Advice from your peers

• Look for someone who has been to college at your neighborhood service center, church, or school.
• Ask an older student in your high school or someone who is already in college or in a career program.
• Find someone who has the lifestyle you are looking for, the picture of excellence that you want to live up to. Look for that person and then use that person as your stepping stone. Ask them how they got to where they are and what steps they took. Ask them to help you model your life after theirs.
• Let your counselors and mentors know you want to continue your education after high school.
• Once you find someone who might be able to help, make an appointment to see them. Let them know you want to go to college even if they think you can’t. Ask them for ways to get there even if it will take a long time.
• Ask lots of questions, even if you think they may make you look “stupid.”
• Don’t be shy. Open yourself up because the time you don’t may be the opportunity you missed to grab a good resource that could really help you and keep you encouraged and on the path that you are trying to go on.
• Recognize that there will be some stumbling blocks but it is the people you meet along the way who will help you overcome those stumbling blocks and teach you how to walk on each stepping stone and keep you going.
• Just ask someone for help. Don’t be afraid. Realize that people are wiling to help you.
• Never give up. Stay confident.
• If you are a foster youth in the Miami area, visit http://www.educatetomorrow.org/index.php for help near you.
• Visit www.knowhow2go.org for more suggestions.