Teen Dropouts

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Teen dropouts, when you hear these words you probably think of kids not going to school, but it is much deeper than that. According to at-risk.org there are about 6,000 students who dropout everyday, which means about 1.2 million kids dropout each year. In the US, over 25 percent of high school freshmen don’t graduate on time. Over 65 percent of convicted criminals are dropouts, so you can kind of think of dropping out as being a felon. About four years ago, America was the top ranked area for graduating students, but now we’re ranked 19^th.

Most teen dropouts are usually defiant and rebellious. Some are also substance abusers, or maybe even gang member. Teens that dropout live a more difficult life than their peers who graduated. Studies show that about 5 percent of students will dropout before they graduate. Although some teens who dropout eventually go back for their GED, others tend to find low paying jobs.

Teen dropouts have reasons for dropping out, but they should been thinking about what role dropping out would play in their lives. Maybe 50 years ago, you could dropout and still become successful in life, but that era is gone. Not only does the person who drops out suffer, but they are also responsible for financial and school costs in their state, community, and country. Over a lifetime, a dropout would make about $260,000 less than a high school graduate.

According to all4ed.org dropouts, in one year alone, could cost the nation $319 billion in lost wages over the course of their lifetime. If minority teens stop dropping out and graduate on the same level as whites by 2020, they would add about $310 billion to the US economy, which we could use. So to end, I just want to say dropping out is a bad idea, so don’t do it. Stay in school, and be the difference.

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Written by: Ricardo Kinard

Why College? That’s easy…

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Why go to college? This is a question that could be answered in numerous ways. First of all, let me say that anyone can go to college, no matter your gender, or race, age group, family type, or educational background. If you enjoy going to school and want to expand your learning, college is a big step in doing so. College may not be for everyone, but the ones who do go and finish, their lives are better, and they might honestly say they are living the way they always wanted.  Considering the economic climate we live in now-a-days, everyone should want to go to college. I was once told that a person with a high school diploma and no further education opportunity may make between $10,000 to $21,000 a year, while a college graduate has the opportunity to make the income he/she desires, whether it’s $80,000 a year or up to $1,000,000 a year.

Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of other things to do other than college, like joining the army or being good at a sport or job. With those things and with everything else you may try, you’re not guaranteed to be successful your whole life like you would if you go to college and do what you need to do after schooling. You can live a good life and might even have enough money to save for your kids. Thinking about college would be a good step towards figuring out what interests you most, and you get learning experience as well while you’re there. I could name hundreds of people who have graduated from college and live well now, like President Obama, my aunt, and Bill Gates.

Another thing that is great about college is that there are so many careers that are available. You have no reason to not have an interest in one, and you might want to try something new and maybe discover that you’re good at it. Overall, I encourage  the kids who are considering college to take that step. I also want the kids who are not thinking about college to sit down and write down what you are doing at the moment, then where do you see yourself when you turn 40. Write down how college can play a factor in your future. To conclude, when someone asks why go to college, just say, “because of the impact it will have on my life.”

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Written by Ricardo Kinard

Discipline in School = Success

We all know to accomplish goals you have to set smaller temporary goals. Your temporary goals serve as a stepping stone to reach your overall goal, but how do you accomplish your temporary goal? You need discipline to stay focused on a short term goal. In school you can stay focused in many ways. One way is to stay organized with class work and class schedules. You also have to be prepared for all assignments. Being prepared is also where discipline comes in. Staying organized will help you stay prepared, and in order to stay organized you need to be responsible. Success isn’t just accomplishing your overall goals, its overcoming problems and struggles.

Overcoming problems in small short term goals can prep you for bigger problems as you get closer to your overall goal. In order to successfully accomplish anything you need discipline. Personally I use sports and activities I like to do to keep me motivated and disciplined. I do activities such as gymnastics, all star cheerleading, etc…

by Shannon Mari