Communicating.   

1. Share your goals. Remember those goals you made? Tell the important people in your life about them. Tell your parents, your best friend, whoever can help you by being supportive (and strict, when necessary). You don’t have to tell the world, just a few favorites. It’s easier than doing this on your own.
2. Speak up. Participate in class. Ask questions when you’re puzzled. From your homework, make a list of questions to ask tomorrow in class. In class, make comments when you see connections to other things you’ve learned in this class or, better yet, in other classes. Don’t be embarrassed to participate. Learning how and when to speak up is a skill you’ll value and will take you far. If you need help, ask for it. Get it early.
3. Review. Go over your assignments on a regular basis with a “study buddy,” a friend who’s as motivated as you are. Keep each other on track by clarifying assignments, studying together, supporting one another’s goals. Keep track of your grades, so you’ll know how you’re doing. Success in school is as much a team effort as success on the athletic field. Don’t try to do it alone.