Lifeline Extensions ~ A Young College Woman's Perspective on Life

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Fellow College Students

& Others…

REMEMBER TO VOTE IN

NOVEMBER 2012.

And, take a few minutes to check out this group of young non-eligible voters giving an inspiring reminder to all of us eligible voters to

vote in November!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

I WANT YOU TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Image from Google Images

In the United States, when a person turns 18 years old, they officially become an adult.

Along with the adult status, people earn the legal right to vote.

In a country like America, voting determines the leaders of the people, as well as policies enacted to monitor everyday life of the people.

Believe it or not, some people have not upheld their right to vote…and have simply not registered or even bothered to actually, physically travel to the polls to vote during national, regional, or local elections.

In order to see the changes we talk about wanting and to make sure our voices are heard, we must vote.

Our cast ballots force governments to recognize and listen to our local voices.

America, a democracy, needs our voices, our opinions, our votes in order to make progress.

The following video features First Lady Michelle Obama, urging citizens to register, and go out and vote!

I encourage and challenge you to research what it takes to vote in your state.

Then, register to vote in the November 2012 National Election!

Make your voice count in future elections by VOTING -- your voice matters!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other young adults and teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

DECEMBER 2011 & JANUARY 2012: Happy Winter Holiday & Happy Winter Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

We can all be proud and glad that we're about to complete a whole semester of college.

What an exciting journey.

Exciting, and exhausting at times.

So...

HAPPY WINTER HOLIDAYS, HAPPY NEW YEAR & HAPPY WINTER BREAK TO EVERYONE!

Chat with you all at the beginning of February 2012!

Take care,
Danielle

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

NOVEMBER 2011: Dorm table to family dining table – Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Though the following video may be geared more toward young children…I know that we are all still little kids at heart!

And, the message rings true no matter what age we are.

I hope everyone has a fun and yummy Thanksgiving Holiday!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Danielle

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

OCTOBER 2011: Scheduling “Me-Time” on campus

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Photo Copyright: reallifecoaching.net

Hey Fellow College Girls ~ Happy October!

Roughly two months of college life down...and, we thought high school was busy -- lol!

Hopefully, we're all remembering to add personal care a.k.a. p-a-m-p-e-r-i-n-g to our busy schedules because it’s so important that we take care of ourselves so we can get everything done…

That means we should be making time for "Me Time" by:

- fussing over and tending to our hair (this means sticking with our weekly routines for deep conditioners, etc.)

- giving ourselves manicures and pedicures, or just soaking our tired feet after walking all over campus

- wash/clean our clothes so we continue looking like our own style of "fashionista" on campus

- keeping our rooms neat and clean so we can think and study in a clean environment

- staying healthy and exercising daily

- being still, praying, meditating, just thinking and dreaming of the future

All of these things can help us stay happier, more focused, and more energetic. And, they really don't take a lot of time.

So girls, make sure you schedule “Me-Time” into your Smartphone with a reminder notification for every single day…even if your personal time can only last for 10-20 minutes.

Those 10-20 minutes will make you feel like a new person.

Remember, we are very important people with very important futures ahead of us so we need to be healthy in mind, body, spirit, and soul so we can do what we need to do.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Danielle

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

SEPTEMBER 2011: Quick, healthy dorm room breakfast ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Photo Copyright: http://thehealthyapron.com/

Congratulations!

For many of us, it’s already been some weeks since the first day of our college journey! I hope everyone is having a great time and enjoying the experience.

By now, you might be wrapped up in just a little stress trying to fit in good balanced meals everyday (more specifically, breakfast!)

According to the Mayo Clinic, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and helps with three main things:

1. Reduced hunger throughout the rest of the day (you won’t feel the need to eat too much during the day).

2. Healthy choices (breakfast adds to a very healthy diet and lifestyle).

3. Gives you a large boost of energy (you will have an easier time staying awake and alert during classes and study sessions even if you had to stay up late studying the night before).

Since it might be a bit hard to race to the cafeteria before an early class to get breakfast, consider making your own healthy breakfast.

I’ve found that making my own healthy fruit smoothies is extremely helpful when you have a really hectic schedule.

And, it takes only about 10 minutes!!!

