How To: Pass the Drivers Permit and Driver's License Tests

 PERMIT: 

What to Study

-- Study the Driver's Manual. Your state should have a digital copy on their website or a physical copy at the Department of Transportation (aka the DOT or the DMV- Department of Motor Vehicles). 

-- See if someone has a highlighted version with specifics that tell you what is important to focus on. I was able to provide this as a resource for my younger siblings as they began preparing for the test. 

-- Use free online practice tests. There are quite a few of simple ten-question tests that will show you types of questions that might appear on the permit test. 

Day of Test

-- You are going to be quizzed on a screen in the Department of Transportation building. You may not be allowed to take your phone in with you, and obviously it cannot be a resource. 

-- Many of the permit tests at locations are automatically set up to make sure that you do not answer any more questions that they need. For example, when I took my permit test in the late 2010s, the ADOT had a 30-question quiz that I needed to get an 80% or higher on. That means that I had room to get 6 questions wrong. So, if I had gotten all of the questions right and got to question 24, it would not make me take question 25. Even I got all of the last six questions wrong, I would still pass. This also means that if you get all of the first 6 questions wrong, the test will not have you continue you question 7. It will let you know that you did not pass and log you out of the system. Personally, I got to question 30, so I am fairly sure that I got the minimum score needed, and I was at risk for not getting my permit. 

-- Know your personal information. Especially for when you pass the written test, you will need to tell them you name, address, eye color, weight, height, and your photo will be taken. You may need to provide more such as a social security card. 

DRIVER'S LICENSE: 

What to Do Between Permit & License Earning

-- Get 20 hours daytime hours behind the wheel with another adult (21+) passenger who is in the family. Check with your state on the specific expectations, but for Arizona there should not be any other passengers who are not family while a permitted driver is behind the wheel. 

-- Get 10 hours nighttime driving experience. Again, each state is different, but Arizona requires drivers to have 20 hours of daytime and 10 hours nighttime driving experience when they come to take their driver's test. 

-- Do you know what you got wrong on your permit test? Study up that information, because that is what you will need the most amount of effort to remember. If you did not test well for that on paper, show that you can test well with the information on the road. 

-- Learn driving skills. Park forward & backwards in a parking spot. Find some parking spots that are on an angle and park there. Learn how to back out of a parking spot, crossing busy streets, turning left & right at lights, and merging into traffic on the highway. Even knowing skills like parallel parking or three-point turns are essential to prepare for before the driving test. 

-- Understand that there is a limit to how much time can pass between permit and license testing. For example, if you earn your permit on the day that you are eligible for it, you will have to wait until you are eligible to take the license test before you do so. This can be anywhere from six months to two years depending on your state. But, if you take the permit test when you are old enough to take the license test, you could potentially go in and take the license test the next day. When I came in to take my permit test, I was told that if I failed the test, I could set up an appointment for as early as the next day to re-take the permit test. This is good news! 

Day of Test

-- Be familiar with the vehicle you are testing in. Don't take a vehicle you have never driven before to be tested in. They will ask you to make sure you know how to step on the break, turn on the headlights, turn on the brights, use the windshield wipers, turn signals, etc. so know where all of those are on the vehicle you are taking to be tested in. 

-- Know the driving specifics. For example, you may be asked to parallel park or complete a three-point-turn without hitting so many cones. What I found helpful was that when I tested, I was told how many times I was allowed to fix what I was doing. If it was not perfect the first time, I had one chance to fix my position before moving on. 

-- Be familiar, if possible, with the area where the Department of Transportation is located. Do you know where there are stop signs or stop lights? Do you know the speed limit of the main road outside of the DOT's parking lot?

-- Know that they have a system. They will be "grading" you on your driving, and giving you commands that you need to follow. The most important thing is to stay calm. Especially if you are not familiar with the area, it is okay to ask questions. Even if it feels unnecessary, like checking your blind spot when you know that no one has been behind you for miles, you still need to show that you know what steps should always be taken. 

How To: Fly Internationally with a Mission

1. Money 

- Plan for at least $15 per airport meal 

In America & Australia, so logically speaking most first-world countries, it is going to be hard to find a good meal to eat that is not at LEAST $15 USD. Knowing this will help you to prepare for expenses getting to the country outside of just the flight itself. Or, are you planning on purchasing snacks and drinks on the plane or in the airport between meals? Most airlines will allow you to take food with you, and internationally the package needs to be sealed if it is supposed to make it through customs. 

