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Exploring Post Secondary Options

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�SLEHS COUNSELORS

Angie Siggia Counselor (A-G)

South Lyon East High School

(P) 248.573-8700 ext 7713

siggiaa@slcs.us

Amy Dawson Counselor (H-O)

South Lyon East High School

(P) 248.573-8700

ext 7711

dawsona@slcs.us

Charlie Richter

Counselor (P-Z)

South Lyon East High School

(P) 248.573-8700 ext 7714

richterc@slcs.us

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Today we will cover all of your post secondary options!

  1. College/University (2&4 year)
  2. Apprenticeships
  3. Trade School
  4. Military
  5. World of Work

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College Option Information

2 year Community College 4 year University

Questions to ask yourself when searching for a college:

Public or Private?

Commute or live on campus?

Rural or city?

Large student population or small student population?

Professor to student ratio?

Distance to home?

Ask yourself: What kind of environment helps me thrive? Do you want a large university, a small college, a hands-on trade program, or a creative school?

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Research Your Options

  • Use tools like College Board’s BigFuture, Niche, or school websites to compare programs, costs, and outcomes.
  • The Michigan Institution is where you will find a list of all public and private, 2-year and 4-year colleges in Michigan

*You can also find institution-specific information, such as admissions, financial aid, campus life, etc. on the Michigan Institution site

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Visit or Explore Virtually

  • If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the place — or take virtual tours online.�
  • Talk to current students or alumni to get honest opinions.

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It is Michigan College Month!

  • Many Colleges in Michigan are free to apply to this month, please see the application waiver list and codes here

  • Just an FYI- Michigan State University has a small window to apply for free- Oct. 1-10, and you must use code: Spartan1855

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  • Admissions representatives will be offering informational sessions during Cougar Hour in the Media Center through Thanksgiving

College Visits Calendar

  • Students are encouraged to sign up, talk to college representatives, and ask questions about admissions and college opportunities. (This also demonstrates interest, which can sometimes help if you are “borderline” for acceptance.)

  • What do I do during a visit? College visit help:

Click here for questions to ask a college representative!

Click here for a fillable college comparison chart to use while visiting!

COLLEGE VISITS AT SLEHS

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College Application Strategy

Apply to a range of schools!

    • Reach: Your dream college (1-2)
    • Match: You meet the minimum

requirements of the school (1-2)

    • Safety: You exceed the minimum

requirements of the school(1-2)

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Helpful Information for College Applications

  • School Code: 233-472
  • Unique Identification Code (UIC): Printed on the student’s transcript
  • Ranking: We DO NOT rank
  • GPA: weighted
  • Scale GPA Calculated on: 4.0
  • Number of students in the senior class: 278
  • Graduation Date: June 6, 2026
  • Number of Accelerated Courses: Honors-2, AP-13, IB-0
  • A Step by Step Guide for the College Application Process is located here

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COLLEGE APPLICATION INFO

  • Option One: Common Application

  • Allows you to apply to multiple schools at once
  • You complete general info about yourself only once
  • You provide your counselors email and we upload transcripts and letters of recommendation if needed
  • You provide your teacher recommenders’ email addresses and they upload their letters if required
  • YOU MUST STILL SEND A TRANSCRIPT THROUGH PARCHMENT!

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How to Add Your Teacher to Common App

  1. Log in to your Common App account�→ https://www.commonapp.org
  2. Go to “My Colleges” tab�→ Click on a college you’re applying to.
  3. Open the “Recommenders and FERPA” section
    • You’ll first need to complete the FERPA Release Authorization (you only do this once).
      • Click “Complete Release Authorization.”
      • Choose whether or not to waive your right to view recommendations (most students waive this right—it signals trust in your recommenders).
  4. Add your teacher
    • After completing FERPA, click “Invite Recommenders.”
    • Choose “Teacher” from the dropdown list.
    • Enter your teacher’s:
      • Name
      • Email address
      • Subject taught
      • (Optional: note or title)

5. Assign the teacher to each college

    • Some colleges require specific recommenders; others let you choose.
    • Under each college’s “Recommenders” section, check the box next to your teacher’s name to assign them to that college.

6. Click “Submit Invitation”

    • Your teacher will get an email invitation from Common App.
    • They’ll create a recommender account and upload their letter.

Tips

  • Ask your teacher in person or by email first before sending the invite. Use their school email. Provide brag sheet if they are able to.
  • Double-check their email address — wrong addresses cause delays.
  • You can track submission status in the same “Recommenders” section.

