Did you know?

  • You have the power to achieve your goals if you set your mind to it!
  • School can be hard, but life will be harder if you drop out.
  • People who leave high school before graduating are more likely to be:
    • Unemployed, work in very tiring jobs and make very little money.
    • Incarcerated.
    • Seek government help for things such as health care, housing and food.

People graduating

Why stay in school?

  • Finishing school gives you:
    • Greater self-respect and the ability to help others and your family.
    • Pride. We all like to feel good about ourselves and what we do. Staying in school makes you and your family proud.
    • Independence and opens up opportunities for a more satisfying life.
    • Financial stability. The more education you have, the more money you are likely to make.
    • A greater advantage in the workforce. Today, jobs are more complex and employers are seeking people with more than a high school education, including strong math, language and problem-solving skills.

Students studying

What can you do now?

  • Practice good study habits. Good study habits means developing a routine to study and knowing what resources are available to you.
  • Talk to a counselor about your goals and interests. Counselors are there to help you become successful.
    • Make an appointment with your counselor.
    • Tell him/her your goals.
    • Ask him/her what classes will be beneficial to you.
    • Check in with him/her frequently.
  • Visit the following Web sites for more helpful hints on how to succeed in school:
  • Explore Careers: It is never too early to explore what you like to do and what steps are necessary to achieve your intended career.
    • Visit your school or local library and read about what careers appeal to you and what your interests are.
  • Get involved in your school and community. Getting involved in school and community activities is fun and can help you learn more about your interests and strengths.
    • You may also meet a future

Students on stairsStudent graduation

To learn more, contact: Nora Luna at 702-940-5420 or E-mail.

Prepare to succeed sign

Luna, N. and Martinez, M. 2009, What's Up with School?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-12

Learn more about the author(s)

 

Also of Interest:

 
Understanding Latina/o school pushout: Experiences of students who left school before graduating
In this qualitative study, the authors describe narratives of school experiences of Latina/o early school leavers, examine their reasons for leaving school before graduating, and analyze their responses using the resistance model. The authors compare the participants' reasons for...
Luna, N. and Revilla, A.T. 2013, Journal of Latinos in Education, 12:1, 22-37
Advocating for Children's Educational Rights
This fact sheet provides an overview of Session 6: Advocating for your Children’s Educational Rights.
Luna, N. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-47
Knowing the School System: Standards and Testing
This fact sheet provides an overview of Session 3: Knowing the School System: Standards and Testing.
Luna, N. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-44
Making Education a Family Goal
This fact sheet provides an overview of Session 1: Making Education a Family Goal.
Luna, N. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-42
Options After High School
This fact sheet provides an overview of Session 4: Options After High School.
Luna, N. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-045