Take Control of Your Classes, Literally

Take control of your classes; don't let counselors boss you around and say what you can or cannot take. You CAN take whatever you want; it's your right as a student. They are just counselors, to counsel you. It is not in their job description to put limitations on your education.

It's not personal; you do have to take control of your academic endeavors. These counselors see an average of four to seven hundred students, just like you, in a school year. No matter what they can say, a times, you are just another school identification number to them.

You have to take the initiative to know what classes that are right for you and will lead towards a higher education. Higher education, not just in college but employers are looking for people with versatility in a variety of skill environments. If you do not take the utmost authority now, you will end up with a high school diploma that really accounts for nothing. And that's if you pass the Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

A-G Requirements + Community Service + Internship + CAHSEE = DIPLOMA

You, in high school, are required to have 44 A-G credits minimum to graduate. You CAN take up to 60 with the right scheduling, whether it is Block scheduling in the 4 by 4 or normal 6-7 periods in a day for the whole year. That's approximately, according to what school you go to, 20 plus credits that colleges can see you have accomplished. You CAN also take independent study or take some classes at a community college.

Schools in the inner city are chronically under funded, there aren't many guidance counselors that cater to your needs are as an individual anymore. You have to take the driver's seat in your education.

For example, do not seat through unnecessary Ceramics or Algebra 1 classes while required classes for any university are not being covered during the junior or sophomore semesters. That is bad scheduling and completely your fault for not expressing your needs for your classes. Counselors CANNOT under any circumstance dictate what you can or cannot take in a school year. If they try to say no, you will just have to bring your parent, because sometimes counselors won't take you seriously. The only thing they can say no to is if a class is actually full, so do not wait until it's too late, sign up early!

An example of correct scheduling and dominance of her academic life is Nicole Matisse; she was featured in Yahoo News, on the front page. Matisse took all eight of the advanced placement available, and also took eight other classes at a community college near her house. She amassed enough credits to enter the University of Michigan as a junior. When asked about among her teachers, they said she was a very determined young woman. They also said she took double the course load most people take in one semester.

That being said, again, it's not personal, govern your classes. I urge you to take advantage of what your school has to offer and compete in the 21 century global education arena because if we don't who will?