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  1. Log in to your Common App account at commonapp.org.
  2. Click the “My Colleges” tab at the top.
  3. Select any college on your list (you only need to add your counselor once — it will apply to all schools).
  4. Click on the “Recommenders and FERPA” section for that college.
  5. Complete the FERPA release authorization (you must do this before inviting recommenders).
    • Click “Complete Release Authorization” and follow the prompts.
    • Once done, you’ll see a confirmation screen.
  6. Under “Invite Recommenders,” select “Invite Counselor.”
  7. Enter your counselor’s:
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Email Address (make sure this is correct — it’s how Common App sends the invite)
  8. Click “Invite” — your counselor will receive an email with instructions to upload your school forms and transcript.

How to Add Your Counselor to Common App

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  • Option Two: Apply Directly Through The College Website

  • Go to college website: ie- schoolcraft.edu, gvsu.edu, cmich.edu, or Google school name

  • Complete application and pay application fee

  • Send transcripts through your PARCHMENT account

  • Send SAT scores direct to the college through your COLLEGE BOARD account

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How do I order a Transcript?

  • Transcripts can be ordered through Parchment.com
  • Please see directions or videos if you are having issues!
  • Parchment Quick Guide
  • Ms. Scurto in Student Services can answer any questions you may have about Parchment!

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Ask for recommendations at least one month before the deadline for submitting!

  1. Provide a fillable brag sheet to your teacher recommenders

  • Ask teachers in classes where you’ve been most active and interested. If you have a college major/plan of study, be sure to have at least one teacher recommender in that subject area.

3. Meet with your counselor to determine if a counselor

recommendation is required. Many colleges do not require

it on Common App.

Recommendation Letters

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When do I apply for college???

By Halloween!

Click link:

College Application Process

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All current seniors took the SAT in April of last school year.

If you plan to retake the SAT, National Test Dates are scheduled starting in August. Go to collegeboard.org for more information.

College Board HELP

SAT UPDATES

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Is the college you are interested in test optional? Research at Fairtest.org

Some colleges may not require SAT scores for admission decisions. However, many scholarship offers may require SAT scores.

Check direct college websites for their Class of 2026 admission requirements.

College Board HELP

SAT UPDATES

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Scholarships

Where do Scholarships come from?

  • Colleges & Universities
  • Completing your FAFSA
  • State and Local Governments
  • High Schools
  • Businesses
  • Clubs & Associations
  • Civic & Religious Groups
  • Private Foundations & Charities
  • Labor Unions & Trade Associations
  • Ethnic Organizations
  • Community Groups
  • Never pay a fee when applying for scholarships or loans!

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Scholarships

  • Colleges will award scholarships based on a student’s GPA and SAT scores.

  • Some colleges will invite eligible students to participate in scholarship competitions.

  • Check the scholarship tab on the college website for information

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Scholarships

  • All scholarships that we receive in the Student Services Office are posted in the Class of 2026 Google Classroom- Join today with class code: fihwu5q

  • Check for all SLEHS Scholarships here updated regularly!

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  1. Create FSA ID
  2. Apply here!
  3. Resources:

APPLY NOW!

  • Must complete to receive scholarships, grants, financial aid, and loans.

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  1. Applications-

Go to their website or use the COMMON APP! Please make sure you are applying to the correct colleges Michigan College Links

*You must be aware of each schools specific deadlines and you must complete all parts of the application.

*If you have questions about Parchment please see Ms. Scurto in Student Services.

RECAP! The Big 4

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RECAP- The Big 4

3. Test Scores- There is a fee to send test scores. Use your account on CollegeBoard.org. If you forgot your username or password, you can contact them at (866) 756-7343, or use the College Board Help Sheet

4. Recommendations- Most colleges and universities do NOT require counselor or teacher letters of recommendation. If your college or university does require a teacher recommendation, please use the BRAG SHEET to fill out and send to your teacher. Students that do not fill our the Brag Sheet will not receive recommendation letters. Please see your counselor if you would like a counselor recommendation.

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  • Paid on the job training while learning a skilled trade
  • Opportunity to earn while you learn
  • Combo of work experience and classroom instruction
  • Often in industries like construction, manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Can take between 1-5 years.

