. It is an act of kindness; the project will turn out better; you will be proud of yourself and your teacher will most likely notice it.

4. Be Equipped

If available or required, find a place where all of the needed resources are available to you and your group members (room with the whiteboard, computer lab, science lab, library, cafe etc.). Also, always come prepared with whatever it is you might need. It will just speed up the process, and serve as an additional experience. Maybe, you will even like it more ;)

5. Dealing With Slackers

We all don't really like people who are slacking off during an assignment. My suggestion is, if that person doesn't want to be helped  - don't spend your time on him/her either; that will just pull the progress back.

6. Find Ways Of Communication

If a project is long term, then take each others phone numbers or create a group on Facebook about the task. This way, you will all stay updated and if no one participates - that's their issue.

7. Plan B

If a group member showed up with no progress done, always remember to document who did which part in the project the day it's given. So, if that had happened, talk to your professor and decide what to do. If a project is small though, you should consider preparing for the entire thing roughly, and do really good on your assigned part.

8. Take Initiative

Taking a leadership position, will only be an advantage to you. If you are academically strong in the subject, it is even a bigger advantage for the whole group. If not, then take care of the communication process between the members. In one word - participate.

9. Hand In Your Drafts

Sign, and hand in your drafts to your professor. This way, the professor can judge who did more work and of which kind. Even if your professor didn't ask for the drafts, hand them in anyways - he can look at the amount of work done by each individual.

P.S. I hope I shouldn't talk about respect, as this is absolutely fundamental. And also, I don't know if you are given an option of choosing your group members, but if yes - just choose wisely ;)

Good Luck!!!