Austin Scholar #6: Teenagers Need To Take Control Of Their Education
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Hey, y'all!
Welcome back to the Austin Scholar newsletter! At the time I sent out this newsletter, I was still working on getting my Substack reinstated, but that did not hinder my writing. I continued to send weekly newsletters from Austin Scholar, and now that I am sixteen I am able to re-publish those newsletters onto Substack. Apologies for the inconvenience and I thank you for your support and patience.
Today from Austin Scholar...
Teenagers Need To Take Control Of Their Education
Three sources that compile the best ideas on education from today’s leading thinkers
Also– At the end of the article, I have an action plan for parents and a call to action for teens. If your teen has specific questions on how to get started, feel free to email them to me. I know it is a little daunting at first.
Teenagers Need To Take Control Of Their Education
For six years, I passively sat in a classroom, letting teachers tell me what to do. I wasn’t motivated to improve because I didn’t have control or power over my situation. I only learned what I was told to, and that was enough. I didn’t care about improving the quality of my educational experience.
When I moved to Alpha in the fifth grade, I learned to be in control of my education. I've been able to set my own academic goals and milestones and figure out the most effective ways to motivate myself, such as rewards or short breaks. This has been possible because my sister and I grew up with the idea that age and responsibility should increase proportionally.
When my sister and I were young, our parents held our hands and taught us how to form effective habits and learn basic life skills. As we got older, though, our parents began to let go of our hands and we learned to live independently. This allowed for my sister and me to be prepared for the "real world," where there will not be an adult telling us what to do and how to act at every moment.
A significant portion of my life that I've been taught to be in control of is my education. My parents and teachers held my hand as I was taught how to set goals and focus on academics. Once I was confident in my abilities, they let go of my hands.