Student Job Link's Resources

One of the key elements in college and professional life is the ability to communicate, both orally and in written form. As an English teacher in high school, I have noticed that a majority of my students still struggle with effective communication , even after 4 years of English classes. We have superior talent among our teachers, so the cause cannot be found in instruction. Some experts suggest that this new generation has replaced reading with watching television and playing video games, thus depriving the students of much needed vocabulary. Others point to the disappearance of Latin and Greek as subjects in instruction. Whatever the reason, many high school teens may suffer a severe handicap when approaching the job market and/or college.
Acing English Skills

If you are one of those high school students who dread the idea of writing essays or any kind of written communication, there are several resources available to you in your own high school. Check for English tutorials after school, talk to your favorite English teacher or your academic counselor for advice. Whether you are going to college or to a vocational school, the skill of writing clear and effective English is a tool that will contribute heavily to your success. There are also private companies like Sylvan who will work with you one on one (if you can afford their rates). I could mention websites dedicated to giving help with homework, but the most effective instrument will always be face to face personal interaction.

Is Hollywood in Your Future?

Most high schools offer speech classes, although very limited ones. Speaking in front of an audience may activate some butterflies in your stomach, sometimes even panic attacks. But the ability to speak convincingly and persuasively is one of the most important tools to achieve success in life. Think of President Obama's oratory skills which helped him get elected. Think of your first job interview in which the prospective employer is analyzing your posture, your vocabulary and your level of self-confidence. Getting the job may very well depend on how well you "sell" yourself. There are several ways in which you can improve your speaking abilities ; the cheapest one is to practice in front of friends and/or family members after writing your piece with some professional help (think favorite English teacher). If you can, have someone film you so that you can see yourself in action. Other ways involve joining your school theatre arts class or the local oratory club. In any case, the speaking skill is like any other skill: practicing makes perfect.

Just Like Shakespeare!

Many students complain that they don't know what to write when the teacher gives them a prompt. I give them the following advice which has worked well for hundreds of anxious teens: Imagine that you are talking to your best friend; imagine that the topic of the conversation is related to what you are expected to write about. Now transcribe that conversation to the paper in front of you and don't worry about grammar and spelling; that will come later. Once you start with the first word, the others will come quickly, just like an ordinary conversation.