Homecoming week is finally here. For the most part, school stays according to schedule with little adjustments. We have had several “crazy” days—twin day, polka-dot day, crazy sock day, and blue and gold day (our school colors). The major festivities, however, come on Friday. In the morning we have a pep rally and our annual “Mini-Float Parade,” and of course the football game in the evening. As I mentioned in the last blog, I am on the Homecoming Court this year. It is an honor to be chosen, but it is inconvenient timing. You see, our winners are announced just prior to the game, so I hope I won’t be distracted.

The rest of the weekend I will be at a church retreat at a small camp in Floydada, which is about an hour or so away from Lubbock. We leave Saturday morning and return sometime Sunday afternoon. This is my sixth year to this retreat, but my last. I have always loved the outdoors, and a weekend with friends, worship, and relaxation is welcomed with much anticipation.

It’s that time when college admissions tests are becoming a common thing over the weekends. Many of my classmates are taking them and continue to ask me for my advice. One other thing I remembered that should be available is practice packets. Some schools may offer specific days to take a practice test, but there are also flashcards, websites, and a variety of other things to do to prepare at home. I suggest if you have any further questions, ask a counselor and/or college readiness coordinator.

In my College Transitions class, I have begun searching for scholarships online. I hope to start narrowing them down to see which ones I will actually apply for. Many college-bound students don’t make the effort to apply for FREE MONEY! Now I know that has to sound appealing to many of you out there. Sure it may take a little effort on your part . . . possibly even an essay or two. Nevertheless, think of how many hours of work it will take to make up for the money you didn’t obtain by spending an hour writing an essay to earn $500 or so. I’ll be the first to admit I have a lazy tendency, but guys, rationalize with me here. We need to give the effort for an hour or so now to save many hours at a job to pay back a loan. My teacher Ms. Stinnett always says, “There’s plenty of money out there, you just have to find it.”

Well as I finish this blog, I have advanced English and dual-credit government homework waiting to be tended to. Ah, the many joys of high school. I hope all of you have a blessed next couple of weeks. I heard on the radio a few days ago about “random acts of kindness Mondays.” Next Monday, I advise all of you to perform a random act of kindness just to make the world a better place. I’ll do the same and let you know about it next time. Talk to ya later, or ttyl, as is the common teen lingo.