- Plan for more than the flights will cost

We can always have a budget for what flights cost, but that does not mean that we will find them at that price that we want them to be, especially if you wait too long before you purchase your ticket, such as a month before your leave or less, the price might change drastically. Normally there is a ballpark range of what could be expected for ticket costs, and to be on the safe side it is always wise to prepare for the more expensive end of the cost. 

- Plan for monthly expenses

When you are considering what to budget, think about the expenses that you are coming in contact with once you are in the country you plan on staying in. What does the cost of living look like? Will you be eating out daily? Are you driving (so vehicle and gas expenses)? Are you planning to purchase souvenirs for others? Are you paying for health insurance or other monthly expenses that you would still have if you were at home? On my trip I chose to still pay for my Spotify Premium plans, especially because with risky internet I heavily relied on the music that I had downloaded to keep me sane. These are all areas of finances that need to be considered before the trip is finalized. 

- Plan for the unexpected 

It is vital to have a supply of money, probably at least a few hundred, in a bank account that knows you are traveling internationally that you can tap into in case something happens. 

2. Before You Fly 

- Passport

If you have not gotten your passport yet, that is probably one of the first pieces of information that is vital to you getting from America to any other country, especially via plane. 

- Visas

Often, you will need at least a visitor visa to enter many countries. Check before you leave on what this looks like. Be aware, you will need a visa for each country you are in- even if you are in the airport, it is a good idea to get a visa. I contacted my organization to help me with this, and they were a great help. You will need to send your passport to an embassy so they can get it certified in your passport before you leave. However, some countries like Australia have an app you can download to set up a visitor visa. I was able to do that all from home a few days before I left. 

- Immunizations 

Some organizations or countries will not let you go into the country until you are up-to-date on your immunization. While still in your country, get that taken care of. Preferably a month or so before you leave. Quick care centers like Minute Clinic in CVS can give these cares to you. It helps if you have health insurance. 

- Bank Account

Let your bank know that you are flying outside of the country for the amount of time that you do. Even if you are using a debit card, not a credit card, they are likely going to identify your card as hacked if you purchase anything in the foreign country. Also let them know any other countries you will travel through- banks don't always make the connection on their own. 

- Ride from Airport (& Ride to the Airport)

Once you arrive, how will you get to where you will spend the night? Do you have a contact who is ready to pick you up? Do you have your hotel reservations already? 

3. Flights 

- What Websites? 

Kiwi.com or Google Flights are great websites to look at what prices are reasonable to expect, and what routes are probably going to be recommended to you. However, they are probably not the best prices to choose.

- Use a 3rd Party Source 

I used Expedia Cruises & my consultant had about a $200 rate for what I owed her. She helped me get flights that were at least a thousand dollars cheaper than if I did it myself, I am sure, so paying her $200 for her trouble was 100% worth it! 

- Download the Apps 

You will probably want to download the apps to make sure that you have the ability to sign in 24 hours before your flight takes off.  

- Consider Flight Insurance

Do you want to pay for travel insurance? Do you want to make sure that you are taken care of or your things are taken care of if you are traveling internationally? When I did so the missions organization, I went with required me to have something, and I am so thankful they did. I was able to pay about $70 for a month's worth of travel insurance through a 3rd party source via a quick Google search & reading the Ts&Cs before agreeing and signing. I did not need to use it, but it was so good to have. I also chose to get covered about a week longer than I was planning to be gone, just in case. 

4. Day of Travelling 

- What to Have Within Reach 

For sure make sure that you have your passport in reach. Make sure you have a pocket where you always keep it and make sure that it is close to you and not easy to be stolen. I normally have a purse that has inside pockets, and I like to keep it in there. My dad has got me hooked on carrying a binder with information in international airports as well. This binder contains maps of all of the airports I will go through, and whenever possible highlighted areas and arrows drawn to guide me where I need to go. 

- What Information to Know

KNOW YOUR AIRLINES. Are you flying Delta? American? Virgin Australia? Air Canada? Know the airlines you are taking. They will have their own letter code, and their logo should be by the gate that you need to go to. It will also help to have their mobile app downloaded on your phone if you have room. This will allow you to check in early, and it will notify you about gate or baggage claim numbers when those matter and are decided. 

