UnMazed Magazine: Back to School (September 2018) by UnMazed

September 2018

UnMazed Magazine

Back-to-School Start the Year off Right How to Earn a College Degree in High School Tips for Student Success

C O N T E N T S

shifting from negative to positive: the fastest way to change your perspective

five strategies to start the year off on the right foot terminology: high school recalculated gpa: what every student should know

6 how to earn a college degree in high school

back to school anxiety & tips to overcoming it tips for parents who have saved nothing for college

build your road map to your future

in college admissions, it's not always about the grades

career pathways from FLDOE

how to create student academic independence & stay connected

ABC's of financial planning

Subscribe today NOW GET YOUR FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR EMAIL 30 30

www.unmaze.me J ULY 2018

UNMAZED MAGAZINE

UNMAZED Letter from the Editor I have always loved this time of the year as both students and parents are ready to start fresh a new school year with renewed determination and excitement. However, after twenty years in education, I have learned that that are some key strategies to start the year off right- for both

As an educator, I suggest to parents to sit down and create together a School Vision Board with the student's goals; personal, academic, and social. Have them be attainable and something they need to work on. Wherever their designated study space is, clearly display this and refer to it often when your student is struggling.

parent and students! This month's magazine has devoted 43 pages of helping you navigate the beginning of the school year like a champ. From academic planning to time management and study strategies to mental health, all the experts have put forth great articles to ensure your student is successful this year.

Here is my child's School Vision Board. It was a great activity that elicited quite a bit of discussion about the upcoming year- this is especially true as she transitions into a new building and setting (middle school). Like all parents, I want her to start off successful and stay that way throughout the entire year.

I have had the privilege of working with all types of students- advanced, struggling, public school, home education. and more. From all my hours of working with families, the essential theme is that students all need support and reassurance that they are on the right track. New skills of checking their learning management systems, writing assignments down in planners, doing their work, and

turning assignments in take time and

persistence on all parties.

By: Dr. Amanda Sterk, Senior Editor and Founder of UnMazed Magazine

Happy 2018-2019! 4

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

September 2018, ISSUE 6

Magazine articles and more can be found at www.unmaze.me Where Florida experts meet for teen success.

Contact us: We enjoy hearing from from parents, students, and educators throughout the state. Send us your photos, letters, or comments to asterk@unmaze.me. Or visit us online: www.unmaze.me Do you want to collaborate? This magazine is designed for educators across the state to share their expertise on a variety of topics. We welcome those who would like to participate in creating this resource.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

UnMazed Where Experts Meet for Teen Success

Editors Amanda Sterk, Ed.D., is CEO of Florida Center for Educational Planning and author of College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System. She currently works at Florida SouthWestern State College as Director of Accelerated Programs.. Dr. Sterk has been an educator for 20 years as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She is founder of the Florida teen resource, www.unmaze.me.

SENIOR EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Katie Reilly is an English teacher at one of the highest ranked collegiate high schools in the state, Florida SouthWestern Collegiate- Lee Campus. She is currently working towards her Master's in School Counseling and is passionate about student success.

Contributing Writers 18

Shantell Fonock is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and a member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. She has been a coach to both adults and teens for over 16 years. It is her passion to help you find your voice. She helps you to remove limiting belief systems resulting in positive changes and creating the life you want.

Rob Hicks, M.Ed.,has worked in public schools for 16 years. He is a school counselor at Fernandina Beach High School and the Ogburn School. He maintains the "Getting My Guide On" blog about all things school counselor at guidey.blogspot.com and writes about local history.

Do you have a passion for teen success? Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators across the state? Connect with us today! http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/

Dr. Juniace Senecharles Etienne is a native of Miragôane, Haiti, who migrated to the United Statesat the age of 16, Dr. Etienne is a teacher and an author. She knows firsthand that education can expands one’s opportunities to succeed. Her passion is to empower and stimulate intellectual curiosity in her students.

Brittany Cortez has a Master’s degree in College Student PersonnelAdministration and. worked at the University of Illinois in admissions. She currently works with dual enrollment students at Seminole State College. She is passionate about helping students and parents navigate the college process

Sarah Sparks is the founder of Create The Spark, LLC. Sarah inspires and encourages high achieving, career driven women, who feel stuck, tired, worn out, and pulled in many different directions to put a SPARK back in their marriage and relationships.. www.sarahsparks.love

Stacey Adams is a Registered Representative of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), Securities products/services offered through PAS, a registered broker/dealer. Financial Representative,

Bud Jenkins is a college and financial planner at Flroidian College Planning Resources. He assists families in making quality, intentional financial planning decisions to reduce the burden of college loans.

www.unmaze.me

UNMAZED

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

Upcoming Featured Featured: Teen's Guide to Financial Aid & Scholarships; local, state and national scholarships, Bright Futures, loans and grants, and award letters

Featured: Teen's Guide to Mental & Physical Health; bullying, mental health, and wellness Featured: Teen's Guide to Careers; career and technical programs, choosing a major, career exploration, and personality tests Featured: Teen's Guide to High School and Program choice; accelerated programs, high school options, and specialized schooling Featured: Teen's Guide to Mastering Testing; test preparation, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge AICE, ACT, SAT, state testing Featured: Teen's Guide to Community Service; Internships, Volunteering, Local and State Organizations

Featured: Teen's Guide to Summer Programs; Selective Programs, Camps, Work Experience, & Local Opportunities

Do you want UnMazed directly to your inbox each month? Subscribe today at www.unmaze.me! Join 4,000 subscribers

