#student development

In true ex-presenter fashion, I've decided for an UP!🎈 theme on my hall to start the school year. And it starts with the door tags!

🎈🐾🌲

I know that there are a million sites and blogs out there giving you quick tips for college...some of them are great and some seem more like they are trying to sell you useless products rather than help you on your way. So here are a few things I have learned after attending a university in the U.S.

- If you are fresh out of high school, apply for every grant/scholarship that you can. You can find them everywhere, including the university of your choice, religious institutions, local banks and charities, and even the local, state, and federal governments. If one or both of your parents served in the military look into their VA benefits for your education. Otherwise, your parents income factors into the financial aid award you will receive and someone, them or you, will have to foot the bill out-of-pocket or you will be looking into student loans (something you do not want to do at your young age)

- If you are like me and decided to attend college later in life, such as after the age of 24 or 25 and your parents’ income is no longer applicable, then STILL look into every grant/scholarship you can get your hands on. There are a lot available and many specifically focused on low-income households, single parents, etc. Also, your income from the previous year decides how much financial aid you will get THIS year. It doesn’t matter that you had to quit that $40,000/year job to attend college full-time, that is the income they will use and most likely, you will not qualify for financial aid, or very little depending on how much you made. It may not be possible for you to take a year off from both work and school in order to clear your financial history and if that is the case then you will have to rely on student loans for your first year of school. If that is the case, study those numbers like your life depends on it because it does. Only take out enough student loans to cover your full year of classes, if that makes you uncomfortable, only accept enough to cover one semester and when that is done, you can accept more of your award for the next. Ex. If your two semesters of school are going to cost $11,000 and they offer you $20,000 in student loans, DO NOT accept all of it and pocket the rest like you just won the lottery, or you’ll end up paying it all back and then some. 

P.S. If you rely on student loans to cover EVERYTHING then make sure you remember to take out a couple extra hundred to cover your books and necessities.

- COMP TESTS: Before you start college you can take tons of tests to find out if you can comp out of lower level courses such as english composition, science, math, American history, etc... the fewer you have to take, the less money you spend.

- If your philosophy is “C’s Get Degrees” then save yourself the money and just get a job. If you cannot compete with the thousands of people graduating every single semester then why waste all of that time and money? There are plenty of great jobs that do not require college degrees, look into your options.

- Take advantage of the resources your college provides. Not good at writing? Check out the university writing center. Horrible at math? Most schools offer tutoring services for free. In fact most colleges offer free tutoring for every subject. If you need help, ask for it. 

- Do not be afraid to change your major just be smart about it, if you are only one or two semesters in, or even pushing two years in (If you focused your first years on the basic required courses) and you know you want to change, then do it. However, if it becomes a habit then maybe you should take a semester off and really consider what you want to do with your career, otherwise you will end up wasting a lot of time and money in the long run.

- TAKE ALL OF YOUR NON-MAJOR RELATED COURSES FIRST. I cannot stress this enough. First, comp out of what you can. Second, take every college math, american history I & II, world history I & II, english comp, literature, lab science, political science, behavioral science, government, and foreign language class that you need in order to graduate with almost any major. Use the last couple of years to devote towards the major of your choice. Additionally, if you have to take 2 or 4 semesters of a foreign language then do them consecutively (including summers if possible), it will save you a lot of headache. 

- Pick professors that work for you, talk to the people around you and use your online resources such as ratemyprofessor.com to figure out the style you might like. If you hate to write papers, then avoid that and look for the professors that focus on test grades rather than essays. If you have trouble showing up for class sometimes then find the professors who are casual with attendance. Honestly, there is someone for everyone. 

- After you have received your first class schedule, take a trip to campus and walk to each of your classes, look for the best parking for each class or for the day, etc. It will make that first day of class much easier, and don’t worry, after a week or so you will know that campus like the back of your hand. 

- Unless your professor specifically asks you to bring your book to class, just stick with a notebook/binder and a couple of pens/pencils. The book is mostly for you to use on your own to study and source. (obviously, classes such as literature might require your to do readings out of your book in class) Regardless, in most cases you do not need to be carrying around a big bag of books all day. Do the readings beforehand, take some notes and come to class ready to take more notes and discuss what you read. Additionally, leave the laptop at home. I realize that this is 2017 but you will just end up carrying around something else that you just don’t need. And honestly, you’ll just end up on facebook/twitter/tumblr anyway and the person behind you is going to be watching everything you are doing. Save the internet for the time between classes when you can use your phone, it’s not going anywhere.

In today's competitive world, academic knowledge alone is not enough to guarantee success. Students also need essential life skills that help them communicate ideas, express themselves confidently, and handle different situations effectively.