KNOW YOUR BAGS. There are many bags that look similar. It helps to have a specific color tag that you have on your bag to help you easily identify it. Or chose a bag that not many people have: something with a ton of patterns. I had a purple and blue duffle bag that I placed a specific red handmade bracelet on, so I knew it was mine. However, I NEVER saw a bag like mine on my trip, even though I know I bought it from a store that was selling more than one of its kind. 

KNOW THE WEIGHTS. This is especially important to know when you are thinking about buying souvenirs to add to your bag, or when you switch between kgs and lbs. For example, on one flight I was allowed 50 lbs, but then on the next I was allowed 15 kgs. What did that mean for me? I did the math- I knew I needed to have less than 15 kgs, because if I had less than 15 kgs of course I had less than 50 lbs. Now, having too much weight has never been an issue for me in the past. If this is something that you are concerned of running into, know the different airline's policies for heavy bags. Oftentimes you can be charged $30-$50 more per bag even if you are a pound over. This happened to my sister once, and she was able to take out one item and put it into her carry-on, but that will not always work. 

KNOW YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. You need to keep your passport on you at all times. That is one of the most important documents, if not THE most important document when you are traveling internationally. I was told to carry my social security card on me as I travelled internationally. I did, and I never needed it, but it was good to know that I had two pieces of identification on me during my time overseas. 

KNOW YOUR CONTACTS. If you are going to meet up with people in this other country, it helps to know names and contact information. If you find yourself in the country but unable to go through border crossing or unable to find your bags, or unable to call a taxi- or many other situations, knowing who to contact is vital information. This was something that I had recorded on the papers that I kept in my binder. I never needed to us it, but that is the point of being proactive in choices like this. It is better to be overprepared in this example. 

- What Information to Pay Attention To 

Pay attention to signs that tell you about gates. These will be posted all over the airports, normally in logical locations. If you miss one, that is okay; there are so many of them all around. If you know your next destination and your airline at all times, this will help you easily find the gate you need. You don't have to have the flight code memorized, but that would be helpful. The flight code information should be on your ticket as well, so you should carry that information with you. When you check in for your first flight, the gate should already be on your ticket. 

- What Time Goals Should You Have

Whenever possible, it is good to be at the gate at least half an hour before the plane leaves- that is normally when boarding begins. This means that you should want to have your bags checked at least an hour before your plane takes off- they often close the baggage drop off for your flight a hour from takeoff. If you make it an hour or so before your flight, and are able to drop off your bags, walking through the security should not take more than 15 minutes unless there is a long line of people flying that day. Talk to people who have travelled the same route to hear what they say about the population or airport traffic at said specific locations. 

4. Other

- Phone Plans

Remember, the phone plan that you are on in American only reaches the towers in America. Research before you go into another country what it takes to get a sim card and a new plan there. If you have a phone that has e-sim that is going to come in handy, but I was able to manage without. I went to Australia and Papua New Guinea, so the Australian airport (which is all where I stayed in country on this trip) had a daily rate that I could tap into, and the Papua New Guinea had a Digicel (one of the main phone plan companies) store inside the airport as soon as I arrived. I took the time to switch sim cards in the store, and then I was good to go once I loaded the sim card for the time I was in country. I don't know all countries policies and systems, but a Google search or asking the people who are in country where you are going, are going to be handy resources while you are planning your trip. 

- Currency/Exchange Rates

How much is the money you carry in your wallet worth in the country you are trying to enter into? Are there places that you can get this exchanged easily? You normally can do so in most international airports, but they normally have a high price you have to pay to use their services. Do you want to enter the country with some of their currency in your possession? Look into ways to do so, maybe even before you get to the airport. 

- What to Pack

There are two main categories of what to pack for a trip like this: your carry on and your suitcase. I will address them separately. 

--- CARRY ON: 

Obviously pack your passport. Most places will allow you to take two bags- a 'carry on' and a 'personal item' they call them. Most computer bags are the size of the personal item that they are referring to, and most carry-ons are the size of small suitcases that could fit in an oversized bin- not too much bigger than a backpack. As a child I always took a drawstring bag and it fit as a personal item, but I never had a carry on. This was especially helpful because I was responsible for carrying my stuff, so if little 10-year-old me was in charge of two small bags I'd get grumpy really easily. As an adult, I did not want to risk my computer being squished by other bags that they just throw around in my suitcase, so I kept my purse that held my computer as my 'personal item' on me. I also chose to take a backpack as my 'carry on' with a change of clothes (especially because of the culture change in-between destinations on this flight), my binder full of airport and flight information, room for my empty water bottle, earbuds, chargers, etc. I know that I easily could have managed with just my carry on and put my computer in there, and I almost even had room to take my computer out of the purse, put it in the backpack, and put the rolled up purse in the backpack if I ever wanted to. But, as an adult it was never too much. I kept all of my items close to me, and I knew that it was going to be okay. No one approached me or touched my items. 