Five Strategies to Start the Year on the Right Foot

Each year presents a ne

challenge and gi es us

rela ation too, but don’t let yourself get s ept

the opportunity to try things differently. With the

a ay in ideo games, social media, or Netfli for

too long. 9ry setting alerts and reminders in your

school year approaching, it’s time to start

thinking about and ho year

hat you

ant to achie e this year,

phone to keep you on schedule.

you’re going to achie e it. Beginning the

ith the right mindset and a

ell thought-out

. Write Things Down:

hile it may sound

game plan can make a big difference in your

cumbersome, you are more likely to remember

success. Here are some tips to bring into the ne

something once you’ e

school year

you’ e not been specifically instructed to do so,

ith you:

ritten it do n. E en if

al ays take notes in class. Sometimes a concept . Plan Ahead: budgeting your time effecti ely can gi e you hours back in your

eek. Use a calendar

– paper or digital – to map out accomplish each

hat you need to

eek. Look ahead to upcoming

might seem simple but

hen it’s demonstrated to us,

hen

e try to repeat it at home it gets

confusing.

Good notes can help pre ent this

struggle. 9ake notes in your o n

ords and in a

assignments and tests. Break your home ork into

format that makes sense to you. 9e tbook and

smaller chunks and plan out

dictionary definitions can be really

hat you’re going to

ork on each night throughout the

ordy; try

eek. Consider

making notecards that ha e both formal and

other acti ities you may be in ol ed in outside of

simplified e planations on them to help you study.

school,

Al ays try to engage acti ely

sports

practices

organizations. It’s okay to budget time for

youth

ith material, rather

than passi ely rereading information. Continued on p. 10

WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

FEATURED Five Strategies to Start the Year on the Right Foot, cont. . Use Your Resources:

hen the te tbook or your class

. Find a Mentor: learn from those around you. Find

notes don’t make sense, seek additional resources. You can

someone

find many lessons a ailable for free on

person might be a teacher, coach, or parent. E plain to

ebsites like Kahn

Academy and You9ube, and you can search for practice uizzes made by other teachers on

ebsites like Quizlet

them

ith

hom you can discuss your goals. 9his

hat you

holding you back. Ask them

and Kahoot. If you don’t ha e anyone to proofread your

and

essays, the

their ad ice – they

check for

ebsite Grammarly pro ides a free grammar

ant to achie e and

hat barriers are

hat challenges they faced

hat helped them succeed. Be open and recepti e to ant to see you succeed as

ell!

ritten assignments. Finding information that’s

presented in a ne

format can help to clarify your

Most importantly, don’t get discouraged if things don’t go

understanding of it.

perfectly the first time around. Some things are going to

come naturally for you, . Ask for Help: don’t be afraid to speak up

hen you

hile others are going to re uire

e tra focus. Check in from time-to-time

ith your goals

need e tra help. Your teachers are there to support you. If

and allo

you struggle in math, ask your teacher for additional

change your plan throughout the school year. Remember,

practice; if you hate reading aloud, pre ie

e erything comes do n to finding balance.

the material the

yourself to gro . It’s okay to re-e aluate and

night before or practice by reading to a younger sibling. Pick a friend to be your study buddy. Quiz each other and re-e plain lessons to each other – the ability to teach a concept to someone else

ill let you kno

that you ha e

By Katie Reilly, English teacher at the #1 ranked high school in Florida, FSW Collegiate

mastered a topic.

www.unmaze.me

TERMINOLOGY: TERMINOLOGY: WHAT WHAT TO TO KNOW KNOW ACADEMIC CORE Core courses include all courses taken in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Sciences, and Foreign Language. Traditionally this is the focal point of college admissions rather than electives. Taking additional core courses is encouraged. ACADEMIC ELECTIVES This is sort of a grey area in college admissions. These are courses that students elected to take but are more academic; examples would be Psychology, Human Geography, Speech. Typically these courses are included in the recalculation. ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) AP courses are college-level classes taught in high school, following guidelines and covering material that should prepare them to take Advanced Placement tests offered by The College Board. AP courses have a final AP exam that students need to take. College credit is dependent on the score of the exam and the university they are attending. ADVANCED STANDING CREDIT Credit for previously completed college-level work or demonstrated knowledge of a subject granted by taking advanced standing exams, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, and other similar programs. COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP) The CLEP is a set of tests that can be administered to students who desire to obtain college credit by taking proficiency tests in selected courses. If the student scores high enough on the test, college credit can be awarded. There is a charge for each test taken. Information concerning an individual institution’s policies toward CLEP Tests can be found in the institution’s catalog. DUAL ENROLLMENT A process allowing high school students to take college-level courses that can be transferred to a college or university for credit. Courses can often be taken concurrently (at the high school), on a college campus, or online. The credits may be available both for college and high school credits. There are different requirements to take dual-enrollment, such as a specific grade point average or standardized test scores. EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Early College is a high school program that combines the high school curriculum with the first two years of college. When a student finishes the early college high school, he or she has a high school diploma and possibly an associate’s degree or two year’s equivalent of college credit to transfer to a four-year college. This approach especially targets students who will be first in their family to attend college, and/or of lower income means, as it makes earning college credits more affordable and more accessible.

