How To Make the Most out of Your School Year

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/school-year/

Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, making the most out of your school year is important to everyone. Don’t let the next several months pass you by, here are 5 tips to ensure a fulfilling year ahead!

1. Join a club: Becoming a member of a group or organization that you have a strong interest in is a great stepping stone for the future. Being part of something where each student shares a common interest, goal or purpose promotes teamwork and can prepare you for the workforce; most specifically a career. 

2. Participate in Athletics: According to Sue Castle, Executive Producer of PBS Sports: Get in the Game, "The evidence supporting sports participation for young people is overwhelming...It has the power to combat everything from racism to low self-image, to the high-school drop-out rate." Athletic programs in schools are such a positive outlet because they have the ability to promote teamwork, camaraderie and respect. 

3. Run for student body council: What better way to make the most out of your school year than to become the voice of your peers? Maybe you've had ideas for years about improving school lunch options or themes for school dances- by becoming a leader you'll have the platform to potentially see those changes. 

4. Explore the arts: Connect with your creative side by participating in activities such as drama, band or even dance. Performing arts programs not only serve as  great confidence boosters, but they also allow the growth of social skills by involvement within the group as well as with audiences. 

5. Become a member of the yearbook staff: This one's a no brainer. Having the privilege to work on your school's yearbook, is great way to document the school year. Examples could include covering events that you've always wanted to attend, or meeting/interviewing students that you haven't had the chance to meet before. 

And my last tip for all you students: Go out of your comfort zone, say hi to everyone, be friendly amongst your peers, talk to groups of students you don't normally talk to, meet potential new friends. But most of all, have fun!

Backpacks Under $50

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/backpacks-50/

Because it's that time again, I give you another back-to-school article..enjoy!

Gear up for school with these fashion forward backpacks. With plenty of styles to choose from and each bag under $50, get ready to make a statement in the halls.

For the Diva

Go wild with JanSport's High Stakes Realistic Chee Backpack (shown in Black/ Multi). Available at Sport Chalet and sportchalet.com, $40.

For the Jock

Support your favorite team with the Concept One Slingbag (*Backpack shown is one of many teams. Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Techie 

Carry your laptop safely in Pottery Barn Teen's Gear-Up Messenger Bag (shown in Black Damask). Messenger bags can be made customizable with embroidered names or initials for an additional charge. Available at pbteen.com, $39.50.

For the Trendsetter

Get noticed with this super popular trend in Mossimo Supply Co. aztec themed backpack(shown in Multicolor Stripe Print). Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Practical Student 

Tote your belongings to and from class with the GAP Herringbone Backpack (size senior). Available at gap.com, $25.86. 

As always, Good luck in school and Happy Shopping! 

Back-To-School Shopping Essentials

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/back-to-school-shopping-essentials/

As July comes to a close, summer’s end is drawing near. Which can only mean one thing…. school is almost here. Next month, August, is probably the best time to start your back-to-school shopping. Growing up, I always had mixed feelings about this time of year. I loved the fact that I was getting new things, but I also dreaded the fact that it meant I’d be going back to school. Which I can safely assume is still the mentality of most kids.

Whether back-to-school shopping is painful for you, or you have brothers and sisters that also need mom and dad’s help, I’ve compiled a list of back-to-school shopping essentials. All the items you’ll most likely need to get you through at least half the year, if not the entire year (I’m sure your parents are hoping for the latter), and the best places to shop for these essentials.

I must mention however, that there are students who attend schools that require uniforms. For these students school uniform shops might be their best bet. All of their shopping could virtually be done in one stop! I personally think that uniforms are a great idea. They not only save time getting ready in the morning; you don’t even have to think about what you’re going to wear, but they also aid in reducing harassment at school- since every student is required to wear the same thing.

For all other students here’s what a typical shopping list might look like:

Essentials

Jeans

Shirts

Shoes

Jacket

Gym Clothes (if a uniform is not required)

Formal Clothes (skirt, dress, slacks, tie, collared shirt)

Backpack

*I could also suggest khakis, because they’re always nice to have on hand. As for the formal clothes- at least one outfit should be considered. Depending on your school, these particular clothing items could be used for such things like an assembly or awards ceremony. 

Places To Shop

Department Stores (Clothing items)

Bargain/Discount Stores (T.J. Maxx, Ross, etc. Lots of good deals can be found here)

Sporting Good Stores (gym apparel, shoes)

School Uniform Stores (if uniforms are required)

Your favorite store (this one’s a no brainer)

Easy enough, right? What are some of your back-to-school essentials and favorite places to shop? 

Preparing For College Your Freshmen Year

My featured article: http://theteentrends.com/preparing-college-freshmen-year/

  

Now is the time for upcoming freshmen, attending college away from home, to start preparing. Most schools begin their academic years from late August into September, which means… you’ve got a month and a half at minimum to ready yourselves. 

Going to college, living away from home, and essentially closing the chapter on the life you’ve known for the past 18 years is a BIG adjustment for anyone. While it may seem scary to venture into the unknown, let me assure you from my own experience, that embarking on this journey will be nothing short of rewarding.

While I cannot coach another person through their own transition (albeit mounted with anticipation), I can however, offer a few pointers on how to make that transition a little easier.

If you’re a freshmen planning to room at the dorms, a list of suggested items should be included in your school’s housing information packet. For things you still might be unsure of, I’ve created a list below.

Things to bring:

• Bed linens: Preferably twin size, although the actual size should be given beforehand.

• Desk or bed lamp: These come in handy for late night study sessions- while at the same time, a precautionary measure to not keeping your roommate awake.

• Electronics: A laptop, iPad, or anything else that allows fast and easy access for studying, writing, and research purposes. *Having a printer would be useful as well. 

• Key or combination lock: Most dormitories provide a nightstand/drawer that you can lock belongings/valuables away in. *Make sure to keep the key safe with you at all times or by not sharing the combination with others.

• Shower caddy: Since you’ll be sharing a bathroom with at least another person, if not multiple people- you’ll need something to tote your bath essentials in. On that same token- shower shoes are also a good investment.

• Alarm clock: For no other reason than to get you out of bed and to class on time.

• Landline telephone: Some dorms provide telephones in each room, while some only come with phone jacks- in which case you’d have to provide a phone yourself (which is optional). If you do find it necessary to have a phone, bringing a cordless one would be ideal. Think, privacy.

• Personal items: Aside from your necessities, things from/that remind you of home are also nice to bring. (Ex: pictures, photo albums, your favorite blanket, etc.) Having those reminders can help to ease a homesick heart.

Remember that college is a whole new chapter that awaits you. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Love it. And most of all, Good Luck!