Tip: If it makes you feel any better, as it did me, when you take off your bag and set it on the floor as you are waiting to board the plane in a seat, put your foot in between the strap of the bag or backpack. If someone tries to rip your backpack away, it tugs on your feet. Yes, they can still easily grab and run if they were really trying to, but it would be so much more obvious and it would give you and others around you more of a reaction time. I also want to let you know that this has never been an issue that I have actually had to deal with- and I have never seen it happen to others. There are always so many people around, and so much staff that anyone with malicious behavior will not be obvious about it. This is not something that you should ever really have to worry about in an airport. 

--- SUITCASE: 

I could go into a whole separate blog post about this, because packing is something I have loads of experience on and have opinions on. The best advice is to pack at least a week's worth of clothes, and pack items that can be mix & matched. It also helps to understand the cultural expectations of the country where you are going. I knew that in Papua New Guinea it was appropriate to wear a skirt or dress, so I packed a dress in my carry on and mostly packed dresses or skirts in my bag. However, I knew I would be active, and it would be the summer months while I was in country, so I also packed a fair number of shorts (I think 5 or 6). 

- Understand Where You Are Going

If I have not mentioned this enough, the culture as well as just atmosphere of where you are going is important to be familiar with, or at least research a little. Know what time of year it is- in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are switched compared to the Northern. Know what measurements they will use there- will it help you to know your Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion? Are you prepared to know your bag weight in kilos or pounds? Are there any cultural expectations that you need to be aware of? It would even help to know some phrases at least in the language you are about to enter into- if not you might find yourself lost and in a sticky situation. Again, I was blessed in many of these areas. Because I had been to Papua New Guinea before, I knew much of the culture, and I knew enough of the language. It was also told that the people working in the airports of Papua New Guinea were expected to speak formal English, so language should not be an issue when entering the country at all. And, of course, Australians spoke English so that was a smooth transition. 

- Customs 

Again, it is hard for me to know what to expect in other countries, but from what I have seen America, Australia, and Papua New Guinea have a very similar system with similar "no-go" items. 

How to: Pass College Readiness Exams

 I have taken the SAT, the PSAT, and the MoGEA (Missouri's version of the SAT), but I know enough about the ACT to give some helpful information about that. I have also taken and passed the Biology CLEP test (and failed my first attempt- so I know how to recover from a major test fail, too). 

1. What to Study 

- Know Your Resources

Check with your school or library to find out if they have any study books or practice tests available. Companies like CLEP sell books that contain practice examples. Some third-party sources make great resource books that also have practice tests in the back. 

- Use Google & YouTube

There are so many free resources, even if one of them will not have all of the information you need. Sometimes you need to do some digging of your own to find the answers to the questions you have. 

- Practice Tests 

These might be worth paying for. Or, again, there are so many free resources that you can use if you take the time to scout out good free online resources. Sometimes you can find some SAT or ACT prep books at a library or check to see if your school has a copy that you can borrow. 

2. What to Prepare 

- Have Good Test Taking Strategies 

Know what you want to spend time on. If you don't know a question, is it better for you to get it figured out or to skip it? Time yourself- how long does it take you to answer each question on average? Will you have a go-to letter that you will choose if you don't know? Does it help to flag your questions to come back to them later? 

-Information Online 

For example, I took a MEGA (which is a test that the state of Missouri has for college students who are trying to become teachers) and on their website they had a PDF of many standards and sub-standards that would be featured on the test. These gave me specific areas of what I needed to study for. 

- The Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light Method 

My favorite method to study for a test is the stoplight method. If I have something such as the standards breakdown or a completed practice test, or even work from the unit that I am preparing for, I will look through the materials and identify what I already knew really well, what I kind of remembered learning about and knew the answers to, and what I struggled with or did not remember at all. Especially if time is not on my side, I would focus on studying the "red light" areas first- what I did not remember at all. Once those become yellow or green lights, then I will work on the "yellow light" section, including the areas that became yellow from being in the red section. The goal is that everything becomes a green light, and even then, it should all be reviewed so you can feel even more confident on it before you begin the test. 

