Students

Students are the potential – not the problem.

Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard. The My Voice™ Student Aspirations Survey gives you that opportunity. Based on over two decades of research into student aspirations, the My Voice Student Aspirations Survey measures student perceptions of 8 Conditions That Make a Difference.

The survey allows you and your peers to provide feedback on your school experience. The survey results provide detailed information about your school's environment and how well the 8 Conditions are being fostered in your school. Your participation in the My Voice survey will provide valuable feedback to educators at your own school and will simultaneously contribute to a database that can be utilized to make improvements in our educational system at a national level.

Building Your Aspirations Portfolio

Below are simple strategies to help you foster your aspirations. Download the whole portfolio to go even further.

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

8 Effective Ways to Foster Your Aspirations

1. Be yourself

Understand your strengths, likes, dislikes, and what makes you the person you are. Become involved in school or community groups that appreciate the unique abilities you offer. Ask your guidance counselor about taking a skills or career inventory or assessment. Build your Belonging portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

2. Get support

Connect to caring, supportive adults at your school. Develop relationships with those you trust and can turn to for advice. Many adults understand and remember the challenges of being your age. Learn from their successes and mistakes. Choose a healthy role model. Many schools and community groups offer mentoring opportunities. Build your Heroes portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

3. Try and try again

Grades and tests are an important part of your education. Learning how to put forth effort and persevere during difficult times is equally important. Work to your capabilities and beyond. Challenge yourself not to give up when you struggle in school. Ask to redo assignments you know you could do better. Build your Sense of Accomplishment portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

4. Have fun

Few things are more exciting than being involved in projects and initiatives you're passionate about. Find your passions by joining different clubs, reading a variety of books, and meeting people from different backgrounds. Share your interests with others. Build your Fun & Excitement portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

5. Question and create

Ask questions, seek answers, and solve problems every day. Challenge yourself to raise related questions in all your classes. Keep learning after you leave class. Learning might be as simple as talking with friends or adults about what you heard in class or looking up more information about a subject online. Exercise your imagination every chance you get. Build your Curiosity & Creativity portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

6. Take positive risks

Set goals that seem just out of your reach. For a short-term goal, ask yourself, "What do I want to accomplish this week?" For a long-term goal, ask, "What do I want to accomplish this school year?" Take on challenges that are outside your comfort zone. The best way to grow is to push beyond what you think you are capable of. Build your Spirit of Adventure portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

7. Choose what's best

Make a commitment to lead your life and not just drift along with the crowd. You have the potential to be a leader at school and throughout your life. Develop leadership skills like listening, being clear about what is important to you, and being accountable for the choices you make. Encourage your school to take the My Voice Student Aspirations Survey and be part of the discussions related to the survey results. Build your Leadership & Responsibility portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School

8. Act on behalf of your dreams

Believe you can make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Every great person was once your age. You have the ability to do amazing things with your life. Take action to make this happen. Start by getting involved in a school or community service project. Discover what it feels like to make a difference for others. Build your Confidence to Take Action portfolio:

Middle School / Junior School // High School / Secondary School