High school is arguably the most important time of your life. You make friends that will last forever, you get your license, and you start picking colleges. Yet, with all of the ways that high school prepares you for your future and gives you great opportunities, according to me learning the most important skills aren’t required. Every job that exists in our technology based world will almost always require some form of computer literacy. Whether it’s being able to run spreadsheets dealing with finance, or knowing how to read a programming language; strong computer literacy I think is the most important skill to have. Most high schools have some kind of advanced computer course that aims at teaching new and valuable skills like programming or tech support. Many students don’t know about these courses either from a lack of interest or the course itself not being advertised as much as others. Inside one of these courses you will have opportunities to learn great skills, collaborate with other students and compare what programs you’ve created. This is not only a great way to learn how to make your creations better, but a great way to meet other people who will become friends. For students concerned with the fact they might not already know computer literacy well, that's totally ok. Most computer courses (not including AP) are built so anyone can start anytime and learn about the skills being taught. I remember not knowing anything about back end web development before I came to high school. After I jumped into the web development class, within a few weeks I had already made a small website. Overall, taking a computer course in high school is not only fun, but very practical to your future life.

Canva is a really wonderful website for creating well designed posters, presentations, social media posts and much more.

Using a calendar on any phone, tablet, or computer is a great way to remember homework assignments and important test dates.

How to correctly site your sources and abide by the US fair use policies

I've been with SWAT since it first began in early 2015, and I've enjoyed every moment of it.

The first thing I quickly realized when I first joined SWAT was how it was so much more than just a group working to fix technology. There is a huge focus on the advancement of technology, which includes things such as spreading awareness of innovative uses of technology or helping educate people outside the Algonquin community. There was such a vast variety of tasks, each with their own unique merits, that I never, ever, got bored. Furthermore, this class offered a safe haven from the stresses of other APs and was a nice change of pace in the middle of the day.