- Test Taking Strategies 

Should you always choose the answer "C" when in doubt? Should you read through all of the questions first? Do you get points taken off for guessing an answer wrong? Understand how the test is set up and any test-taking strategies that a book or resource gives you. I don't think that there is always a go-to most common letter to choose if it is multiple choice. But I do know that if you can rule out one or two options, having a 50/50 chance is always better than a 25/75 chance. 

3. What to do the Night Before 

- Sleep Well

- Don't Study 

- Prepare & Pack

- Know Where You Are Going

4. What to do the Day of 

- Wake Up Reasonably

- Eat Healthy

- Go Through Checklist

5. What to do While Waiting for Scores

- Celebrate

- Write Down What You Remember

The number of times that I finish a test and then go home and Google part of a question I remember at this point is uncountable. It has happened so many times, that it is second nature. I wish I could take notes out of a testing site, but I know why I cannot do so. However, it does not stop me from wanting to still learn. Especially if I am sure I got it wrong, I want to remember the question, but also remember as many answers as I can. There have been times where that information sticks in my brain more because I spent time memorizing it and looking it up of my own free will. So, if I have to take the test again, hopefully I will not need to re-study that piece of information. 

How To: Be Healthy

I have, for less than a week now, been embracing the goal of being healthy. Working out the right amount, taking time for mental health, eating the right foods, etc. This is what all of the people I asked said for simple suggestions to begin the "How To Be Healthy" journey. 

First off, you need to understand that I want to lose weight but I have decided that I am not doing that as my main goal. It affects many of the choices I will make, like cutting out more carbs or sugar than is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight. I am also choosing to do this because I understand that the weight I have now truly is not a healthy weight. I do not desire to be skinny like Victoria's Secret super-model or anything like that because I understand that it is not a healthy nor desirable goal to strive for. 

Through the help of some friends, I needed to figure out what was a good weight goal to set for myself. I decided that I wanted to be at something like 140 lbs. (I am about 6' 2"). This was going to be about a 50 lb. drop from where I am, now. I have also realized that losing that much weight, in general, might not be good for me. I want to not be nearing the overweight end of the BMI spectrum, but I also don't want to change to being underweight. So, I need to find a healthy in-between. Choosing something like 165 lbs. or 170 lbs. has been a more realistic goal that I think I can achieve and that is also a healthy weight for me to be.  

How to Be Healthy:

Drink More Water!!!

• drink when you wake up

• Drink before meals

Cut Sugar Down:

• it helps your skin

Make Swaps:

• If I can’t eat something, find a healthy replacement

For cravings:

• Clear American

• Chew on gum

• Sugar free drops for water

If your body is hungry, you should eat something.

It’s better to eat smaller meals more often.

Carb Cycling???

• out of the 7 day week, change the carb amount you eat

• When you eat a lot of carbs, you need to workout a lot

Good Meal Ideas:

• eggs

• fruit

• nuts, unsalted

• popcorn

• meat (snack sticks)

• suger-free dried fruit

• Smart Sweets

• Zevia

• Chicken salad

• Tuna salad

• Cheese & whole grain crackers

• White rice is better than brown rice

How often to Work Out:

• 4 days a week

• 30 minutes HITT

• 40 minutes weight room

• 30 minutes a day speed walking every day AT LEAST (Treadmill incline 12-15, speed 3, for 30 minutes)

Liquid Diet:

• protein shake is a meal replacement

• You have to have protein shakes on the diet

• A gallon of water a day; MUST

• Protein shakes: milk, ice, peanut butter, protein powder, oats

• At least 24 oz. meal shakes

• 40 grams of protein power for 32 oz.

• Consume within 30 minutes

Anything that God created is good for you!

• two eggs is 143 cal.

You can’t have too much water!!!

I’m probably going to need more protein.

How To: Make Good Use of the Summer

 *Warning: Don't look at all of what I mention from a first glance alone. What I say might SOUND boring, but it becomes interesting and helpful AND fun in just a matter of seconds if you give it the time.* 

Summer is a time when many youngsters, including those in grade school and college, seem to find that they have more free time on their hands. With the eight hours a day, about, that school seems to take up, they find that their waking hours are full of absolute boredom, or filled up with activities that will be fun at the moment but are not always lasting as the years pass by.