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

GPA (GRADE POINT AVERAGE) Quantitative measure of a student's grades. The GPA is figured by averaging the numerical value of a student's grades. It is cumulative, starting freshman year: grades count every year. A poor GPA in ninth grade can drag down the overall average, despite, for example, good grades junior year. Some schools “weight” their GPA’s by adding points to more rigorous courses like honors and college-level courses. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS High school graduation requirements are the classes (or units) needed to receive a high school diploma. Every state has different requirements so it is important you are not missing any requirements or you are not able to receive a standardized diploma. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) The International Baccalaureate program provides participating high schools a challenging academic course load and additional learning projects. The IB program lasts two years and requires students to study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY National Honor Society is an organization at participating high schools that recognizes students for academics, service, leadership and character. Each Honor Society chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Students in grades 10 through 12 in a school with both an official charter of the National Honor Society and an active affiliation with the national office are eligible for consideration for membership in NHS. PLAN TEST This test is usually taken in the sophomore year to prepare the student for the ACT. PSAT PSAT is shorthand for Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test. This standardized test is practice for the SAT and covers reading, math and writing. It is typically taken during a student's Sophomore or Junior years (grades 10 or 11). This test is offered for a fee at high schools. A fee waiver is often available for students from low-income families. The PSAT also qualifies the 50,000 top scoring students across the United States for the National Merit Scholarship. More information and the official student guide to the PSAT can be found here. UNWEIGHTED GPA An unweighted GPA this simply means the student does not get any extra points for more rigorous courses like honors, dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, and so forth. An A in PE would be the same as AP Human Geography. WEIGHTED GPA A weighted GPA takes into account a student’s rigor. More points are awarded for more rigorous courses. The more rigor, the more points. Student class rankings are often determined off of this.

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

FEATURED

Recalculated GPA: What Every Student Should Know

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WHAT TO KNOW:

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intovthevadmissionvcycle. By Dr. Amanda Sterk, CEO of Florida Center for Educational Planning & Author of College UnMazed: Your Guide through the Florida College & University System

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

illv bev atv anv ad antagev going

While this student is similar and still taking all the requirements for high school graduation, by not taking on more rigorous courses and not as many core classes, their gpa actually went down once you take out the electives. They become a less competitive student than Student #2 & 3

So what you see here is that this student has taken on some AP courses and it helps in their weighted gpa. While they received a B in those classes, the extra 1.0 added to their recalculated gpa by the university makes it equal to a regular course at an A. What you can also see is that taking out the electives of weight lifting and pottery, reduced their overall recalculated gpa because those Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do not count.

This student is taking full-time college course work through an Early Admission program. All coursework is weighted and they have fewer courses overall. However, all courses are credit baring, and will transfer to any state college or university. They are also building a college transcript.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

FEATURED

How to Earn a College Degree in High School

Florida Department of Education: Dual Enrollment Equivalency List Use the FL DOE Dual Enrollment Equivalency List to determine what college courses match high school requirements. For example: ENC 1101= 1.0 high school credit of English AMH 2010= 0.5 high school credit of US History, AMH 2020=0.5 high school credit of US History (total= your U.S. History credit + 6 college credits)

By: Brittany Cortez, Dual Enrollment Coordinator at Seminole State College

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

YES!!! Yes, you can earn a college degree

. Make sure your school has a signed articulation

hile in

high school through the dual enrollment program at

agreement

many of the Florida State Colleges. And guess

ha e this information.

hat,

ith the college. Your counselor should

it is FREE!! Here are some tips to ha e a successful dual enrollment e perience as

ell as a sample

academic plan for both junior and senior year.

5. Kno

hich credits can be used for both high school

and college for e ample, ECON the Economics

may not meet

ith/ financial literacy re uirement for

high school graduation .

TIPS: 1. Kno

hat courses are re uired for high school

graduation and

. Look at the AA/AS and Bachelor’s program

hat you ha e left to complete.

re uirements for your intended major in college; . 9alk to BO9H your school counselor and a college

choose classes based on these re uirements

dual enrollment officer for program re uirements and · . Enroll in classes and pick up books

course suggestions. you can use a combination of dual

9he follo ing chart should not be used as an official

enrollment, Ad anced Placement, AICE Cambridge,

educational plan and is a sample only. It is based on a

International Baccalaureate, and CLEP to reach your

high school allo ing a student to take 15 credits junior

goals. Be sure not to o erlap on courses that e ual

and senior year. Some school districts limit credits to ,

the same college credit.

9 or 1 per semester so you

. Find ho

ill need to start in 9th or

10th grade to complete the full t o-year degree.

11th- Sem 1

11th- Sem 2

12th- Sem 1

12th- Sem 2

ENC 1101

ENC 1102

SPC 1608

WOH 2010

HUM 1020

POS 2041

STA 2023

ECO 2013

MAC 1105

BSC 2010C

MUH 2022

AA Elective

AMH 2010

AMH 2020

OCE 1001C

AA Elective

College credit can be a arded to courses to certain by scoring a / /5 on the AP e am, depending on the subject or passing the CLEP e am. Courses selected here are General Education credits and often can be substituted for another course in the appropriate Gen Ed section. AA electi es should be used to meet the prere uisite re uirements for an AA/AS or Bachelor’s program. Either

years of foreign language in high school or

semesters in college is re uired for all AA

programs and most Bachelor’s programs. 9here are some high schools called "Early Colleges" that are designed for students to complete an AA degree.

WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

MENTAL HEALTH

Back to School Anàietá and Tips to Overcome It Going back to school or beginning a college journey can

some things is normal. Such as going off to college and

be an e citing time for many. With a sea of ne

mo ing a ay from home. Ho e er, moderate or se ere

and opportunities, plenty of students

faces

ill find their

apprehension can take a big toll on the mind and body.

blood pumping and be on the edge of their seat ready

for ad enture. Sadly, there are also countless youth

For the student

ho are filled

ith dread and an iety as their first day

an iety

ho is combatting more than general

e ha e facts and tips to help you lessen and

approaches.

possibly e en release the feeling of

An iety can be described as: social discomfort, panic,

Facts

uneasiness,

You are not alone!

orry, and e en a state of apprehension. In

orry you are ha ing.

the midst of all the prepping and planning for the first

Remember 1 in 8 people are struggling

day,

an iety. In a class of 0 people there are

e tend to look past the possibility of fear or angst

ith some form of others thinking

that could be setting in on the student. According to the

the same things you are. Just kno ing you are not alone in

An iety and Depression Association of America, there

this battle helps to lessen the o er helming emotions you

are

may be e periencing.

