Have you ever looked at your peers-with their perfect scores, perfect extracurriculars, and seemingly perfect lives and asked yourself what they were doing that you weren't? If that's the case, keep reading.

 

We've always been conditioned to focus on our studies; by the school system, the society, our parents. Don't get me wrong: studying and obtaining excellent grades is crucial. It's a ticket to a better future.But what about skills needed to survive in the real world? Are good grades alone enough? The answer is no. Even if you are a straight-A student your grades alone may not ensure your success.

 

Now is the moment to learn everything you can about your interests and pursue them. While you're still in school, try to absorb as much knowledge as possible and put them to use. You'll have to put in a bit more effort, be more patient, and try new things. You must grow yourself holistically in order to transform yourself. To address the demands and problems of everyday life, holistic development includes the development of a person's intellectual, mental, physical, emotional, and social capacities. To succeed both inside and outside the classroom, students require a variety of skills. These abilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Self-management

• Teamwork and Collaboration across networks and leading by influence

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Toleration of ambiguity

• Innovation and creative thinking 

• Ability to work independently

• Keeping social commitments

• Resolving conflicts

• Agility and adaptability

• Initiative and entrepreneurialism

• Effective oral and written communication

• Accessing and analyzing information

 

The greatest way to develop and use these talents is to be active and build on your experiences. There are a number of choices available, some of which are listed below:

 

Taking part in competitions: If you want to stand out from the crowd, taking part in various competitions is a great way to gain experience. Exposure to multiple opportunities to put your skills to the test while working together with people is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your resume. It includes projects, team-based activities, quizzes, practical skill demonstrations, and many more. Many institutions conduct various contests for high school students throughout the year where students’ participation is encouraged.

 

Online/offline courses: Learning a new skill might be the greatest way to make the most of your time. Choose lessons that interest you, write a program, or learn a new language. Crash courses are available at several universities in a number of areas. Just make sure you don't take on more than you can handle. It's crucial to remember that quality, not quantity, is what matters.

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Work experience/ volunteering and others: Many NGOs, INGOs, and other institutions provide students with internships, which will help them gain valuable work experience. Volunteering is also a good way of contributing to the community while developing yourself simultaneously.  

 

Finally, a student's interests and skills should be prioritized so that they can grow and develop holistically. High school is an excellent time for kids to try new things and uncover their true self via a range of activities.