Then, there are activities thrown into the mix of the summer such as camps, VBS, or road trips and vacations that add to taking up the time of the summer and giving the kids more things to do. But, as a college student, or a high school student, are these the best ways to spend my summer? Is staying home a good plan? Should I work my summer away or should I play my summer away? 

The best answer I can give to this is: it depends. But, this seems to be the circumstance for many things that I write about. This is true for many of the other bloggers out there as well. We often can only inform based on the limited research that can be put out there, and the personal experiences we have. 

My high school summers were filled with road trips, VBS, some camps, and mostly playing outside or putting in some manual labor for my mom outside. I did not work at all over my summer, and I completely regret it. Working is good for everyone from a young age because the pressure is not on to work long hours many days, so one could start getting used to the work environment without needing to put so much energy into the job. Also, teenagers and young adults have more energy to put into the work that they are doing. The older you get, the more tiring work can seem because of the energy capacity used to complete the tasks needed to get the job done at work. If you are already working throughout the school year, consider adding a few hours because you have more free time, or just pressing on with the same schedule and the same hours as you had before. 

Another great way to use your time during the summer is to volunteer. For a while back, about 2018, I found that Gen-Z was known as the "Volunteer Generation". Every day there are so many people who are broken, hurting, and quite a few who are in need of food and shelter. There are many non-profit organizations out there working towards taking care of these needs, but they also need volunteers who are willing to help the cause without any financial compensation. Volunteering is an important asset to develop over the growing-up years to help prepare for the future. (And, these look good on a resume!) 

Okay, so if there is no job near you and it seems that the shelters around your area do not need any new volunteers- what next? There are so many places to go, that I am not sure where to begin. I will make a list, and then dive deep into how to achieve each of these: 

1. Clean

2. Exercise

3. Hobbies

4. Learning 

 ___________________________________________________________________________________

1. Clean

Cleaning can be fun if you plan accordingly and take steps to make it fun. Let me explain. First off, there is the cleaning that most people are thinking of- the cleaning where you find the space in your room that seems to be the most jumbled, and you bit by bit take things out of the pile and put them in their rightful place. This is good for you to do over your summer because you know that you need to, and this will eventually get you into trouble if you don't take care of it sooner. Pro Tip: Clean one part of your room for only ten minutes a day. Then, for the rest of the day, put away what you use. If you continue with this pattern, it should not take too long before the job is done. 

Then, there is another way to clean. There is scrubbing under the toilet and spraying down the mirror kind of cleaning. While I am not necessarily recommending that you help your family by cleaning the bathroom once and a while there are little things in your space that need to be cleaned in such a precise manner. I am sure you have some sort of bed or desk that might need to be dusted. Or, you have some kind of windows in your room that need to be wiped down. You need to clean your room in that kind of manner. 

Finally, there is the digital cleaning that needs to be done. There are loads of apps that people chose to keep on their device, even if they have not used it in months. These just take up space, and slow down your device. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

2. Exercise 

This also might be for a specific niche of people, especially those who do not do this on a regular basis. If you do not work out regularly, this is an opportunity for you to begin to. Even if it is something super simple or short, as long as your keep yourself moving for around half an hour a day, you will notice better mental and physical health, as well as combatting those feelings of boredom. 

 

A great way to help get yourself out of the house during long summer months over a break, especially if you do not know how to use your time, is to start taking walks or runs around the neighborhood. If you want to take the more social route, you could begin walking in the early evening as the sun is setting with a friend or two. Or, if you know that you need to move more than you do during a normal school season, this could be the time to begin taking early morning runs. 

When it comes to exercise as a whole but is worth noting for this summer break time as well, "accidental workouts" are often the most enjoyable way to work out. This could look like walking a dog or running after a friend who is going in the opposite direction. But this more practically would look like going swimming at the beach or a pool or setting up a day for a game of basketball or pickleball. Again, any minute getting exercise is better than none. Find something that you enjoy doing, and make it work. Sometimes even creating a TikTok/Instagram Reel/YouTube Short/ Facebook Feed video of a trending dance could be a form of an accidental workout. 

 ___________________________________________________________________________________

3. Hobbies     

 Summer, with all the free time you have, is a great time to pick up new hobbies. If it is not a sport of sorts or something active like what is listed above, it could be something relaxing, something that calms you, or maybe something you have had in mind for a long time but not worked up the energy to do it. This summer is the time to do it! From crafting to sewing, from making learning a new instrument and starting a YouTube channel, from getting into model cars to DIYing Christmas gifts early, there are a list of ideas online to help inspire you. 

