School isn't one of the easiest places to be yourself. When most people get to school they become a different person from whom they actually are. Not even because they want to, but because they feel they'll get judged or bullied if they don't fit in. I helped my friend overcome bullying. From 3rd-6th grade my best friend and I did everything together, from birthday parties to library visits. She was fun to be around and different, I thought; others didn't. My best friend was about 5'9 and dark skin with short hair. She didn't wear designer clothes, so people wouldn't give her a chance. My most judgmental friend disliked my best friend for no exact reason. She didn't even attempt to get to know my best friend. My judgmental friend chose to pick on my best friend about her height and said inappropriate things about how she dresses; others followed. While at my best friend's house one day, I knew something was wrong. She finally told me that at times she feels so down and insecure to where she hates who she is. When I heard that, I said everything I could to let her know how amazing she was, not only as friend but a person. I felt awful, even if she never spoke up for herself, I should've. That whole night, it was on my mind, I knew there was something I had to do. I either had to pick sides, or do something to make my judgmental friend know my best friend, just as I. That's when I got my idea. The next day I brought my idea to the principal and counselor's attention. They were all for it. When it was time for lunch I made my announcement for a “Lunchtime Mix-Up.” Students had to sit with someone they didn't know or didn't usually sit with. It was mandatory and anyone who didn't participate had to eat last. I hoped the two would end up at a table together; they actually did, and I joined them as mediator. By the end of lunch they talked out their problems without yelling or arguing. They didn't become the closest of friends but my judgmental friend stopped bullying my best friend. My principal was really proud that I decided to do this. I never let her know why I did it but I'm happy it turned out well. I was really happy because I did not want to have to choose sides. Who knows how that would've turned out? It also makes me think, who else could've been getting hurt or bullied and no one knew or paid attention? Not only did I fix the situation myself but I started something that benefited others. Not everyone wanted to participate and that was fine; they missed out. Since it was such a success, we decided to make every Monday's lunchtime a “Mix-Up Monday.” It was a free, brilliant and safe resolution. There's not one thing in this world that becomes perfect over night, so yeah it had some adjusting to get use to. Once everyone got use to it, it was more than fun. It was a life lesson. You're never gonna be exactly like someone else, but that does make you better either. Nor does it make you less valuable, you're just as amazing as anyone else.

As an high school student, I feel as though it's more important to choose the path of college readiness over career readiness. It's more about finding who you are, and who you want to be in your adulthood. The Washington Post reported in 2014 that “only 27% of college grads have a job related to their major.” Who's to say the career you're preparing for is the one for you? If you get college ready then you'll also be preparing for any career through the process. When building the skills you need for a career. If you're not prepared for college, how can you be prepared to take that job as a nurse, doctor, psychologist or whatever the choice? Going to college will open doors to increased salary potential, better career options, and better chances for personal growth that a person just can't get any other way. Before you can choose a career, oneself will have to know what type of person they are and who they want to be. You have to know your limits, skills and what you specialize in. You have to set goals for yourself, and learn how to accomplish those goals. The college experience helps you find who you are. While being out on your own, you'll become in contact with many different situations where you'll have to decide what's best for you on your own and even if you can't, in college you'll have someone who will help you blossom into who you want to be. In the process of finding who you are, college helps you build the skills necessary for having any job. Such as communication, responsibility, time management, leadership and research. There's even many more skills you'd never know you could gain through your experience. For example, “The first skill that I leveraged on my résumé and in my professional work life was research and data analysis. Every college student has had to research and analyze data at some point in their college career. This skill is used in professional settings to evaluate a multitude of key performance indicators”(Melissa Suzno, 2014). Those skills will help you when applying for jobs, setting up schedules and adjusting to the everyday life as an adult. College will leave an affect on you, you'll never forget. After college, when you begin to take on the world, you'll notice so many things you've learned in college relate to everyday situations. When filling out job applications, so many jobs will look at you and take interest in you just because you have a degree. Most college grads don't have to stress about being unemployed because nowadays it's easier for them to work in many places. Now that they've learned time management, they'll know when they have time to relax and do things such as; working out, visiting friends, etc. You may wonder, “Why go to college? Why not go to trade school.”? Trade schools are beneficial but they offer fewer career options. College graduates that excel in their fields can earn more beneficial long-term income than trade school graduates. I feel as though, trade schools are the easy way out. People go to trade schools because they don't feel like spending money or going to school for a long time. If you are lazy about going to school, who's to say you're not going to be lazy about your career? You have to put in the hard work and spend a little money, to make money. As long as you're staying consistent in high school and on top of your work, earning scholarships for college will be easy for you. It all starts with you. Your future starts with you. No one can tell you how to live, they can only give you advice. Whether you've got your career picked out or not, from middle school to high school. Staying on top of your grades, being in extracurricular activities and many other things will get you noticed. They'll be people telling you go to a trade school to save money, because college isn't worth it or they don't believe you should tie yourself down to one school. It's up to you to believe in yourself, you have to know your worth. Trade schools accept any and everyone, but to get college offers by big colleges and even colleges you never heard of makes you feel like a star. Not only do colleges see potential in you, but if you're a hard worker, they'll pay for you to come to their college. I've made my choice, now it's up to you to decide.