Since graduation, the thought of college has been on my mind. I am very excited, but I am somewhat nervous. I am ready for the new experience that my family has been talking about since I was a sophomore in high school. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things. Preparing for the first day is an experience to remember. Days fly by fast as the first day approaches!!! I am filled with anticipation. At some point, everyone has some anxiety when preparing for the first day of school whether it is college, high school, junior high, or elementary school. Here is a list of advice that you could consider to help your first day of school become a success.

-Get a lot of rest the night before.

-Eat a nutritional breakfast.

-Remember you are not the only one that fears the first dayof school.

-Pack your book bag the night before so you will be prepared.

-Choose a backpack with a padded back so it is easier for you.

-Make sure you get to school on time.

-Do not sling a book bag over one shoulder, as this can cause muscle strain.

-Come prepared with everything you need.

-If driving to school, make sure to wear a seatbelt.

-Try to make new friends. If you are shy, find someone you trust to discuss how you are feeling.

-Do not make a bad first impression on your teachers.

-Dress according to the dress code.

-Find a quiet place to do homework.

-At the end of the day, write a journal entry reflecting on your first experience!!!

By: David Johnson

Going to college can be one of the hardest and scariest things to do. It requires a great deal of maturity and independence. You are faced with obstacles that are not familiar to you. This can make the college process seem like an impossible journey to complete.
It takes a lot of time and effort to find the college that suits you the best. Career days/centers, guidance counselors, parents and college tours are some ways to find the best college for you. Once you find the college that meets your needs, it takes even more time and effort getting in applications and making sure that you have sufficient finances for college expenses. Not only do you need to pay for your tuition, you must also pay for books and residency. Financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and grants provide financial assistance.

Throughout all of this, you must also figure out what your major is going to be. Some students are undecided and take various courses to find which fields interest them the most.

Collegezone.com takes a lot of pressure off the applicants by guiding them through the process of becoming a college student.
Collegezone.com starts guiding the youth as early as 8th grade by instructing them on what classes to expect to take in high school, keeping a high school planner, and having them arrange meetings with their guidance counselors about whether or not they should take advanced placement (AP) classes to further prepare them for college. College Zone continues to help students throughout their high school education and into college.

The College Admissions Guide has monthly tasks for getting in your applications.
Those tasks are as followed:

September
-Select the colleges or schools that you desire to attend.
-Obtain the applications from the school. You can easily get the application online or through your school counselor
-Decide whom you will ask to write your recommendations. Give this person plenty of time.
-Keep a track of important dates. You don't want to miss a deadline

October
-Begin working on your essays
-Collect your letters of recommendations
-Complete the application in preparation for submission (early submissions dates are usually November 1st for most schools)
-Make plenty of copies of your essays, letters of recommendations and application

November-January
-Complete applications for early and regular admissions.
-Start looking for housing during this time. If your school requires first-time student to live on campus, start making arrangements. The best units can go fast.

February-March
-Get your school transcripts sent to your intended schools. See your guidance counselor

April-July
-Finalize your admissions requirements:
o Housing
o Final transcript
o Registrations
o Medical checks
o Other

After you have been accepted to college, make a checklist of what you will need at your residency such as computers and bins. After all of this is completed, enjoy the rest of your summer until its time to go to college.

Dear Teens Speak

Dear Teens Speak,
My girlfriend is jealous because I have a lot of female friends. She claims that she trusts me, but when I tell her about hanging out with my female friends she gets mad. I'm confused as to what to think. Does she trust me or is she just saying she does because she's afraid about what I might say?

Sincerely,
Confused and Hopeless

Jealousy is very normal in relationships. If jealousy is causing conflict in your relationship, there are guidelines to help resolve this conflict. First, set some ground rules so both you and your girlfriend will understand each other's expectations. Listening is also very important because you have to be sensitive to each other's emotions and opinions. Another solution could be to avoid having conversations about your female friends by finding common interest that you both can talk about. An essential part of moving past this conflict is identifying the problem and coming up with solutions to make your relationship stronger. Discussing all views to the proposed solutions will also make it easier to reach your goal. This will solve your problem in a positive manner.

Dear Teens Speak,
I'm finally going to buy my first car, but I don't know what to look for or how much to pay. Can you offer me any tips on buying my car?
Sincerely,
Anonymous

1. Test drive the car and make sure it meets your needs.
2. Test the seller. Questions to ask the seller:
a) Why are you selling the vehicle?
b) How many miles are on the odometer?
c) What's the condition of the vehicle?
d) Are there any special features?
e) Was the vehicle involved in any accidents?
3. To-do List:
a) Find out how much of it would be to finance the vehicle.
b) Find out how much it would be to get some insurance.
c) Get the history.
d) Before you test drive check the engine and body for rust and damage.
e) After you test drive check for leaks, odors and smoke.
f) Check for cleanliness.
g) Check tires.

If you would like to ask Teens Speak a question email us at: teenspeak@plcca.org