This hobby is one that interests me, and you need to hear me out. If you are not interested in learning a language in your free time, by no means do you have to. However, this skill can begin at any stage of life. There are programs like Spanish Dictionary or Duolingo (free) for learning languages as well as Babbel or Rossetta Stone (paid) if you are willing to invest in learning a new language. It could even be as short as ten minutes a day! 

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4. Learning

As a teacher, this is always a favorite way to spend my summers. I will always be a learner, no matter where I am. Often, learning a new hobby is multitasking in this area- you are working on a hobby and learning at the same time. But, you could dedicate time to learning as well. There are a few free college programs online, and more and more are coming out because of the online world we live in. 

Summer programs or summer learning opportunities exist as well. Check to see if your library has any fun summer events planned. You could start a job or begin an internship in which you would be learning a ton as well. If you need ideas of what or where to learn, just search it up or ask someone you know where to begin. So many people want to help you. 

Another amazing way to learn is to have a mentor. This is similar to receiving counseling, but it is personal and often more opinionated. If someone was to mentor you, you could learn through their mistakes and not make your own. Learning through other's mistakes is often the best way to go. 

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While I could think of hundreds of more ideas to add to this list, I do not want to overwhelm you right now. So, I will leave it with these four categories. Hopefully broad enough to find something that fits in each one, but with enough specific details to assist you if you do not know where to begin. 

How To: Master Sales Floor as a GSS at Cracker Barrel

I, Mary Beau, promise to work on engaging with guests better from here on out. To help drive sales, I will script the featured products from our sales floor including, but not limited to, our amazing deals in our clearance section, many of our unique products on Main Street, and any of our special sales and 'contests' going on.

I can begin with something as simple as "Hi, how has your day been?" or "What brings you into Cracker Barrel?" to begin the conversation. If any of the guests admitted to me that they are having a rough day, I can respond with something as simple as "I get that. I have rough days, too. How about we check out some of the candy and sodas we have here. Sugar is often the best medicine."

If a guest mentions that they came into Cracker Barrel simply for the food, I can direct them to our food wall where they can find our pancakes, syrup, apple butter, fried apples, and many more that are the same as what they will find once they get their seats. These items are perfect to take home and carry on that taste of Cracker Barrel.

If a guest comes in and is looking around, without interest in the main dining room or the food, I again can start by asking them how their day was and continue the conversation by asking: 'Who are we shopping for today?" If the guest response with something like "Oh, I am just looking." I can continue to explain some of our amazing deals that are NOT where they are looking, such as talking about Main Street when they are in clearance or vise versa. I could also reinforce the signs that are up in that area to remind them of the great deals we have going on.

Then, I can ask them if they is anything in particular that they are looking for. They will often answer "no". Then I can ask if they would like a basket to help carry their findings, especially if they have already found a few things, and then I can leave them be with something simple like "If you need me, my name is Mary and you can find me by the host stand." Or wherever I am stationed.

You see, talking to guests is not difficult of a task in the slightest, but it takes much work and concentration to get the job done correctly. If none of these techniques work then I as the employee must understand that the guest does not need help and will be just fine looking around by themselves. I might want to check back on those that seem to be deciding what to get, and I need to remember that there is always more that can be added on to any sale. There is always more that will go great with one gift, or will help make one purchase just that bit better for the guest.

How To: Make It in Life as an Adult

While I am by no means an expert in this study or field, I do know a thing or two from personal experience, outside sources, and observation. Becoming an adult and thriving in the real world might look different for each person depending on location, personality, age, race, gender, past experience, or disabilities (both physical and mental) while most of these should not contribute too much of a difference.

One of the many vital attributes to thrive as an adult to keep in mind are that it is important to keep a routine (or at least close to routine) schedule. This helps you put less thought into what your day will look like, and it gives you more of a chance to focus on other stresses, problems, or situations that you have to deal with currently. While I understand the stress is not easy, working on some of these smaller issues will help you focus and get back on track to getting what you need to get done. 

Everyone's routine will look a little different depending on work schedules or when they feel that they need sleep or food. Routines and schedules could be as detailed or simple as possible. While I have found that the more detailed the schedule is the better it is, this is not the case for everyone. In fact, some people thrive with the basics. It is important to include everything that you need to get done because if you begin a routine or schedule and you forget to make time for things that will need to get done such as cleaning or showering, your life would feel incomplete and chaotic. It is also important to remember that it is okay to allow time for a break. It is alright to allow half an hour to an hour a day for some 'fun time' whether that be scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, or taking the time to read blogs like mine. Yet, the goal to be a successful human in society is to not waste too much time doing such things.