Among these skills, public speaking has become one of the most valuable abilities for students. Whether it is presenting ideas in classrooms, participating in competitions, or preparing for future careers, strong communication skills play an important role in personal and professional growth.

The importance of Why Every Child Should Learn Public Speaking is growing because communication has become a key factor in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career success.

Importance of Public Speaking Skills for Children

Public speaking is not only about standing on a stage and giving a speech. It helps children organize their thoughts, communicate clearly, and develop confidence.

Students who learn public speaking at an early age often become better at expressing their opinions, participating in discussions, and working with others.

These skills support children in academics as well as future professional environments.

Benefits of Learning Public Speaking

1. Builds Confidence

Many students feel nervous while speaking in front of others. Regular practice helps them overcome hesitation and develop self-confidence.

When children learn to present their ideas clearly, they become more comfortable in different social and academic situations.

2. Improves Communication Skills

Effective communication is an important skill in every field. Public speaking teaches students how to use words, voice, and body language to share their thoughts.

Strong communication skills help students build better relationships and express ideas more effectively.

3. Develops Leadership Qualities

Good leaders need the ability to inspire, explain ideas, and communicate with teams.

Public speaking activities help students develop leadership qualities by teaching them how to present ideas, influence others, and take responsibility.

4. Enhances Critical Thinking

Preparing speeches requires research, planning, and organization.

Students learn how to analyze information, create logical arguments, and present their viewpoints confidently.

5. Helps in Academic and Career Growth

Public speaking skills are useful in:

Classroom presentations

Group discussions

Interviews

College activities

Professional meetings

Students with strong communication abilities often have an advantage in academic and career opportunities.

Ways Schools Can Encourage Public Speaking

Schools can play an important role in developing communication skills by introducing activities such as:

Debates and Discussions

Debates encourage students to research topics, develop opinions, and communicate effectively.

Presentations

Classroom presentations help students practice explaining concepts and sharing knowledge.

Speech Competitions

Speech competitions provide students with opportunities to improve confidence and stage presence.

Drama and Performing Arts

Drama activities help students improve expression, creativity, and communication abilities.

Public Speaking in the Digital Age

With the growth of online learning, social media, and digital communication, expressing ideas effectively has become even more important.

Students may need to present projects online, create digital content, or communicate with global audiences in the future.

Public speaking skills help children adapt to these changing communication methods.

How Parents Can Support Public Speaking Development

Parents can encourage children by:

Allowing them to share opinions

Encouraging reading habits

Supporting participation in activities

Creating opportunities for conversations

Appreciating their efforts

A supportive environment helps children improve naturally.

Conclusion

Public speaking is becoming an essential skill for students because it builds confidence, communication abilities, leadership qualities, and critical thinking.

The ability to express ideas clearly can benefit children throughout their academic and professional journey. Learning public speaking from an early age prepares students to face future challenges with confidence.

In today’s competitive education and career environment, students need more than academic knowledge to achieve success. Employers look for candidates who have strong communication abilities, teamwork skills, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Developing Soft Skills for Students helps them prepare for professional challenges and create better career opportunities.

Soft skills are personal abilities that help individuals interact effectively with others and handle different situations. These skills include communication, leadership, teamwork, time management, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.

Communication skills are one of the most important soft skills for students. Good communication helps students express their ideas clearly, participate in discussions, perform better in presentations, and build confidence. Strong communication ability is also valuable during interviews and professional interactions.

Teamwork is another essential skill that students need to develop. In academic and professional environments, individuals often work with teams to complete projects and achieve goals. Learning how to cooperate, share ideas, and respect different opinions improves teamwork ability.

Problem-solving skills help students handle challenges effectively. Employers value candidates who can analyse situations, find solutions, and make logical decisions. Developing critical thinking abilities prepares students for real-world problems.

Time management is also an important soft skill. Students who manage their time effectively can balance studies, projects, personal activities, and skill development. Good time management improves productivity and reduces stress.

Leadership skills help students become more confident and responsible. Leadership is not only about managing others; it also involves decision-making, taking initiative, and motivating team members.

Adaptability is another important skill in today’s changing world. Students who can adjust to new situations and learn new skills are better prepared for future opportunities.

Emotional intelligence helps students understand their own emotions and respond positively to others. It improves relationships, communication, and decision-making abilities.

Developing soft skills requires regular practice and self-improvement. Students can improve these skills through group discussions, presentations, volunteering activities, internships, and professional training programs.

Soft skills provide students with a strong foundation for career growth. They improve confidence, employability, and workplace readiness. Academic qualifications combined with strong soft skills create better opportunities for long-term success.