0 million people in the United States that suffer

from some kind of an iety. 9hat is 1 out of 8 people

are struggling, and most of them are not telling anyone.

An iet can be managed and treated.

9here is help, but you ha e to ask for it.

Some common signs and symptoms of an iety:

Students - many times parents and siblings ha e no idea

• Feeling ner ous, restless or tense

someone in the home is struggling

• Ha ing a sense of impending danger or panic

ha e gotten really good at hiding it.

• Ha ing an increased heart rate or breathing rapidly

Parents –

• S eating, shaking or tingling

your child, more than once, ho

• Feeling

them gently and ask open-ended uestions.

eak or tired

ith an iety because you

atch for the signs mentioned abo e and ask they are feeling. Approach

• 9rouble concentrating or staying focused • E periencing stomach problems

Kno

• Ha ing difficulty controlling

specialists on staff that students can talk to. It’s ok to sho

orry

that many schools ha e counselors and/or beha ior

up early to class and tell the teacher you need some help. 9here are se eral types of an iety ranging from general

9here are Life Coaches, Counselors, Psychiatrists, and e en

to se ere. It is important to remember that generally

the family Doctor that can help or lead you in the right

being

direction.

orried or feeling an ious about

"1 in 8 people are struggling with some form of anxiety." 18

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

e ample: take a slo

Tips to interrupt the pattern of an iet

breath for a moment, and e hale to a count of . Do this

The Fist Clench 9his techni ue can be done any here and no one

ill

e en notice you are doing it. · Simply put your arms at your side, clench one fist and release the tension. · Clench your fist again, this time tensing up to your elbo , then release. · Clench your fist again, this time tensing up to your shoulder, then release. · Clench your fist again up to your shoulder, t o more times. 9his techni ue puts all the energy that

as feeding the

an iety into your hand and arm. Changing the placement of the energy interrupts the an iety and lessens the opportunity for it to take o er.

ill notice the body and mind rela ing. O er

time you can build up to an inhale of

ithout anyone

noticing. A rela ing chemical is released in the body any time e inhale. For

and e hale of 11.

Subtle Self-Reminder When you feel an iety creeping in, take a moment in your mind to stop and think. When you stop, this creates that interruption in the an iety pattern. Once you stop your mind, notice that you are still breathing, call to your mind that nothing dangerous is actually happening. 9hink to yourself, I am ok, I am breathing, this is only an attack. When you feel o er helmed

ith apprehension or

an iety it can be scary. Remember that you are not alone 9ell someone

Seven Eleven Breathing

deliberately e hale longer than

times, you

and there are se eral

9his breathing pattern can also be done

inhale to the count of , hold the

ays to o ercome these feelings.

hat is going on and ask for options to

lessen the issue. Once you get past it you’ll breath easier and maybe you can help someone else.

Shantell Fonock is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and a member of the International Association of Counselors and Therapists.

FEATURED

Tips for Parents Who Have Saved Almost Nothing for College Gi en the rising cost of college and the une en economic reco ery, there

ill be a lot more families facing this sort

of thing in the coming years. Here are eight things to consider:

here they stand. Ho much can you spend? Ho

much ha e much are

illing to borro ? Sit do n and e plain it to your

high school sophomore or junior. If you don’t kno ans ers, that’s ok. E plain

the

hat the ariables are that

might affect the outcome. 9hese aren’t al ays easy discussions. Ho e er

hen

you fill out the FAFSA

the application for federal

financial aid , your child

ill need to sign it, and it

ill

include your income and other information. So they

ill

kno

sooner or later.

regrets. Chances are, ho e er, you’ e put a lot of your discretionary money into a nicer place for your family to li e, enrichment acti ities for your kids and family ill create lifelong memories. 9hese are

good things. Your children probably do not resent you for them. You certainly don’t o e them an apology, gi en that you don’t yet kno

hat the outcome

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

ill fall belo

hat the state uni ersity

ould charge him, e en if it’s not Julliard. 9here’s only one

ay to kno

for sure, though, and that’s to apply to

as many schools as possible. Include at least a fe here a child might be

ould be

ell abo e a erage; the schools

illing to discount generously to attract a

handful of special first-year students. Yes, there are application fees for each one, though you can ask for a ai er if money is particularly tight. .) GAP YEAR 9here is no rule saying that e ery 18-year-old has to go comes

You ha en’t sa ed anything yet. Maybe you ha e some

and

illing to gi e him so many grants that the

straight from high school to college. Military ser ice

.) DON’T APOLOGIZE

e periences that

Julliard School. Or there may be a pri ate college out o erall cost

Kids should kno you

Maybe your child is a good enough dancer to attend 9he there that’s

.) BE HONEST you sa ed? Ho

.) APPLY TO A NUMBER OF SCHOOL

here they’re going to college ill be.

ith many financial benefits. Other high school

graduates li e at home for a year and

ork as many

hours as they can to sa e money for college. E en if they only

bank

$10,000

months,

represents represents loans they

that

money

on’t ha e to take out

later. Plus, older students tend to get better grades than 18-year-olds sprung loose from home for the first time. A year of e perience may also help

ith other jobs later.

By Bud Jenkins, Owner of Floridian College Planning Resources LLC.

.) COMMUNITY COLLEGE Employers and graduate schools seldom care

here

you started. If there is a good community college nearby, li ing at home and starting college there may be a good idea. Make sure from day one you figure out

hat you need to do to transfer to a

top four-year school

ith your credits intact.

