Yes SICAN

The best way to communicate with parents, or any adult, is to simply talk to them and keep talking to them, no matter what. Strong relationships depend on keeping the lines of communication open. Here are some ways to approach your parents with a specific topic.

• Plan what to say.
  Think over in advance what you want to say. Write down the two or three most important points that you want to make.
• Be direct.
  Tell them that there's something you'd like to discuss. Be sure you have their full attention, and be direct in your language. Say, "There's something important that I want to talk to you about," instead of "Hey, when you have a moment I'd like to talk."
• Choose a good time to talk.
  Try to approach them at a time when you know that they'll be less busy and more able to focus on you. You may even want to ask if they could talk at a particular time so that you know you’ll have their attention. 
• Write it down first.
  Some people find it easier to put their ideas into a letter. Let the other person read it and then have your discussion. 
• Disagree without disrespect.
  Parents are human, and they can feel offended when their views are challenged. Using respectful language and behavior is important. Resist the temptation to use sarcasm, yell, or put down your parents. Being able to have a respectful discussion will help to show your parents that you really are serious about your future and focused on getting to college.

Your school counselor or guidance counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Take the first step and make an appointment to discuss a plan for college. You’ll be able to get information about admission tests, college preparation, and education and career options. Here are some basic questions to help get you started:

• Do you have any information that will help me start exploring my interests and related careers?
• What are the required courses for high-school graduation and the recommended courses for college prep?
• How should I plan my schedule so that I'll complete them?
• Do you have any after-school or evening sessions available for college planning?
• Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow?
• What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college? 
• What kinds of grades do different colleges require?
• Where do other kids from this school attend college? 
• What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?
• How does our school compare to others in terms of test scores and reputation?
• Which elective courses do you recommend?
• Which AP courses are available?
• When is the PSAT going to be given here?
• Is this school a testing center for standardized tests, or will I need to go somewhere nearby?
• Are there any college fairs scheduled at this school or nearby?
• Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my list?
• If a college needs a recommendation from you for my application, how can I help you get to know me better so that it can be more personal?
• Are there any special scholarships or awards I should know about now so that I can work toward them?
• Can I see my transcript as it stands now to see if everything is as I think it should be?
• Do you have any forms that I will need to apply for financial aid?

Ok, so it may be hard to think of your teachers as real people. But they eat pizza, watch movies, and enjoy sports on the weekends just like you. They also know about more than just the subjects that they teach. Given the chance, they can offer you the kind of advice and support that may change your life forever.

Here’s how to build a connection:

• Show some interest.
  Obviously, your teachers are really interested in their subjects. Showing the teacher that you care, even if you're not a math whiz or fluent in French, sends the message that you are a dedicated student.
• Schedule a conference.
  Schedule a private conference during a teacher's free period to get extra help, ask questions, inquire about a career in the subject, or talk about your progress in class. You may be surprised to learn that your teacher is a bit more relaxed one-on-one than when lecturing in front of the whole class. 
• Be yourself.
  Teachers can sense when your only motivation for making an effort to be around them is to get special treatment or a good grade. Just be yourself and forget about trying to show off. 
• Deal with study problems.
  If you find a subject difficult, talk to your teacher right away about extra tutoring. If you find it boring, talk to your teacher about ways to see the subject in a different light. For example you may hate math, but learning how to calculate averages and percentages can help you in everything from sports to leaving a tip.
• Show some respect.
  Just as teachers need to be fair and treat everyone equally, students have responsibilities too. You don't have to like your teacher or agree with what he or she says, but it is necessary to be polite and show your teacher respect.

No matter how good your relationship is with your parents or guardian, there will be times when you'll feel more comfortable confiding in other adults. Even if you'd rather talk to friends about certain things, an adult may have more experience, be able to contact the right person, or find the best resources to get help.

• Ask for their word.
  Most adults will keep your conversations confidential if you ask them to, unless they fear that your health or well-being may be in danger.  
• Talk to your spiritual leaders.
  If you're involved in a church group or belong to a synagogue or mosque, your spiritual or youth group leader may be a good source of advice.
• Talk to your extracurricular leaders
  If you're involved in an extracurricular activity, such as sports or drama, you may feel close enough to your coach or advisor to ask him or her about personal things
• Identify other adults who can help.
  Other adults who may be able to help you can include family members, such as an aunt, uncle, or older sibling, or the parents of a close friend.