By focusing on soft skill development, students can become more confident, professional, and prepared for future challenges. These skills help them succeed not only in their careers but also in personal life.

Education is no longer limited to academic knowledge and examination results. In today’s rapidly changing world, schools need to prepare students with skills that help them solve real-world problems, think creatively, and create new opportunities. This is why entrepreneurship development and innovation in schools has become an important part of modern education.

Entrepreneurship education helps students develop an innovative mindset from an early age. It encourages them to identify problems, create solutions, take initiative, and develop confidence in their ideas. Schools that focus on entrepreneurship development are not only preparing students for future careers but also building future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Traditional education systems often focus on memorization and theoretical learning. However, the future requires students to apply knowledge practically. Innovation-based learning allows students to work on projects, participate in problem-solving activities, and understand how ideas can be transformed into valuable solutions.

One of the biggest advantages of introducing entrepreneurship programs in schools is the development of essential life skills. Students learn communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, financial awareness, and creative thinking. These skills help them become more confident and adaptable in a competitive global environment.

Schools play a significant role in creating an environment where innovation can grow. By introducing innovation labs, startup projects, business simulations, and creative workshops, educational institutions can encourage students to explore their interests and experiment with new ideas.

Technology has also increased opportunities for entrepreneurship education. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence tools, and online resources allow students to learn about business models, market trends, and emerging technologies. Teachers can guide students in using these resources effectively and help them understand practical applications.

For institutions looking to transform their education approach, understanding entrepreneurship development and innovation in schools is essential. Implementing innovation-focused programs helps schools create a learning environment where students are encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries.

Teachers also have an important role in promoting entrepreneurial thinking. Instead of only providing answers, educators can encourage students to ask questions, explore possibilities, and develop their own solutions. This shift creates a more interactive and engaging learning experience.

Future-ready schools must focus on creating innovators rather than only academic achievers. Entrepreneurship education allows students to understand failure as a learning opportunity and develop resilience, creativity, and confidence.

As industries continue to evolve, the demand for innovative thinkers will increase. Schools that integrate entrepreneurship and innovation into their curriculum will provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the future economy.

Leadership is no longer a skill reserved only for managers, entrepreneurs, or business executives. In today's rapidly evolving world, leadership has become an essential quality for students at every stage of their educational journey. Schools play a crucial role in helping young learners develop confidence, communication abilities, decision-making skills, and problem-solving capabilities. Understanding How to Build Leadership Skills in School can help educators and parents create opportunities that prepare students for future academic, professional, and personal success.

Modern education focuses on much more than academic achievement. While strong grades remain important, employers and universities increasingly value qualities such as teamwork, adaptability, innovation, and leadership. This is why schools are integrating leadership development into their academic and extracurricular programs. By learning How to Build Leadership Skills in School, students can gain valuable experiences that shape their future careers and personal growth.

One of the most effective ways to develop leadership skills is through participation in student councils and school committees. These platforms provide students with opportunities to take responsibility, organize events, collaborate with peers, and represent the interests of their classmates. Such experiences help students build confidence and understand the importance of accountability.

Team-based projects are another excellent way to nurture leadership qualities. When students work together to solve problems or complete assignments, they learn how to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, manage conflicts, and motivate team members. These practical experiences are essential components of How to Build Leadership Skills in School and contribute significantly to personal development.

Extracurricular activities also play a major role in leadership growth. Sports teams, debate clubs, cultural programs, community service initiatives, and entrepreneurship competitions encourage students to take initiative and lead by example. Participation in these activities allows students to develop resilience, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills that are valuable throughout life.

Communication is a fundamental aspect of leadership. Schools can support leadership development by encouraging students to participate in public speaking competitions, presentations, group discussions, and classroom interactions. Effective communication helps students express their ideas clearly, inspire others, and build strong relationships.

Entrepreneurship education is increasingly becoming a powerful tool for developing leadership abilities. Programs focused on innovation, business planning, and problem-solving encourage students to think creatively and take ownership of projects. Understanding How to Build Leadership Skills in School often involves creating opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurial thinking and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

Teachers and parents also play a critical role in fostering leadership qualities. Encouraging students to make decisions, take responsibility for their actions, and learn from mistakes helps build self-confidence and independence. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback can motivate students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace leadership opportunities.

Technology and digital collaboration have created new avenues for leadership development as well. Students can participate in virtual projects, online communities, and collaborative learning experiences that strengthen communication and teamwork skills in digital environments.

Leadership is not about holding a title or position; it is about influencing others positively and taking initiative when opportunities arise. Every student has the potential to become a leader when given the right support, guidance, and opportunities to grow.