6.) USE YOUR LACK OF ASSETS AS A STUDENT ASSET Ha e your child use

hat they’ e learned from hard

ork. 9hey may set themsel es apart

hen

riting

college admissions essays. .) SCHOOL LOAN DEBT Your child

ill probably need to borro

money to pay

for college. You may decide to borro

ell,

depending on your situation. If the student needs to borro

more than the ma imum amount that the

federal student loan program allo s each year, then it’s probably too much. Once a student starts borro ing from banks in addition to the go ernment, the debt from the pri ate lender isn’t eligible for the federal

income-based

repayment

program.

9hat

option can keep people out of financial trouble if they’re ha ing problems affording their federal student loan payments. With parents, it’s a little trickier. 9he federal go ernment

ill lend you

hate er you need to pay

for college costs if you pass a basic credit check. Whether you should borro , ho e er, depends on ho

many children you ha e, ho

need to retire and ho

much money you’ll

long you can keep

orking,

among other things. Just remember, taking on a lot of ne

debt is probably not

ise.

.) SEEK ADVICE FROM A COLLEGE PLANNER Many high schools do not or cannot do a great job gi ing

students

ad ice

picking

the

right

college. Fe er still kno

a lot about the finer points of

financial aid. So you’ll

ant to turn to a professional

for ad ice. 9his too may be a bit uncomfortable, but it can get easier to disclose financial particulars to others

hen your children’s future is at stake.

Shifting From Negative to Positive: The Fastest Way to Change Your Perspective Do you

ant better grades? Do you

ant a better social

life? Do you

ant better friendships? Do you

happy

hat you ha e instead of al ays

ith

hat you don’t ha e? Do you

ant to be anting

ant a better job? A better

really! I am not just saying that because it is cli ue. 9he ans er you are seeking is inside of you. You already ha e the ans er to ho

to get better grades,

a better job, a better body, a better relationship, and a

life?

better life. 9he ans er: li e in a gratitude. Be grateful

for

9he need for instant satisfaction is more present no

bring about more

than e er before. We

ant it better.

hat you

ant.

If you are constantly looking at all the negati e

hate er I9 is for us ? You may think you need to

e periences, people, and places in your life, then that

ant it NOW! But, ho

read hundreds of self help books to get the ans er you

is all you

are seeking. You may think you need to chat

grades you recei e, then you

e eryone about your problem, in hope they hat you are supposed to do to get

hat you

ith

ill tell you

rong

ith you,

hat you

ill continue to recei e

more bad grades. Why? Because

hat you focus on gro s. 9he brain is

ired for al ays ans ering

hich, you think, is the ob ious reason

hy you aren’t getting

ill e er see. If you only focus on all the bad

ant. You

may think you need therapy because there is something

ith a YES.

ant.

9he ery act of you asking and Let me tell it to you straight, there’s nothing

rong

you. You don’t need to talk and talk and talk about is

ay to

e get I9

Faster. Stronger. We no

ant it no . We

hat you already is the fastest, easiest

rong

ith hat

ith you. You don’t need to read hundreds of

ishing for

hat you

ant indicates to the Uni erse, to God, to your subconscious that

hat you

does

not

e ist,

ill

books to get the ans er you are looking for. 9he ans er

e perience. Why? Because

you are seeking is inside of you. Yes,

and the brain is

ant does not e ist. If it not

come

into

your

hat you focus on gro s

ired for al ays ans ering

ith a

continued p. 24 WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

FEATURED Shifting from Negative to Positive Continued... YES. If you start

ant something to impro e, you must first

ith gratitude.

Why? Because

By being thankful for about more of

hat you focus on gro s. 9he brain is ith a YES.

ery act of you asking and

ishing for

hat you

ant indicates to the Uni erse, to God, to your subconscious that

hat you

does not e ist, it

ill not come into your e perience.

ant does not e ist. If it

hat you focus on gro s and the brain is

ired for al ays ans ering

ith a YES. If you

something to impro e, you must first start

ant

ith gratitude.

By being thankful for about more of

hat you already ha e

ill bring

hat you desire. Why? Because

hat you

focus on gro s. Are you starting to get it no ? can you be thankful for

hat you ha e isn’t 9he

hat you

ant? ishing for

hat you

subconscious that

hat you

ant does not e ist. If it

does not e ist, it

ill not come into your e perience.

hat you focus on gro s and the brain is ith a YES. If you

something to impro e, you must first start

hat you already ha e if

hat you

ant?

grades, be a are of and notice

ant better

hen you ha e recei ed

good grades in the past. 9hen, take a moment to be a grateful for those grades and the

ork you put into

recei ing those grades. Another e ample is

hen you

ant a better body. You

may look into the mirror and see a reflection that is 10, 0, 50 pounds more than you

hat you desire. 9o get

hat

ant, a better body, you must be thankful for

hat

ibrant, strong body that allo s you to mo e and go here you

ant to be. Be grateful for

Why? Because

ant indicates to the Uni erse, to God, to your

ired for al ays ans ering

can you be thankful for

You must simply begin. For instance, if you

hat you already ha e if

ery act of you asking and

Why? Because

hat you

you already ha e. You ha e a fully functioning, healthy,

hat you desire. Why? Because

hat you ha e isn’t

Why? Because

ill bring

focus on gro s. Are you starting to get it no ?

ired for al ays ans ering 9he

hat you already ha e

ant

ith gratitude.

hat you do ha e.

hat you focus on gro s. 9he more you

focus on the strong, healthy,

ibrant, fully functioning

body you already ha e, then the stronger, healthier, more ibrant, and better your body

ill function for you.

