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Ask Brooke Saddles!
Dear Brooke Saddles,
I feel like I have a lot of extra time that I spend doing nothing productive. I am bored all the time. What should I do to become a more productive person?
Although relaxation is a good thing, too much time spent not working at something can increase anxiety and decrease the value of life. Think about what you like to do. Do you enjoy listening to music? Watching baseball? Petting your dog? No matter what it is, there’s definitely something in that field that you can do. First and foremost, I recommend volunteer work. It not only looks good on college applications, but is one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever emerge yourself in. No one ever regrets volunteering. Call an animal shelter, soup kitchen, homeless center, or religious organization to get involved. If that doesn’t appeal to you, pick something that you’ve always wanted to do or love doing. Set aside specific hours of the week dedicated for that activity. This method ensures productivity. If the activity you wish to do is something you can’t teach yourself, there are millions of tutors that a quick Google search can find you. Also, don’t forget, our school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for you to choose from. It’s never too late to join one! Remember, don’t spend time doing anything that you don’t enjoy doing or that doesn’t help you become a better person.
Dear Brooke Saddles,
All of my friends live far away, and they have busy lives too. How can I maintain a friendship when I don’t get the chance to see them often?
Having friends that don’t live close may not be the most ideal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a close friendship! Because both of you live busy lives, spontaneity may not work as well as you would hope. When you are just finishing a club or practice, your friend may be starting his/hers. Make an effort to schedule time to catch up and talk with each other. Try to make plans well in advance; not only will this ensure you see each other, but it will also give you something to look forward to. Texting frequently is a great way to stay in touch; when you think of your friends, for whatever reason the case may be, let them know! Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Although the long-distance aspect requires work, friendship is much tighter than distance is farther.
Falcon Flyer Advice Column