All you do is:

1. The night before, pre-cut different kinds of fresh fruit into cubes or slices 2. Put the fresh fruit cubes/slices in a single Ziploc baggie and store in your dorm room refrigerator

3. In the morning, add the cut fruit and some natural fruit juices to a blender (sometimes you may decide to also add milk if you want the smoothie to have a slightly thicker texture)

4. Press the "blend" button on the blender and wait until the mixture turns into a liquid

Then, I fill my thermos with some ice, and pour the blended mixture in before enjoying a delicious and healthy Breakfast Fruit Smoothie!

The smoothie keeps me full until lunchtime! And since it’s made with fresh fruit and natural fruit juices (and/or milk) it’s very healthy.

You’ll probably have some leftover smoothie mix when you first blend it -- this extra mixture can be kept in your dorm refrigerator for the next morning!

And, if you really want to stay organized and on top of your busy schedule, think about preparing the baggies of fruit on the weekend, labeling the five bags for each day of the week, and storing the baggies in the fridge until you need them for your daily breakfast!

Also, be fearless when combining different kinds of fruit. I’ve tried different combinations and learned that practically any type of fruit combo tastes delicious.

Good luck making your smoothies. Enjoy breakfast every day and stay healthy!

***If you'd like to share other healthy, quick, and easy dorm room breakfast ideas please leave comments below ~ thanks***

Danielle

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

AUGUST 2011: What’s in your closet?

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

http://www.modelinia.com/blog/

It’s finally time! The time to really start thinking about college preparation.

But before you get too excited and race to the nearest mall to buy fashionable clothes for your “totally new college wardrobe” …think again!

First, look in your current closet and sort through your entire wardrobe. You might find things you’ve never worn, or pieces that would serve as great basics.

Then, BE CREATIVE!

Try to create some cute outfits with the clothes you already have.

Use fashion magazines that promote creativity and individuality such as Seventeen or Teen Vogue to get fresh and trendy ideas about how to give your existing wardrobe a boost by simply mixing and matching items you never would have combined on your own.

After this process, you’ll have the start of a whole new college wardrobe!

And you will have an inventory of all of the clothing items you currently have and a good idea of any items you absolutely need to purchase -- for a good and reasonable price of course!

Whatever you do, make sure your personality shines through by the outfits you put together!

Good luck in your first college semester!!!

Danielle
College Student

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Tying up last-minute loose ends

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Image: http://www.myemailreminders.com/

Our college checklists are just about done, and remind us about the “essentials” we need to go in our college dorm rooms – CHECK!

Time to tie up some last-minute reminders!

ü Remember to hang out with family and friends a lot this summer, and takes lots of pics and videos of some great memories – CHECK!

ü Remember to “Spring Clean” closets and shelves and store or give away things that haven’t been used in over one year – CHECK!

ü Remember to thank our parents everyday just because – CHECK!

ü Remember to work on any remaining college scholarship applications so they get sent out before college courses start – CHECK!

ü Remember to watch favorite DVDs…or VHSs for 90s throwbacks like “The Lion King” (Hakuna Matata!!!) as many times as possible over the summer; and memorize every song and line of the movie since that’s sure to bring smiles to our faces when things get overly busy and maybe a little overwhelming in college – CHECK!

Hakuna Matata, Fellow High School Graduates!!!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Dorm room decorating days

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Image: Clipartguide.com

Whether graduating in May or June, how to decorate a college dorm room is on our minds.

Hookupyourdormroom.com is a great site I found to help high school seniors make a checklist of “essential” dorm room items since we can’t take our entire room and everything in it to college with us (Aw man! Lol!)

Another thing we may all be thinking about is sharing that dorm room with a roommate we may really be meeting for the first time.

Check out this good advice from hookupyourdormroom.com:

http://www.hookupyourdorm.com/sharing-with-a-roommate.html

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Sometimes life is like a three-ring circus

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Sun, 01 May 2011 20:23:00 +0000

Photo Copyright: Associated Press Images

Some days things go so hilariously wrong it’s comical.

