2. Unit 3: Preparing for Transitions and Change Lesson 3- The Rest of High School

3. THE HIGH FIVE PRINCIPLE Change is constant We change over time, and so does the world around us-including the working world. In fact, the rate of change is accelerating. People are now likely to experience many jobs, in different career fields and with different employers, during our working lives. Learning how to adapt to change is key. It is said that the future belongs to those that can see it coming. Those who are most aware of change, in themselves and the world around them, are able to make proactive choices and benefit from change - rather than resist or complain about it. Learning is ongoing Graduation is not the end of learning. Because change in ourselves, the work world and society is accelerating, we need to keep learning to make the most of changing realities. People have to recognize, seize, and take advantage of opportunities to learn- opportunities that are everywhere. Focus on the journey Some people are so focused on the destination, they don't even see the doors of opportunity, good new possibilities, potentially great relationships, etc., along the way. Too often their destination is not even of their their own choosing. It's one their parents or others feel is best for them. We must pay attention to each step of the journey, and become aware of the pitfalls, sidetracks, opportunities, and possibilities for new destinations. We must become good travellors on the journey of life. Know yourself, believe in yourself, and follow your heart Know yourself, believe in yourself, and follow your heart. Those with dreams, however outlandish, are the lucky ones. Dreams can lead to an understanding of who we really are and what we really want, a prime motivator in shaping a meaningful, purposeful and rewarding career. No one should be afraid to pursue dreams based on what is in their heart. Access your allies The journey of life is not taken alone. Friends, family, teachers, neighbours-all can be willing and helpful allies when it comes to discovering one's heart and dreams, and deciding what steps to take on life's path. And we can be the good allies they need as well.

4. Post-Secondary School is great Why should I go to Post-Secondary School ? Let’s see how Post-Secondary School is incredibly better than high school!

5. Post-Secondary School is great Hours of Classes Per Week: High School: 35 Post-Secondary: 12-16

6. Post-Secondary School is great First Class Starts At: NOW: 8:00 am Post-Secondary School: You make your own schedule!

7. Post-Secondary School is great Rules in Class: YES: No eating, drinking, gum, electronics, coats, or hats Post-Secondary School: Generally allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, bring electronics and wear a coat or hat

8. Post-Secondary School is great Hours of Homework Per Week: NOW:10-20 Post-Secondary school: 20-30

9. Post-Secondary School is great Number of Organizations/Clubs That Students Can Join: NOW: 5-15 Post-Secondary School: Hundreds!

10. Post-Secondary School is great Responsibilities/Staying on Track: NOW: Most classes are picked for you; teachers make sure you are in class; teachers meet with and call your parents Post-Secondary School: You choose your classes; you make appointments with your advisor; you choose to come to class on time; grades are usually not sent to your parents

11. Post-Secondary School is great The Bottom Line: Going to Post-Secondary School means more responsibility and harder work! But… with that responsibility comes more fun, freedom, and opportunities!

12. Excuses 1. I can't afford it. 2. Nobody in my family has ever gone. 3. I don't know what I want to do with my life. 4. Post-Secondary School is too hard for me. 5. I just won't fit in.

13. What Post-Secondary School is for me? Size of the Student Body ◦ Academic attention; extracurricular activities Location ◦ Close to home? New part of the country? City? Post-Secondary School town? Academic Programs ◦ Special programs; balanced Campus Life ◦ What extracurricular activities, athletics, and special interest groups are available? ◦ Are students welcomed by the community? Cost ◦ LOOK AT SCHOLARSHIPS FIRST! Diversity ◦ geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity Retention and Graduation Rates

14. What Post-Secondary School is for me? The Big School: Pros & Cons ProsCons Wide variety of majors and courses Well-stocked libraries Variety of housing opportunities Well-funded sports programs Wide range of academic and social opportunities Distinguished or famous faculty Large class sizes Many courses taught by teaching assistants, not professors Professors focused on their own research and graduate thesis projects—little student-teacher interaction Pressure on students to take initiative; to be go-getters More rules and procedures related to enrolling in and designing course study—red tape Potential of getting lost in the crowd

15. What Post-Secondary School is for me? The Small Post-Secondary School : Pros & Cons ProsCons Small class sizes Hands-on learning opportunities Individually-designed majors Strong advising system; advisors know students very well Strong sense of community Professors, not graduate students, teach most courses Opportunity to get to know professors well Limited housing options Fewer majors to choose from Fewer physical resources Smaller libraries Fewer entertainment and social opportunities Less emphasis on sports programs

16. How Do I Get to Post-Secondary School?

17. How Do I Get to Post-Secondary school? Getting Into Post-Secondary School e Is More Competitive Than Ever! In order to go to a quality Post- Secondary School, there are five areas in which a student should excel:

18. How Do I Get to Post-Secondary School? Post-Secondary School To Do List 1. Overall Average 2. Taking Applied or Academic courses now 3. Post-Secondary school or University Level Courses 4. Extracurricular activities (after school jobs, community service, leadership, involvement in school clubs) 5. Coursework

19. How Do I Get to Post-Secondary School? The Bottom Line: There is NO time to waste! Waiting until Grade 11 or 12 to get serious about school is a MISTAKE!

20. How Do I Get to Post-Secondary school? Getting Into Post-Secondary school Is A Challenge You can’t do it alone Start early!

21. Questions 1. What kind of Post-Secondary school/university would you be most interested in today, after hearing this information? 2. What is your biggest fear in looking ahead at Post-Secondary school? 3. What are you most excited about in looking ahead at Post-Secondary school?