9he same goes for e ery aspect of your life and

hat you

desire. You must first start by li ing in gratitude for

hat

you already ha e. Period. End of story. Look for the positi e e periences, people, and places already in your life and more of those positi e e periences, people, and places

By: Sarah Sparks, Founder of Create the Spark

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

ill begin to sho

up for you!

"You must first start by living in gratitude for what you already have."

Why Subscribe to www.UnMaze.me?

1. You are a teen 2. You have a teen 3. You work with teens

FEATURED

o t p a Road M

r u o Y d Buil e r u t u F Your

Establishing and learning ho

to prioritize through

good plan can hinder progress

planning is a key component to the success of your

hen it does not fit

ith your purposeful academic journey. A

ell thought

academic journey. Any elements that do not belong to

out plan is the only effecti e force of defense that can

the purpose of your academic plan must be put aside or

securely guide your academic journey. A

completely eliminated, regardless of if they might appear

plan

to be good plans. Unless it clearly aligns

and ho

purpose, it must be rejected. E en a

ith your

ill help you to learn ho

success.

By: Dr. Etinne Juanice , author of 3 Steps to Guide Your Children's Educational Future

ell-balanced

to prioritize your time

to remain focused in order to achie e

Furthermore, a plan

ill help you understand ho

organize your time during the day and ho

Charting the Course

to define and

set standards for your education. 9hese standards based on not just passing your classes, but about ho

ill be ell

In this educational planning process, you the steps you In so doing, you

An effecti e plan

of many

you in the realm of e cellence.

ill come to see ho

success is the product

ell-planned little steps. Planning these steps

includes ha ing you to ans er uestions like the follo ing: • Ho

many credits

ill I need for graduation?

In order for you to plan effecti ely, you must structure your

• What grade point a erage GPA

plan in such a

of school?

ay that it supports your purpose. Central to

this idea is helping to focus on defining an education and ho

rite do n all

ill need to take in order to achie e your goal.

you pass your classes based on your abilities and potential. ill set you apart from mediocrity and put

ill

hy you

this education

ill take me to the choice

ant to get

• Ho

many community ser ice hours

ill help you fulfill

• Ho

much

your life’s purpose.

ill college cost

ill I need to accrue?

hen I factor in tuition, room,

and board? What is my plan for researching and applying for scholarships?

Your academic journey can be impacted by many choices that are a ailable to you in school. In addition to all of the

A former student of mine created an educational plan for

social aspects of school – and the myriad of choices that

himself,

come along

ith peers – you are

in his school district. When he graduated from high school,

ith the options of choosing bet een

he had also earned his associate’s degree. By creating a

doing home ork or Facebooking, 9 eeting, Face9iming, or

plan and staying focused on the steps needed to achie e it,

You9ubing.

he sa ed his parents t o full years of college tuition and

ith your daily interaction

also bombarded

hich led him to enter the dual enrollment program

as able to enter college as a Junior, literally years ahead of In helping you to stay focused,

e encourage you to focus

many of his classmates.

on the particular subjects that moti ate you. 9his moti ation ill propel you to ards the completion of those parts of

9he secret of creating an educational plan

orks

ill re uire

school that you find less enjoyable. We also encourage you

to take the time to think through and then

to continuously connect the small decisions that you make

necessary to achie e the goals that you listed in your plan. It

e ery single day back to the larger purpose of your

can be a tedious process, but the end result is

education.

effort.

Once you kno

rite out the steps ell

orth the

hat moti ates you in school, you can tap

As an e ample, if one of your goals is to make the honor roll,

into this moti ation fre uently. For e ample, if your fa orite

then you must identify the steps re uired to attain that goal.

part of school is being able to spend time

You must ask themsel es uestions like:

ith your friends

or play sports, then you can use this moti ation to keep up

• Do I ha e to pass all my classes

eligible to continue to play the sports into your academic

• What

responsibilities.

• Can a C impact my chances of making it to the honor roll?

Here are some

uestions you can ask yourself for a self-

ith As?

ill happen if I earn a B?

9hinking through these

uestions can help you to stay on

e aluation: Why do I go to school e ery day? What dri es

track and not lose focus. Remember, the plan is just a

me? In

starting point. It is simply a design tool to guide your

hat

ays am I taking o nership o er my o n

educational future? Although these

uestions may seem

educational purpose; therefore, as your purpose begins to

ith the right guidance and

de elop and take shape, you may ha e to make some

support you can connect the dots and stay focused on the

alterations to your plan. Adjustments are fine, as long as you

right course of action needed to get you to achie e

can stay firmly focused on the ultimate goal.

your educational goals. Seeking the ans ers to these

o er helming at times,

WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

ASK THE EXPERT

In College Admissions, It's Not Always About the Grade When

e discuss all of the elements of college

because that course deli ered

planning and ad ising or the cat and mouse game

kno --if

students play

meaningfully to them--colleges

ith college admissions offices or

strategies that can eek out a fe SA9 or AC9

e tra points on the

can

con ey

that

anted to

genuinely

and

ill be hard pressed to

fault you for that.

e are far too often o erlooking the most

critical element of our educational system, the pursuit

One of my recent graduates

of kno ledge.

interested in nursing. No , this

achie ing student but she decided to participate in our

In my actions as a counselor, I’m as a guilty of this as

CNA program during her senior year. 9his program is

anyone else. Ho e er, I do try to catch myself no

designed for students

and again and try to remember that all that

CNA certificate and go right to

e do in

as as a ery high

ho are most likely to take their ork after high school.

schools should come do n to learning. If a student

9he program pretty much consumes the course

orks to lea e each school day kno ing a little more

selection of senior year and is frankly not one that

and being just a little sharper than they

ere the day

looks as rigorous as a full slate of AP classes. Well,

before, they are doing something right.