Like the day I almost fell getting off the bus on the way to school because my bags blocked my view…

How, you ask, were my bags blocking my view? I don’t know…

Then, I had to take down decorations for one of the student leadership groups I belong to; and of all days, the person I usually team with to do these kinds of things was absent…

There I was rolling the not-big-enough and very loud screeching cart down the hallway as teachers looked at me as if I had a big red nose on my face. Geez…

And, I got to a door, which I had to open by myself for myself since my teammate was absent, you remember…

And, the cart wouldn’t fit through the doorway…

Then everything fell off the cart…

And I had to hurry to pick everything up before somebody saw
me fumbling around like a clown with a big red nose on my face…
Brother…

Yep.

Some days life is just like a three-ring circus.

On those days, I just put my imaginary big red nose on my face and
laugh at myself before someone else gets a chance to laugh at me…

In a weird kind of way that actually makes things a lot easier to
deal with on days when “MY circus is in town…”

LOL!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Time to be independent, Girls!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Here's a throwback to the 90s: Destiny's Child sent a clear message to all of us girls to BE WHO WE ARE and "Show Our Independence!"

That's not to say we don't need people to help us in life, but there are some things we're capable of doing on our own.

It's time to be independent, Girls!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:50:00 +0000

Thank you for following our blog since 2009!

Starting today "LifelineExtensions ~ A Teen Girl's Perspective" blog will publish monthly on this site.

"A Teen Girl's Perspective" articles are written to help teens deal with common, everyday teen issues, so write to let us know what you'd like to read about.

Have a good weekend!

Danielle Biggs has been a blogger since 2009, writing articles with tips to help other teens deal with everyday issues.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

On the inside looking in

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

In 1837, the Massachusetts Board of Education was created as the first state board of education in America.

Boards of Education (BOE) began being established in other parts of country, with the primary focus being to help district school administrators and school business administrators with submitting annual budgets for public education, and, setting and maintaining policies, procedures, and standards needed for the smooth operation of a school district.

The mission and vision behind all that is done by a school board is directly connected to improving student achievement and teacher performance.

However, until a person has an opportunity to be up close and personal to the inner workings of BOEs, chances are the outsiders looking in will freely dole out criticisms and recommendations to the BOE about how “they should really be functioning.”

School boards of education have received their fare share of criticism and lambasting, especially over the last several years.

A person can generally read any e-newspaper or e-newsletter, or watch news’ programs on television to see just how much criticism is floating out there.

Until a person is on the inside closely examining what school boards face in today’s tough economy as they try to budget, establish and maintain policies, and set procedures and standards; the inclination may be to form opinions and make judgments about what “school boards are not doing correctly.”

Many a school year has gone by with large numbers of individuals describing the quality of a school board based on whatever real or imagined “facts” they have while their opinions about school boards are forming.

Sometimes a person will either run for and win a school board seat, or apply for and get a position within a school district that allows him or her to work closely with a school board.

He or she will then be “on the inside looking in” to undoubtedly form a completely new opinion about what school boards do, and why certain decisions are made regarding the functioning and overall operations of a district.

It is never a good idea for us to judge a book by its cover, and potentially miss enjoying a good read just because the cover may seem a bit tattered or unappealing.

It is just as bad of an idea for us to prejudge school boards until we are no longer on the outside looking in, but are on the inside looking in and working alongside school board members who want nothing but the best for our children just like the rest of us.

We can find out when school board elections take place in our communities and show support to our local school boards by casting ballots.

In New Jersey, the 2011 school board elections are scheduled for April 27^th.

Vote to show support for the work school boards of education do to improve student achievement and teacher performance as a way to position our students and teachers to be more effective and academically competitive in today’s global society.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 25-year educator, who is currently working on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Progress with a purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:31:00 +0000

People who truly celebrate with you will, even when your level of accomplishment passes theirs by…

Rejoice in your own and in other’s successes…

Own up to the fact that you have been chosen to move forward during this season, so do not feel or act guilty about it…

Guide others to make progress by living out your accomplishment to the fullest…

Remember that our local successes will have global impact, so do not hold back your gifts, talents, and accomplishments...

