Challenge yourself in class and outside of school

   For many students, high school is a time of redundancy and repetition. Because students do not challenge themselves, they move slowly through these years just “getting by.”

   The University of Toledo believes the degree at which students are motivated inside of class has a direct correlation to what they experience outside of the classroom.

   “At UT, our motto is ‘Explore your world,’” said Sammy Spann, The University of Toledo’s director of the Office of Academic Engagement. “It’s great to have academic success, but to add real-world experience is what brings everything together.”

   Spann and Jennifer Rockwood, the director of First Year Experience at UT, offer advice for students to challenge themselves both inside and outside of the classroom during high school. 

Apply what you learn One way students can challenge themselves is by staying engaged and making critical and creative connections between class and the real world.

   “Be curious about the world around you. So many of us are on automatic pilot,” said Rockwood, “Students should remain curious and ask questions when their teacher is talking.”

   “I challenge students to learn one new thing every day; what they learn may or may not be course-related,” Rockwood said. “If you get in the habit of doing this and make it part of your ritual, learning will not seem like a burden.”

Community service Serving others is a great way to get students to think about the world around them and the part that they play in it.

   “Hopefully, every high school has someone to head up community service,” said Spann. “Volunteering sounds like free labor, but it really gives students a chance to define themselves. Community service or service learning is especially important when you are able to reflect on the impact you make in someone else’s life.” 

Join organizations A lot of our passion starts from what we experience. Participating in activities and organizations with people who share a common interest helps to shape the way we learn and see the world around us. 

   “From a university perspective, we like students to be involved in extracurricular activities. Joining a group or a club with similar interests allows students to sharpen their teamwork and leadership skills,” Rockwood said.

Diversity Just as important as interacting with people with that are similar to you, is getting to know those with different interests, beliefs and backgrounds from you.

    “Being exposed to different things and doing something out of your comfort zone can prepare you to be the best you can be in your field,” Spann said.

  “Diverse situations and diverse people help you learn the world is a bigger place than your living room,” Rockwood said.

Experience new things In life, you have to do some things you’ve never done to get some things you’ve never had. Putting yourself in new situations challenges you to move out of your comfort zone and opens you up to learning in a brand new way.

    “If you have never been to a play, go see a play. If you hear an author is speaking, go and listen to them,” Rockwood said. “Broaden your horizon and try to find things that stretch your experience.”

   “We block our own progression because none of us wants to be uncomfortable,” said Spann. “Ten percent of success is your performance; 30 percent is your image; all the rest is exposure. Make sure that you are not sitting at home waiting for something to happen; go put yourself out there.”