this student got into the Uni ersity of Pennsyl ania, an

I y League school, and

When

e start talking about college admissions,

ill be there this fall. I think

Penn appreciated the fact that she

lose oursel es in a difference in grades bet een an 89

nurse, so she took classes that

and 90. We’re not so

most e perience in that. She just

orried about our mastery of the

content co ered on the SA9 as

e are about

hether

there is a penalty for guessing on the test. And, pass up the opportunity to take classes

e might be

she

anted to learn. Ho

anted to be a

ould gi e her the anted to learn

hat

can any academic

institution hold that against you?

interested in because it might not carry the AP

9he ery best students are a are of their grades but

designation or be a

at the end of the day, they just

eighted credit.

ant to be the

smartest person in the room. 9he hard

Okay, college admissions is a big deal and an intricate

put in doesn’t necessarily come from a place of trying

process, so

e ha e to do those things. 9hough, I

to get the best grades or the best scores so they can

think if students remember their job is to learn and

go to the best college. It comes from an internal dri e

ork

ith that mindset in the forefront, their goals

come along. It’s all in ho

to be better. If a young person can de elop that as

you spin it to the colleges. If

their primary moti ator and e ecute accordingly, the other pieces are sure to fall into place for them.

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

ork that they

ill

you’re able to con ince them that you took a course

you

hat you

By: Rob Hicks, School Counselor and Blogger at Guidey.Blogspot.com

Find Your Path

YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

Online Courses & Individual Planning Academic Planning for Success Scholarships Made Easy Florida College Admissions Selective Colleges Admissions

Learn how to build an academic plan that lays the foundation to college coursework, college admissions and scholarships with ease and confidence. Â FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.FLCENTEREDU.ORG

How to Create Student Academic Independence and Stay Connected! Therev isv av trickyv balancev ofv creatingv academic

reminderv onv yourv phonev ifv necessary-v tov stay

independencev inv yourv childv butv tryingv tov remain

connected.v Checkingv itv

connectedv

ithv theirv academicv progress.Therev isv a

importantvsovyouvha evimmediatevfeedback.vIvsuggest

trickyv balancev ofv creatingv academicv independencev in

e eryv Thursday,v sov ifv therev isv anv issuev theyv canv ask

yourvchildvbutvtryingvtovremainvconnectedv ithvtheir

thev teacherv onv Fridayv andv

academicv progress.Therev isv av trickyv balancev of

ithv yourv studentv is

orkv onv itv o erv the

eekend.

creatingv academicv independencev inv yourv childv but

Ho v oftenv tov dov it:v Oncev av eek,v particularlyv before

tryingv tov remainv connectedv

thevendvofvthevquarters/vsemesters.

ithv theirv academic

progress. Therev isv av trickyv balancev ofv creatingv academic Ivha ev orkedv ithvmanyvfamiliesvthatvfirmlyvbelie ed

independencev inv yourv childv butv tryingv tov remain

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erev gi ingv theirv childv "independence"v and

ithv theirv academicv progress.Therev isv a

"responsibility",v butv inv realityv itv meansv parents

trickyv balancev ofv creatingv academicv independencev in

disengagev fromv thev academicv process.v Whilev some

yourvchildvbutvtryingvtovremainvconnectedv ithvtheir

studentsv arev

ellv adeptv atv thev skillsv neededv tov be

academicv progress.Therev isv av trickyv balancev of

academicallyv successful,v suchv asv timev management,

creatingv academicv independencev inv yourv childv but

studyvskills,vandvproblemvsol ing,vmostvteensvarevjust

tryingv tov remainv connectedv

learningvthesevskillsvandvha evyetvtovmastervthem.

progress.

ithv theirv academic

Inv highv school,v ne v gradingv systemsv andv amountv of orkv canv quicklyv becomev o er helmingv forv many

) Access their LMS- Besidesv grades,v teachersv often

students.v Unfortunately,v byv thev timev parentsv realize

utilizev av learningv managementv systemv LMS v

here

therev isv av seriousv issue,v gradesv becomev almost

theyv canv putv upv

unreco erablevandvthevstudentvisvleftvfeelingvdefeated

presentations,vandvsovforth.vIvamvamazedvatvho vmany

andvunmoti ated.

parentsvdovnotv ie vthisvpartvofvthevclassroom,vasvitvis

ideos,v notes,v quizzes,v tests,

oftenv italvforvstudentvsuccess.vIvhadvavparentvcomevin Sov hetherv yourv studentv isv inv middlev schoolv tov their

furiousv aboutv av student'sv testv gradev forv themv to

seniorv e envcollege! vyear,vtherevarevsimplevyetvhighly

realizevthatvtherev asvavpracticevtestvtheyvcouldvtake

effecti ev aysv tov instillv academicv independencev but

unlimitedv times.v Thev studentv ne erv accessedv it,v thus

stayvconnected.

hyvtheyvfailed.vWhilevitvisvhardvtovmanagev7vclasses, ha ingv anv understandingv atv thev beginningv ofv school

) Utilize the online grading system. Highv schools andve envsomevcollegevcoursesvusevgradingvprograms

hatvtove pectvfromvthevteacher'svLMSvcanvallo vyou tovhelpvifvtherevisvanvissue. WWW.UNMAZE.ME,

LMS GRADES

SYLLABUS

) Know how the teacher/ professor grade- Many

hatv isv due-v simplyv ha ev themv

ritev itv do nv inv one

teachersv ha ev itv labeledv inv av syllabusv ho v theyv grade

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theirvclass,vandvit'svclearlyvlabeledvinvthevonlinevgrading

How often to do it: Oncevav eek,vsamevdayvasvchecking

systems.vKno ingvifvthatvtestvtheyvarev orriedvaboutvis

grades.