Express gratitude for your accomplishment because it really is a blessing, and things could easily have gone the other way…

Speak out about your progress; not to brag about yourself, but to build capacity in others so they know they can move forward, too -- at least one "somebody" is watching and listening to you closely…

Sign on to informally or formally mentor someone else to stand on your shoulders and reach their own level of greatness…

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 25-year educator, who is currently working on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Better late than never

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0000

We can never afford to let someone else make us believe it is too late for us to accomplish a goal.

As long as we have breath and can see a new day, it is better late than never to start something we never started, or finish something we never finished.

If given the chance, pessimists, cynics, and critics might negate us all the way to the Land of the Defeated because of their linear view of the individual strength we possess to do great things and to do those things well.

At times even people who generally support us and would never wish us any harm may misrepresent the timeline we are supposed to follow to reach certain marks along our journey.

These folks may think they are advising us with our best interest in their minds, but in reality, they may be unintentionally standing in the way of completion.

Any way you slice it, “Timeline Sabotage” is a tough obstacle we will sometimes encounter in life.

Knowing that to be the case, WE CAN, WE SHOULD, AND WE WILL finish whatever we need and want to finish.

The question to ask ourselves is “Do WE really need and want to finish whatever it is?”

If it is not something we truly need or want, “better NEVER than late” may be the correct route for us to take so we can avoid having to clean up one big unnecessary mess later on.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

CONGRATULATIONS ~ You've been accepted to college! ~ A Teen Girl's Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000

missabbottswkhsblog.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS! You've been accepted to college!

Once we get over the excitement and emotions, it's time to focus on how to pay for a college education.

But, don't worry because we are not in this alone.

There are tons of foundations and organizations that offer scholarships for high school seniors on their way to college just like us.

Two great resources that will help us tap into the plethora of scholarships and financial aid available are: Fastweb.com and Collegeboard.com.

High school guidance counselors are also terrific resources we can utilize to find out more information and have questions answered about scholarships and the college preparation process, in general.

There is money out there to help with college, and it's just waiting for us to find it.

We just have to use our time wisely and take action quickly so that we can obtain as much money as possible as soon as possible.

Happy Scholarship Searching!

Written by:

Danielle M. Biggs

High School Senior who is college bound & continuing to work hard to get there!

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Senioritis…what is that nowadays??? ~ A Teen Girl's Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

There is something called “Senioritis” that can occur during a person’s senior year of high school.

Definition (mine -- J): Senioritis – the act of chillaxin’ and relaxin’ during a person’s senior year of high school because that person realizes it is his or her last year of “kid school,” and the year before he or she officially becomes a young adult in college or the workforce. During the senioritis year, the student stops doing classwork, homework, and all other school-related activities that have anything to do with working hard.

My question is: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS SENIORITIS NOWADAYS???

Senior year can easily be one of the busiest and most hectic years of a student’s school career:

There is the heavy load of work in Upperclassmen-level classes (especially if they are at the Honors’ or Advanced Placement level), college applications, scholarship applications, fellowship applications, FAFSA, CSS Profiles, letters of recommendation, essays, personal statements, college orientation weekends, pre-planning for college dorm life, driving lessons, driving tests, study sessions, co-curricular activities and practices, spending quality time with family and friends during this last year at home, household chores and responsibilities, and everything else (!).

Who has time to kick back, chillax, relax, and stop working hard?!

It might be better if the 2011 definition of Senioritis went something like this:

Senioritis (2011) – the act of continuing to be disciplined and learning more every day how to balance one’s responsibilities and obligations at home, school, and beyond since this will be an EXPECTATION when he or she enters “the real world” after graduation from high school. During the senioritis year, the student increases his or her use of the Outlook Calendar, Smartphone reminder, or other device used to signal him or her of upcoming assignments, appointments, events, classwork, homework, and all other school-related activities that have EVERYTHING to do with working hard.

Senior year of high school can be exhausting and sometimes even overwhelming when everything seems to be due at the same time.

But, after we take a breather we have to just pick ourselves up and get “back to the grind” so that we get things done on time and correctly the first time -- if we try to shortcut our way to finish something we’ll only end up using more of our valuable time with the “do-over.”

Trust me on this one…J!

Written by:

Danielle M. Biggs

High School Senior who is college bound & continuing to work hard to get there!

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Seasoned Divas

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Young women in their teens and early to late twenties are sometimes fortunate enough to be graced with high levels of confidence, charisma, and character.