Apprenticeships

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Skilled Trades / Apprenticeship:

  • Carpenter
  • Machinist
  • Electrician
  • Welder
  • Plumber
  • Pipefitter
  • Tool & Die Maker
  • Nurse Aid
  • Butcher
  • Tree Trimmer
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation)
  • Boilermaker
  • Bricklayer/ Restoration
  • Cement Mason
  • Drywall Finisher
  • Iron Worker
  • Millwright
  • Operating Engineer
  • Painter
  • Roofer

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EXAMPLES OF CERTIFICATES

  • Combination of school and work
  • Get paid to learn
  • Wages steadily increase
  • Most construction trades offer apprenticeships
  • Apprenticeships often lead to direct employment

APPRENTICESHIPS

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Trade and Vocational Schools

  • Focus on hands-on training in a specific field
  • Shorter completion time: usually 1-2 years
  • Direct path to employment
  • Growing demand for skilled labor

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Washtenaw CC-Certificate

Schoolcraft College-various programs (go to site)

Oakland CC-various programs (go to site)

Trade Certification through Community College

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Helpful

TRADE Websites

Becoming a Union Tradesperson

Skilled Trades & Unions

Construction Trades

North America Building Trades

  • Sign up to see Ms. DeHorn for more help! dehorna@slcs.us
  • Ms. DeHorn’s appointment scheduling QR code also available in Student Services, Media Center, Bulletin Boards

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Military Service

  • Provides education benefits (GI Bill) for college or trade school
  • Learn valuable skills and gain leadership experience
  • Travel and career opportunities in various branches
  • Requires a commitment of several years

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Recruiters visit throughout the year during lunch

MILITARY

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  • All branches of the military will visit lunchroom sometime this year

  • See Ms. DeHorn in the Media Center or email her at dehorna@slcs.us for more information

  • Lots of opportunities for college funding

  • ASVAB test is required for the military, it is Oct. 30th- Sign up in the Media Center with Ms. DeHorn

MILITARY

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DIRECT TO WORKFORCE

  • Start earning money right away
  • Many entry level jobs provide on the job training
  • Opportunity to gain work experience and learn new skills
  • Consider long term career growth potential

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�How do I decide what to do after high school?

That question is difficult for many students. Some seem to have it all figured out, and others not so much. It is okay to not know exactly what you are going to do after high school, but you definitely want to be thinking about it. Check out the following resources:

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What careers are in high demand?

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National Collegiate Athletic Association

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NCAA

Who to communicate with…

College Coach/Compliance Department

High School Coach

NCAA Course List - Enter SLEHS code: 233472

NCAA website- to register as a student athlete

NCAA Initial Eligibility For College Bound Students- Slideshow from U of M Compliance Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I going to graduate?

A: There are many graduation requirements and many ways for students to meet them. Refer to the SLEHS Curriculum Guide and the Graduation Roadmap.

Q: What's the deal with college visits?

A: You can sign up for college visits by visiting the College and Career calendar link. Colleges are visiting East during Cougar Hour.

  • Importance of College Visits - demonstrate interest, sign up for official tours, ask questions directly to the college

Q: Can I play sports in college?

A: Students interested in college athletics should register with the NCAA or NAIA and let your college coach know so they confirm you are eligible! Failure to do so can result in not being eligible!

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Today all seniors will have an opportunity to speak to a representative in an area of your personal postsecondary interest!

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How to Talk to College Reps

  • Start off by introducing yourself

“Hi, my name is… I’m a senior at South Lyon East High School”

  • If you have applied, tell them and show excitement.
  • Have specific questions.
  • Thank them and ask them for their business card.

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So what would I ask?

  • Admission requirements
  • What a typical admitted student looks like…
      • GPA
      • Curriculum
      • SAT/ACT
  • Required high school preparation/academics & testing
  • Application deadline
  • Benefit of activities
  • See a more extensive list of questions here

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More questions…

  • Financial aid & scholarships
      • Cost of tuition, room & board (food)
      • Financial aid deadline & required forms
      • Merit scholarship & application procedures
  • Activities that interest you
  • Housing & other facilities
  • Campus visits & open houses
  • The surrounding city or neighborhood - Diversity of the campus
  • ANYTHING ELSE THAT INTERESTS YOU!

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Scan the QR Code

Thursday, October 3, 2024

8:30AM - 10:30AM�SLHS Main Gym

WWW.STRIVEFAIR.COM

or

Register for the college fair!

Thursday, October 2, 2025

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After the College Fair

  • Look through StriveScan and materials you may have picked up
  • Weed out colleges that aren’t a good fit
  • Follow up with colleges of interest:
    • Return information cards/StriveScan emails
    • Email the representative with questions
    • Look into visit options
    • Do more research
    • Meet with your counselor if you have questions

APPLY! Check the College Fee Waiver sheet for October. Click here!

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Questions about Post Secondary Options?

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This is the number of credits a student must earn to graduate from East High School.

What are 23 credits?

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This is the number of credits a student must earn to graduate from East High School.

What are 23 credits?

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Students request and send their transcripts electronically using this online service.

What is Parchment?