%v orv

%v ofv theirv gradesv makesv av bigv differencev in

ho vavstudentvshouldvstudy.vIvfindvstudentsvoftenvfocus onv thev lo erv percentagev assignmentsv becausev they

) Check in with the teacher and counselor- Therevare

tendv tov bev morev fun-v likev dra ingv maps,v creating

onlyv t ov possiblev reasonsv forv anyv issue,v

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brochures,vorvde elopingvavproject.vHoursvcanvbevspent

relatedv orv v Teacherv related.v Ifv youv feelv thatv thev same

onv somethingv thatv hasv littlev pointv aluev orv impactv in

problemvkeepsvcomingvupvandvthevstudentvseemsvtovnot

lieuvofvstudyingvforvthatvbigvtest.

bevresol ingvitvonvtheirvo n,vyouvneedvtovfindvoutv hich

How often to do it:v Beginningv ofv thev schoolv year,v and

reasonvitvcomesvfrom.v5mailvthevteacher,vandvfollo vthis

refreshveachvsemesterv possiblevne vteachers .

style,v "1earv Mr/v Ms.v XYZ,v Iv ha ev beenv tryingv tov help Studentv Namev bev morev successfulv inv yourv class.v Ifv you

) Ask for a rubric- Iv oftenv ha ev parentsv comev in becausev theyv arev iratev thatv av projectv av studentv spent

hyv Studentv Namev isv struggling,v Iv

ouldv bev ery

hoursv onv recei edv av lo v score.v Whatv thesev parents

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allo sv thev teacherv tov feelv likev yourv arev helpingv not

rubric, av documentv thatv clearlyv definesv ho v the

yellingv orv beingv acquisitory ,v openv endedv sov theyv can

teacherv isv gradingv forv thatv particularv project.v Utilize

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theirv timev andv appreciatev av response.v 1ov notv bev the

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namev onv it,v citingv sources,v titlev page,v etc v canv bev ery

semestervorvyearv yes,vIvha evhadvY5wR! vtovcheckvinvand

costlyvifvnotvdone.

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How often to do it:v wsv needed,v primarilyv forv big

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projectsvandv rittenv ork.

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) PLANN5R, PLANN5R, PLANN5R- Yes,v Iv kno v itv is thev

stv century,v butv studiesv ha ev sho nv peoplev ho

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aitsv untilv thev lastv dayv ofv thev quarter,

Inv thev end,v rememberv thatv justv becausev theyv arev inv a ne v grade,v theyv stillv needv helpv inv figuringv thingsv out.

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information.v Iv ha ev yetv tov findv onev teacherv hov does

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UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

ev oftenv startv outv strongv inv the

CONFERENCE

PLANNER

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PARENTING

The ABC's of Personal Finance for Parents Today

40% of parents are still paying off their own student loans. 44% of parents prioritize saving for retirement over college costs By Stacey Adams, Financial Planner with Alliance Financial Group

UNMAZED MAGAZINE,

Education is a series of building blocks. You learn

disability and life insurance offered from your

how to add and subtract before you learn how to

employer should not be your only line of defense.

multiply and divide. However, when it comes to

Disability only covers 60% of your income, and when

money and building wealth, there are IMPORTANT

it comes from your employer your benefit is taxed.

steps that are overlooked or ignored. The result

Individually owned policy benefits are not. Life

tends to look less than desirable. Here are the ABC’s

insurance from an employer is rarely anywhere near

of personal finance. Top 3 things to understand

what would allow your family to survive without your

when it comes to your finances:

income. Besides, not everyone can qualify for these benefits in the marketplace. Your age and health will

1) Accumulation - ALWAYS Pay yourself first!

dictate eligibility so don’t wait get these while you are

Create a budget and make YOU one of bills. Treat it

young, keep them because it is a game changer if you

the same as you would your electric bill or your cell

don’t.

phone bill. You wouldn’t just stop paying those, so don’t stop paying yourself. Ideally you should be

3) Cash - I am not speaking about cash in the literal

saving at least 20% of your annual income. If you

sense, (but I needed a “C”) I am referring having a

can’t start there, figure out a percentage that you

level of liquidity. Before you start socking money into

can work with consistently. When you receive a

your company’s 401k, make sure you have a reserve

bonus or a raise, make sure you address “your bill”

fund (6 to 8 months minimum). Too many people

first before adding that additional money into your

ignore this one and immediately start putting their

lifestyle pipeline. Savings on a regular and ongoing

money “in jail” in retirement fund. The problem,

basis will always trump chasing a rate of return.

accessing that money prior to 59 ½ will lead to penalties and taxes. Taking a loan out from a 401k to

2) Barrier –Protect yourself from life’s lemons. We

pay for life’s curve balls is a one two punch. Not only

all know life is not a straight line. You will be thrown

have you now increased your tax liability and paid a

curve balls, so put a moat around your money. We

penalty, but you are robbing from your tomorrows to

never expect to get fired, laid off, sick or injured. But

pay for today. Create a “rainy day fund” FIRST, then

when it does happen the effects on your income,

add to a retirement fund.

savings and future can be nasty. Whether you have group benefits at work or not, it is vital that you

And remember it is never too late to go back to

OWN your protection. The

basics. If you have made financial missteps, sit down with a professional and get on the right track. Your future self will thank you for it.

Parents are saving more for college this year than in the past, yet their preparedness could still use improvement. The average amount saved is around $18,000, up more than 10% from 2016 — and the highest amount since 2013, according to lender Sallie Mae's 2018 report, "How America Saves for College." WWW.UNMAZE.ME,