Marie couldn't stop worrying about her marks and what her teachers and friends thought of her.

Being in Grade 9, she was a high schooler with more responsibilities and expectations.

She had struggled all through middle school and it seemed she was doomed to be a 'c' student. She had no idea how to prepare for academic success.

She often felt alone walking through the never ending maze of corridors in her new high school. 

Other kids seemed to know all the answers and have their act together.

She was certain she'd barely make it out of high school, let alone find a good career or go onto college.

It just seemed it wasn't in the cards.

Her head swarmed with stresses and issues even beyond meeting the academic demands of high school.

What was she going to do?

Marie decided to write down a 'to do list' so that she could focus on the steps she needed to take because it was too difficult to figure it all out in her head.

What I Need TO DO!

1. Meet with the school counselor to plan courses to meet my goals.
2. Write down on a calendar assignment due dates and exams.
3. Do one assignment at a time & finish it before moving on.
4. Learn how to take better notes in class.
5. Study notes & make flash cards.
6. Study a little each day, not saving it for the last minute.
7. Find a friend or study group to review class work & confusing assignments.
8. Say "No" to doing things that will distract me, like hanging out with friends when there are deadlines.
9. Ask teachers and other students if I don't understand.
10. Talk to teachers or parents if I think a tutor would help.