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This is the name of the Google Classroom counselors use to share information with students.

What is SLEHS Class of 2026?

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College admissions and military representatives visit students at East during this designated time.

What is Cougar Hour?

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Students can access their SAT scores online through this official account.

What is a College Board account?

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Students can apply to colleges using this online platform that allows one application to be sent to multiple schools.

What is the Common App?

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Students can also apply to a college by completing the application directly on this.

What is the college’s own website?

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Students can choose this two-year institution to earn an associate degree or certificate.

What is a 2-year community college?

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This type of school typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

What is a 4-year university?

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Students can learn a specific skill or trade at this type of school instead of a traditional college.

What is a trade school?

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This option allows students to gain hands-on experience while learning a skill directly in the workplace.

What is an apprenticeship?

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Some students choose to do this immediately after high school to earn money and work experience.

What is entering the workforce?

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One option for students after high school to serve their country and receive training.

What is joining the military?

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The total number of students in the East High School Class of 2026.

What is 278 students?

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The date when the East High School Class of 2026 will graduate.

What is June 6, 2026?

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At East High School, students’ GPAs are calculated on this type of scale that gives extra points for AP & dual enrollment classes.

What is a weighted 4.0 scale?

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East High School does not assign this to students, so there is no number showing who is first, second, or third in the class.

What is class rank?

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Michigan State University waives application fees for students applying between October 1–10 using this code.

What is Spartan1855?

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Bus Assignments

Bus 5 (Munger): A-Culp

Bus 17 (Siggia): Cummins-Henn

Bus 19 (Dawson): Hensley-Laskoff

Bus 23 (Shumake/Eberhart): Laten-Ozog

Bus 43 (Richter): P-Smith

Bus 55 (DeHorn): Soave-Z

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Attendance

*Must Use School Email*

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  • Are you CAREER confused?

  • Help you discover the intersection of what you’re good at, what you like, and what can make a living wage

  • Help you explore pathways to get there and navigate potential barriers

  • Help you determine an action plan to make it happen

How can my Career Development Facilitator help me?

Ms. Allison DeHorn

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Career Development Facilitator

  • How to connect with me?

  • Questions about…
    • College majors?
    • Career paths?
    • Apprenticeships?
    • Skilled trades?

  • Classroom visits for EDPs
    • 12th grade English classes

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provides valuable information about:

*Personality/Interests Career Matching*

*College Planning*

*Skilled Trades*

*Military Roles*

  • Stop dreading Xello 😂
  • Log into your Xello account
  • Check out the Links and Resources sections on your home page
  • Update the outdated
  • Research and dig!

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Things To Do…

  • CLEAN. UP. YOUR. SOCIAL. MEDIA. NOW.

  • Make lists of all your jobs (paid and unpaid), clubs, sports, activities, community outreach/volunteer work, awards, leadership positions, large school projects AND the skills and accomplishments associated with them

  • Register for our “Human Services” Cougar Hour 10/22 (police, fire, DEA, FBI, social workers, therapists)

or College Visits using this link

  • Register for the ASVAB (on 11/21) here, in Student Services, Media Center, or when you get the email

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What’s Next?

Navigating Change with Confidence

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Defining Change

Change is the end of one thing and the beginning of another.

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WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKPACK?

Supplies that will make the journey better.

  • Growth Mindset
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Margin
  • Optimism

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Growth MINDSET

    • Openness: Understanding that what you know is just a part of the bigger picture.

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Growth MINDSET

    • Curiosity: Embracing new challenges and learning opportunities.

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Growth MINDSET

    • Adaptability: Being flexible and willing to adjust to change.

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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

SELF AWARENESS

    • Managing your emotions in healthy ways and controlling impulsive feelings.

SOCIAL AWARENESS

    • Building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and communicating effectively.

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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

SELF AWARENESS

    • Recognizing your own emotions and how they impact your thoughts and behavior.

SOCIAL AWARENESS

    • Understanding the emotions of others and picking up on emotional cues.

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MARGIN

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Defining Margin

In your fast-paced lives, it's important to create space for yourself. This is where margin comes in. Margin is about leaving room for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and increase creativity.

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Tips for Creating Margin

    • Time management techniques: Prioritize tasks and schedule breaks.
    • Mindfulness practices: Take time to focus on the present moment and reduce stress.
    • Setting boundaries: Learn to say "no" and protect your time and energy.

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OPTIMISM

  • Cultivating optimism:
    • Gratitude practices: Focus on the positive aspects of your life.
    • Positive affirmations: Repeat positive statements to yourself.
    • Surrounding yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who uplift you.

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EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!