If asked how and when they became so sure of themselves, we may hear from them stories about having positive parental influences, strong family and friends’ networks, healthy work ethics; and a host of successes and accomplishments already experienced at their young ages.

Of course, there are those teens and twenties who spend years struggling to find their niche in life; which can sometimes unfortunately lead to unhealthy risk-taking in their quests.

Moving on to slightly older women who are “thirty-something,” we may see evidence of a wide range of young women who either transparently share who they are with the world; or those who prefer to be hyper-cautious about opening up to anyone outside of their inner circles.

When some women reach the age of 40, they may begin showing signs of resurrected confidence, charisma, and character as a result of a “personal epiphany” that reminds them they are entering the realm of the middle-aged woman who needs to be laser-focused on getting things done “before it’s too late,” whatever that means to them, individually.

Then, comes THE BIG 5-0 when women enter “The World of the SEASONED DIVAS!”

By 50, many women, if not most women, can look in the mirror and like the Seasoned Diva she sees – regardless of the color, shape, size, or skin she is in.

Seasoned Divas are the ones who can usually walk into a room and change the atmosphere just by being there.

The age of 50 seems to give women the ability and gumption to: accept it, reject it, stick with it, leave it alone, call it out, ignore it, sleep on it, immediately decide about it, speak up, remain silent, keep what’s already there, re-invent what’s there to make it even better, wear her hair long and traditional, sport a funky short hairdo, teach a new idea, learn a new skill, exercise a lot, exercise a little…

Just like E.F. Hutton, when the Seasoned Diva is in the room, people seem to want to listen to and learn from her pearls of wisdom.

During the Seasoned Diva’s fifties, and into her sixties, seventies, and beyond; the timeless “seasoning” that makes her who she is oftentimes seems to get even better the longer she lives.

Confidence, charisma, and character are usually constant companions of the Seasoned Diva by the time she turns 50.

And, she makes no excuses about the fact that it may have taken her a half-century or more to reach that point – she is just glad to be among the elite ranks of "The Seasoned Divas."

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

The Importance of Just Being Yourself ~ A TEEN GIRL’S PERSPECTIVE

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:29:00 +0000

Depending on where a chameleon is, it will change its colors and appearance to fit in with its perpetually changing surroundings.

It happens so constantly and quickly that the chameleon never actually has time to go back to an original color—since it is always trying to appear as something it’s not.

Chameleons can be like people-- more specifically like us, teenagers.

Some of us are as uncertain about ourselves as an ever-changing chameleon.

Altering who we are simply to fit within the conditions of certain circumstances.

Why do so many teens have such a challenging time just expressing their true selves no matter what others may say or think?

Why do we, one of the most rebellious age groups, find it so hard not to rise above common stereotypes and misjudgments people give us?

Why?

The famous children’s book author, Eric Carle, wrote a book called: The Mixed -Up Chameleon.

The storybook is about a chameleon that changes its behavior and outer appearance to match that of others around it merely to fit in.

It only sees the perfection in others and the flaws in itself. It’s blinded to how beautifully unique it actually is.

After a long time of trying to alter itself to fit the mold of others, the chameleon realizes that being itself is the most natural, most stress-free, most rewarding thing it can be.

Just like the chameleon, many teens, go through a phase entitled, “Lack of self-confidence, and misinterpretation of uniqueness.”

This phase is common and will remain present until we decide to overcome it.

We live in a world where being different and unique is sometimes frowned upon and classified as someone being plain odd and unacceptable.

The challenge of being unique is being able to remain comfortable in your own skin, regardless of any outside opinions.

To capture the reward of being yourself means a person has to be able to stay strong at his or her best moment and remain strong at the worst moments.

This requires that we remind ourselves that we are awesome because we are different; our uniqueness is what makes us vibrantly stand out from everyone else.

It’s much better to be remembered for an outstanding action such as being who we are no matter what, than for just merely fitting in with everyone else and never straying away from the “norm.”

While it will take some getting used to, in the end, being ourselves will give us the most happiness.

So starting now let’s promise to give ourselves what we deserve. Let’s not let another year pass us by without being our true selves!