Another good idea to this scheduling plan is to have multiple different types of schedules available. For example, I mentioned earlier that cleaning is important to remember. While places like the kitchen or bathroom should be cleaned at least weekly, and places like your bedroom should be cleaned daily, some places get forgotten about such as the inside of a refrigerator, or a garage. These routine cleanings would be added to a monthly calendar, or a yearly calendar if one of those is created. Yet, sometimes there are hours or days full of so many specific and detailed events that it helps to have a daily and a weekly schedule. Every person is different and should find something that works for them. 

I have found that more than just schedules help me. Lists are something that helps me get all my thoughts put together. When I am able to create a to-do list for the day at the beginning of the day, I am able to see how fast I am able to get tasks done. I am able to prioritize the most important ones first without concerning myself about the smaller ones getting forgotten. 

Yet another important attribute is making sure to maintain a healthy diet. This includes keeping fit and exercising as often as possible. Your life could be going smoothly on every level except for health and you could be heading downhill. Health now will help you later. It is essential to keep that all in mind. 

While dieting is another fad that is gaining popularity all over the internet and social media over the past few years, it is important to remember that every diet is different, and most diets don't work. Based on the studying that I have been able to do, the amount of food someone eats is calculated based on their weight, height, age, and gender among other things. Yet, there is never one food that should be totally removed from a diet unless someone is allergic or has developed an intolerance to it. Everything should be consumed in moderation, though. 

Exercise is still important, as well. Yet, unlike what most sources seem to tell you, there is much you can do without having to go to a gym. There are lists of exercises you can do in your room without any equipment. Even something as simple as choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator to your work will count as exercise compared to sitting around not doing anything. It is better to get up and get moving than to sit or lay around not doing anything. 

Health goes farther than just what you eat or what you do for exercise. Caring for your body is another important attribute to the overall health of you as a person. I wrote an article a few months ago titled "How To: Care For Yourself" which mentions many ways that make this possible. 

A third attribute that needs to not go forgotten is enough sleep. This one has often gone ignored until recent events. This also seems to be going more ignored because it is talked about so much. This is especially harder for the younger adult population that want to stay up late and party all night. While not everyone needs the same amount of sleep, most doctors recommend about seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

While some will find that they have the freedom to sleep in until 8 a.m. so they chose to stay up until midnight, most successful people have found that they work on heading to bed about 9pm so they get up earlier. It is best, no matter what time you go to bed, to have your devices off for about two hours before you go to bed. Many people have found that reading before bed helps reduce stress and helps the brain focus on resting for the night. There are so many books people could choose to read including self-help books or books about a topic that interests you. Yet, I have found that reading my Bible helps me finish off the day with the right mindset. It has also been mentioned that it helps people to journal their thoughts and events of the day for an hour or so before they go to bed. I personally try to do this one as often as possible. Considering I have a blog, I do not mind writing. I actually enjoy being able to get all my emotions expressed on paper (whether that be digital or not). When the time is taken to a journal, the emotional journey and progress of maturity can be shown. It is also interesting to be able to look back at what life used to look like. Sometimes a memory of an event comes back into your mind and you are able to find the journal article posted that can explain all the information about it and the date of when exactly it happened. Journaling is such a good thing in so many ways. 

The earlier you go to bed the earlier you can get up. Most successful people are up by 5 at the latest. They get working as soon as they can because they understand that in the business world there is much that has already started all around the world when you are sleeping in. They understand the more time they take resting or sleeping the night away, the less time they have to work on the important work that needs to be done for the business to succeed. There are even a few young adults and teenagers that have been able to tap into this process and take the early morning to work on personal time. If your work does not call you in that early, you could take that time to meditate. Because I am a Christian, I chose to read my Bible and pray during this time. Allowing your brain this time to slow down, take a few deep breaths, and prepare for the day ahead often helps make the day go better as you are able to head into it with the right mindset. 

While this does not guarantee that you will be successful or have a perfect life, I have found that keeping a schedule, staying healthy, and sleeping really helps me do my best in the day throughout everything else. Don't overwork, but don't underwork yourself either.