(Excerpts)

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 Introduction

Graduation nights are special for the students and for me. As we get closer to the stadium, the students start to hear the noise coming from the crowd  filled with family members and friends as they get ready to celebrate their students' achievement. The reality starts to set in for students as they realize how big this moment is. Some smile. Some laugh. Some give hugs. Some cry. There are many emotions as they prepare to celebrate. You deserve your graduation, the cap and gown, the diploma, the cheering crowd and the opportunities that go along with them. 

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Chapter 1 - Wake Up ! 

Every day in Africa, a lion wakes up and a gazelle wakes up. The lion wakes up knowing it must catch a gazelle in order to stay alive. The gazelle wakes up knowing it must avoid the lion in order to live another day.  Like the lion , know that you must take care of every assignment if you are to do well. And like the gazelle, know you must avoid the temptations designed to keep you from succeeding. 

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Chapter 2 - Start Fast!

The 100 meter race is my favorite Olympic sport. Sprinters train most of their lives for a race that lasts between 9 and 11 seconds. It takes between 40 and 50 steps to complete the race. Because the race is so quick, the start makes the difference. If high school was a 100 meter race, 9th grade would equal between 10 and 12 and 1/2 steps. Start fast because it's hard to make up for a bad start. 

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Chapter 4- Driver's Ed 

You may not have taken Drivers Ed yet, but let me warn you, driving can be frustrating. Some drivers do the strangest things. They hit their brakes for no reason.  They turn without using their turn signals and signal without turning.  They're sending the wrong signals. Sometimes students send the wrong signals. They  wear earbuds, put their heads on their desks, wear hoodies and talk too much. These things can send signals to  teachers that you're not serious about learning. Watch your signals. 

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Chapter 7 - The Secrets Teachers Don't Want You To Know 

There are four "F's" every teacher has. They all have: a 1) First name 2) Family 3) Fears and 4) Favorites. That's right. Teachers have favorites but it's not what you think. They don't have favorite students. They have favorite behaviors. They like students who work hard, have a positive attitude, attend school regularly, and are willing to build a relationship. Try saying hello to your teachers each day and watch how the relationship changes. 

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Chapter 10 - Enrolled, Enlisted or Employed

Some students tell me they don't like high school. Others enjoy school but they can't wait for it to be over. I often ask my students "what's next". We have three goals for our students after high school. We either want them to enroll in some type education. We want them to enlist in the military. Or we want them employed. Think what you would like to do after high school because the way you spend your time in high school will determine what you're able to do next.

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Chapter 11 - I Like That Fit! 

When it comes to choosing colleges, it’s about finding the right fit. This is important, because wherever you choose to go, you will live there for four years. Some students choose colleges for the wrong reasons. They choose them because their friends are going there, their families have gone there or because they have scholarships offers there. I encourage student to visit the schools and get a feel for the environment. That will help them see if there is a fit. 

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Chapter 17 - Why Are You So Extra? 

There’s more to school than classes, homework, projects and tests. Many students miss out on the things that make high school special. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the high school experience. They help you discover things you are interested in. They help build leadership skills, self-confidence and they help you become a well-rounded student because they cause you to be more disciplined by teaching you to manage your time.

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Chapter 19 - Is It Time To Unfriend? 

In a world filled with friends and followers, sometimes we have to be willing to unfriend. Choosing a friend group is one of the most important decisions students make in high school. I have seen something that is true most of the time. Those who spend time with friends who make bad decisions and make bad grades usually make bad decisions and make bad grades themselves. Those who spend time with friends who make good decisions and make good grades usually make good decisions and make good grades. Choose wisely. 

Chapter 20 -  Who Changed The Rules?

The game changes when you come to high school. Until now, you were either promoted to the next grade at the end of the school year or you were retained. All of your classes were taken into account and the decision was made to either allow you to move on or you would have to repeat the grade. It's now all about course credit. There is a minimum number of credits in specific subject areas that you will need to have in order to graduate. Know the rules! 

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Chapter 21 - How Do I Raise My GPA?  

Do you remember Humpty Dumpty? He sat on a wall. He had a great fall. All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again. This is true for your GPA. If you let it fall, there is not much you can do to raise it to an acceptable level again. One of the most difficult conversations I have with students is when I have to explain to them how they've gotten themselves in a position they can't get out of because of choices they made in the 9th grade. 

Conclusion 

High School can be one of the best experiences of your life. You will either end your experience with feelings of pride or regret. You will either be proud of the work you’ve done over the past four years or you will wish you would have taken it more seriously. The things you do and the choices you make will determine how you start the part of your life that begins when high school ends. Work hard. Build relationships. Get involved in the school culture. Try a new sport or activity. And don’t forget to have fun!

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