2011 will be the year we learn how much better it is just to be comfortable with ourselves.

It is not anyone else’s year, so let’s not live our lives for anyone else.

It’s your year, so live it up for you and only you!

Written by:

Danielle M. Biggs, High School Senior ~ College Bound...

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Setting self-improvement goals in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Photo Copyright: Photoxpress.com

At the start of every New Year, there is usually a lot of talk about setting self-improvement and individual growth goals.

What does self-improvement and individual growth truly mean? Does it have to mean the same thing to different people?

Stephen Covey advises us to set realistic personal goals that will directly influence us in body, heart, mind, and spirit.

If trying to tackle the entire 12 months of 2011 at one time seems too overwhelming, we can split the calendar into quarters and infuse Covey’s advice when setting our goals.

Taking that approach may lead our 2011 self-improvement goal setting to look something like this:

Body –

January, February, March

Develop a healthy living plan that will include daily physical exercise and healthy dietary habits that are the right fit for our individual personalities, schedules, and lifestyles.

Taking care of our bodies and keeping them well nourished and well maintained can help us live longer and more enjoyable lives.

We can start implementing this healthy living plan in the first quarter of the New Year, and keep it going throughout 2011 and even beyond that.

Heart –

April, May, June

Heart disease and strokes are strong forces and silent killers that command our attention. Stress-loaded lives filled with unhealthy dietary and/or life choices can lead to high blood pressure, which is another silent killer, and oftentimes a precursor to the development of an unhealthy heart.

Eating the right foods, staying positive despite what may go on around us, and making the decision to love people even when they may be tough to love, as well as making the decision to keep ourselves lovable to others; can actually help us sustain healthy hearts during expanded lifetimes.

We can implement a plan to overpower the three silent killers by being selective about what we allow to “live in our hearts,” and consistently working on ourselves to remove any bodily toxins that may have sneaked in if we temporarily get distracted by outside sources.

Mind –

July, August, September

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” is the timeless signature tag line of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Having a determined focus to be lifelong learners instead of projecting the image of someone who believes he or she knows everything there is to know, and has been there and done that; will keep our mental muscles strong, healthy, and vibrant.

We can implement a plan to sign up for courses, learn new trades or skills, or enroll in university programs to obtain higher education degrees.

This plan may not only keep our minds sharper for longer periods, but it has the real potential to make us more marketable in the job market.

Spirit –

October, November, December

Some people believe this area of goal setting goes first, and is the one that sets the foundation for the other three areas because it works on us each day – from the inside out.

Whatever the theological framework, goal setting in this area may involve us including inspirational study, music, and messages in our lives each week.

Some of us may achieve this goal by including regular and consistent prayer and bible study in our daily or weekly dietary intake.

Being in the company of others where proactive and positive discussions about fulfilling lifetime dreams take place, and where plans of action for reaching individual goals are developed, may help us pursue more realistic and balanced goals.

However we decide to map out 2011, keeping Covey’s advice in mind may help us take one big goal of self-improvement and focus on sub-goals for realistic and relevant growth and development for our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits. Happy Goal Setting and Happy New Year!

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Setting a reasonable goal to make sure 2011 is fantastic ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We all can and should plan to select and set our 2011 goals wisely.
Instead of making a whole bunch of little goals that we may easily forget as soon as January is over, maybe we can try setting just one big goal.

Setting a goal that sums up all that we want to do and accomplish in the upcoming year is a great way to set ourselves up for success.

We can think about where we want to end up by December 2011, and work backwards to see how we can accomplish parts of our goal each month until we get there.

Some teens may set goals like:

Plan to become a better person, refrain from being selfish, prepare for success, try to find their true self, etc.

If we can just stick to our one big goal for 2011, we may be able to look back at the year in December 2011 and be able to smile and feel proud, knowing we have accomplished all that we planned to accomplish!

Happy Goal-Setting!

Written by Danielle M. Biggs
High School Senior & Future College Student
Administrative Assistant & Trustee ~ Lifeline Foundation, Inc.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION: Extending hope and gifts during a difficult holiday season

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

December 19, 2010 at around 6:30 p.m. probably seemed like just any other Sunday evening in the New Jersey town of Perth Amboy.

