On being a good, smart student...     

         A good student:

Takes a PROACTIVE approach to school and learning.

Sees school as his JOB.  Being a student is what he "does for a living."  As such, everything else is extracurricular and gets his second attention.  Sports, games, horses, friends, etc., can all be attended to, but school must come first.

Takes RESPONSIBILITY for his time, planning and academic success.

Focuses on the obstacles placed before him each semester and establishes a routine and strategy for meeting the challenges.

Knows that EDUCATION IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT.

Knows that FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL.

Is HONEST WITH HIMSELF about the effort he is really making and keeps excuses to a minimum. 

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To the student:   Why do we learn?

You are nothing without your education and use of your mind.  You can still be a good person, caring, giving and loving, but you still must survive and prosper to assure your well-being in life.  Without an education of some sort, this is impossible.  In short, you will be giving ownership of your life over to others.

In essence, it is your responsibility to also decide why you need to learn.  This is an important thing to think about, and deserves your complete review.  What matters to all of us may not necessarily matter to you.  So think this out thoroughly.  Then,

Set your own education goals.  This should be done in long-range terms for the ultimate goals, such as a college degree, as well as shorter range goals:  each year, each semester, and each week.

Once you have determined your educational goals, take time to plan for the reward that you rightly deserve for your efforts.  Then keep your eye on the prize.  Do not lose sight of your goal and reward for even a moment.