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How are you approaching your education?

How you answer that question could say a lot about how far and how high your structured, formal education will take you.

Are you in school just "to show up"? Is it more about the socialization or worse - the mandatory - nature of your education that keeps you attending?

Don't be ashamed to admit that you're less than enthusiastic about your education. As the 12-step programs out there will tell you, the first step to defeating a problem or obstacle in your life is being willing to 'fess up to it.

So quit squirming in your seat, or wondering why your Mom and Dad left this article printed out on your bedroom desk. I'm not here to chastise you for being a passive student. I'm not here to blame you for it, or even - necessarily - to tell you that there's something wrong with being a passive student.

I'm just here to tell you that you (yes, even you over there with drool already beginning to form at the corners of your mouth from the mere anticipation of the boredom you're about to endure) absolutely CAN transform from the passive, unmotivated student to an active, dynamic member of your student body. You might not be able to do it overnight, and there's a good chance that it won't turn you into Class President, but it will turn you into someone who is involved with and in your education, not just someone resigned to "dealing with it" until graduation comes and goes...

1."Taste-test" EVERYTHING! You might not be able to start sampling things right this minute, but try this at the beginning of the next school year... Request a calendar for all try-outs, sports, clubs, committees, organization, etc. that will be running on campus. If your teachers don't have a copy, head over for a quick visit with your guidance counselor. Grab a highlighter and start going through the list. Look for sports that interest you. Look for clubs that are involved with things you feel passionate about. See what organizations can help you develop a career related focus when school's over and "real life" begins. Look for things you know very little about, but are actually curious about finding out more information on. If you've gone through the list and still haven't found any offerings that get you fired up, start making a list of organizations and clubs that WOULD and then share them with your counselor and see if perhaps one could be created.

2. Determine whether you're an "active" or "reflective" learner. In this world, there are basically two kinds of

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