Little did 38 families know how much events that would happen in their Harbortown Development that evening would instantly change the course of their lives.

A horrific fire blazed for hours, destroying the homes of those 38 families; displacing them and rendering them homeless right before the Winter Holiday Season.

On Christmas Day, local businesses, private donors, and the organizations Eventfully Yours, Inc., Dortch-Wright Communications, The David's Touch Foundation, Lifeline Foundation, Inc., and the Raritan Bay YMCA in Perth Amboy, combined their charitable efforts and donations to provide the fire victims with a complete Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, and gifts for the children.

The YMCA allowed the event to take place in their beautiful new facility on New Brunswick Avenue in Perth Amboy, at no cost to the event coordinators, Lisa Hall and Devvan Dowdy, co-owners and co-founders of Eventfully Yours, Inc.

Carole Dortch-Wright of Dortch-Wright Communications emceed the event, inspiring the audience; and inviting audience members to sing Christmas songs, Karaoke-style.

In addition to tables overflowing with holiday dinner and desserts, Santa Claus visited the site and handed out toys, hats, scarves, gloves, and other items to the children and teens victimized by the December 19^th fire.

The David’s Touch Foundation of Perth Amboy, New Jersey donated a large amount of toys for Santa Claus to give to the children.

Another non-profit donor, Lifeline Foundation, Inc. of Princeton, New Jersey, donated close to 250 holiday ribbon-wrapped children’s books, along with toys and outerwear items for children ages one through the early teen years to enjoy.

In addition to the gifts handed out to the children, gift cards to local grocery stores were donated to the adults.

The families were encouraged by the event coordinators and volunteers to take food and desserts with them to enjoy after the Christmas Day outreach event at the YMCA.

A community of givers extended hope and gifts to 38 families facing a difficult holiday season, and put smiles on the faces of the children, teens, and their parents.

Readers ~ If you’d like to make a donation to the families of the December 19^th Harbortown Fire contact:

Lisa Richardson-Hall

Eventfully Yours
25 Brenner Street
Newark, New Jersey 07108
973-297-0909
Direct: 908-244-9000
Eventfullyyours1@aol.com

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Giving excess baggage a final eviction notice

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Photo from: rickandsarah.com

When a property owner determines a tenant is damaging his or her rental business operations the owner will likely serve the tenant with a final eviction notice.

That tenant may appear to be a very nice person and decent citizen to other people, and perhaps even to the landlord; but some of the behaviors of the tenant reinforce in the mind of the landlord the fact that the tenant must go.

Room has to be made in the owner’s facility for tenants who will consistently demonstrate positive, helpful, and favorable behaviors.

The negative behaviors of the undesirable tenant are bad for business and bad for the peace of mind, success, and sanity of the property owner.

A new season and a new year gives us all a chance to make a clean break from the negative people, places, positions, behaviors, and thoughts we may still be allowing to hold us back.

That negativity weighs us down like excess baggage, slowing our forward movement and forward thinking.

The time has come to serve the negativity with a FINAL EVICTION NOTICE.

We have to do this so we can successfully think clearly and move forward to reach our full potential in 2011 and beyond.

There can be one problem, though. Excess baggage can be cunning and slick.

It can creep up on us before we can say, “What happened?” Once it latches onto us, it can be a beast to get rid of.

The extra baggage can weigh us down, slow us down, stamp early wrinkles on our foreheads, make us miss opportunities, and trick us into behaving anti-socially, and politically incorrectly.

It can also trip us up so that we say or do things that are unfriendly or downright mean – leading our behavior to become just like the excess baggage: negative.

If we are not careful, the extra baggage can even ruin our health and steal years away from our lives.

So, let’s all make a 2011 vow to:

ü Admit that we have made mistakes in the past.

ü Forgive ourselves and forgive others for situations that have gone sour – harboring guilt and resentment will not change what happened, but it will change our health for the worse.

ü Accept that we live in the present, and not in the past.

ü Commit to learn from the past mistakes we have made.

ü Decide not to make the same mistakes twice.

ü Teach other people how not to make the mistakes we made by being transparent about our experiences when we coach them into their success.

ü Understand that as humans we are prone to make mistakes from time to time.

ü Stop scapegoating, blaming, resenting, and hating people because of our own individual and personal deficits and deficiencies.

ü Determine to leave all 2010 and prior excess baggage behind so we are not weighted down by the people, places, positions, behaviors, and thoughts that will do us more harm than good.

Happy New Year, LifelineExtensions.blog Readers! We can and will move forward without any unnecessary and excess baggage!

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org. "Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Love really does have something to do with it…

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Some of us were young adults during the era when the fabulous Tina Turner exploded with the classic song, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

We may even have danced and sang along to the rockin’ beat and radical lyrics; all the while celebrating with and loving Mrs. Turner for her fortitude and courage to end a long-time abusive relationship with her former spouse.

Years later with several life experiences behind us, some of us started to listen to the words of the song a little differently.

We started saying things like: Well, maybe love has something to do with it…maybe something…

Unconditional and no-strings-attached love can and will outlive us all.

Now, this does not include, nor should it be confused with the control that is evident in the kinds of abusive relationships Mrs. Turner teaches the world about because of her personal experience.

The unconditional and freely given love we are talking about is the kind of love that is ever understanding even when we do not fully understand every bit of a situation or circumstance.

It is ever forgiving when people have mistreated us more than we ever thought we would or could handle; ever appreciating and grateful when we think we got the short end of the stick.

Ever welcoming when we feel physically or mentally exhausted and do not seem to have one bit of energy left to entertain or pay attention to someone or something; ever kind when the face we see in the reflection of a mirror looks grumpy and irritable.

Forever patient when things do not occur when or how we believe they should have occurred; ever-building up and not tearing down even though the build-up requires more of our time, talent, and focus.

We still adore Mrs. Tina Turner, and we are grateful she triumphed through tremendously difficult experiences we wouldn't wish on anyone.

But by the looks of things, unconditional love has everything to do with it when that same love is built up and worked on to last forever.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Being thankful ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

During this Thanksgiving season, we can all make sure we really take a look around to see all of the great things we are blessed with.

We will probably start thinking about how thankful we are for great people and things in our lives.

Mainly we can be thankful that we are alive to have new and fun experiences.

We can also be grateful we are heading toward pursuing our dreams and achieving success in our own lives, and because we are about to start really working toward making a difference in other people’s lives as we grow into young adulthood.

This November how about we let people in our lives know we appreciate them.

Here are examples of just who those people might be:

Our parents, guardians, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents, teachers, administrators, school staff, bosses, co-workers, coaches, teammates, close friends, other family members, and anyone else who has a role in our lives.

And, while you are at it: Have a fantabulous Turkey Day! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Written by Danielle M. Biggs
High School Senior & Future College Student
Administrative Assistant & Trustee ~ Lifeline Foundation, Inc.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader & school district administrator who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc. This 24-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View other published works at http://www.examiner.com/. Contact Sharon directly for more information: smbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org.

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity." (Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Lifeline Extensions ~ A Young College Woman's Perspective on Life

I WANT YOU TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

DECEMBER 2011 & JANUARY 2012: Happy Winter Holiday & Happy Winter Break!

NOVEMBER 2011: Dorm table to family dining table – Happy Thanksgiving!

OCTOBER 2011: Scheduling “Me-Time” on campus

SEPTEMBER 2011: Quick, healthy dorm room breakfast ideas

AUGUST 2011: What’s in your closet?

Tying up last-minute loose ends

Dorm room decorating days

Sometimes life is like a three-ring circus

Time to be independent, Girls!

Welcome!

On the inside looking in

Progress with a purpose

Better late than never

CONGRATULATIONS ~ You've been accepted to college! ~ A Teen Girl's Perspective

Senioritis…what is that nowadays??? ~ A Teen Girl's Perspective

Seasoned Divas

*The Importance of Just Being Yourself* ~ A TEEN GIRL’S PERSPECTIVE

Setting self-improvement goals in 2011

Setting a reasonable goal to make sure 2011 is fantastic ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION: Extending hope and gifts during a difficult holiday season

Giving excess baggage a final eviction notice

Love really does have something to do with it…

Being thankful ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

The Importance of Just Being Yourself ~ A TEEN GIRL’S PERSPECTIVE