Last week, I discussed what it entails to be a school leaver and why it is important to ask yourself three important questions such as: Where you are coming from, where you are and where you are going? Being a school leaver does not mean you have become self-actualised-it, is just a phase in life. Let me share what I feel is worthy considering during your time as a school leaver.
It entails you have the whole time on your side. Hence most school leavers find it difficulty on how to conduct themselves. Involve yourself in things that will add value to your life. In most cases, because of their excitement they end up indulging in things that have the potential of affecting them negatively.
I have seen how some pupils change in terms of their behavior by indulging in various vices such as drug substance abuse and pre-marital sex. Becoming mothers and fathers unplanned, being a mother at the time you are not prepared psychologically has its own consequences. School leavers, there is more to life, live responsibly.
Be mindful of the present pressure. They often find themselves in the present pressure trap. They behave by focusing on the present pressure, without looking at the long term consequences of their conduct.  Think about your future, it is more important than your today. Make choices with a future in mind, very soon you will go in tertiary education.
Look up for job opportunities, I know unemployment rates in Zambia are high. Even Graduates from Universities such as the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University are still searching for jobs. If you cannot find any, look around for NGOs within your neighborhood and offer free service. The main aim for this is to make yourself active. They say an idle mind is the devil workshop.
Do some A-Levels Courses, I have been asked by pupils if it is important to do A-Levels. And my answer has been it is, if your parents or guardians are able to assist you. A-Levels are very important especially to those who may want to pursue Natural Science courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering and so on. A good number of schools and some universities do offer A-Levels courses in Zambia.  For those who may not do any A-level course, it does not mean your friends will have advantages over you once you have been accepted into University. I have seen Students who never did any A-Level course or Pure Sciences whilst at Secondary school making it into their desired courses.
Get involved in some sports, some of you have been active members of your school teams. You even have the potential to become a professional sports personnel. Make yourself available by visiting sports facilities. Physical training have various benefits that may include among other things makes your body active, relieves you from stress, contributes to your intelligence, makes your body physically fit and it can help you avoid obesity.
Some months ago, I remember talking to a girl, one of my former pupils who used to be netball team Captain for the school. After she completed, she thought it twice on how she could continue developing her skills as a Netballer, She decided to start training with local district Netball team.
I think this is best thing you can do. She has plans to pursue medicine and becoming a professional netballer at the same time. I remember chatting with the Sports Master at our school who shared how some of the swimming life savers used their certificates and got employed as life savers. You too can do something.
Take time to read devotional and motivational books. I remember, after completing grade 12, I decided to go through the whole Bible. Little did I know that I was laying a foundation for my life in Christ.
I also began to study a lot of motivational books. If you do not have any motivational book I believe your parents will not hesitate to get one or two. Motivational books will be something that will add value to your life.
Additionally, take time to read even other materials such as Academic books, Newspapers and Magazines. Take advantage of your local council library, I think most Councils have libraries.
Play an active role at your local church. The Church has been considered to be the best place where an individual can develop his/herself. Get involved in the youth activities at church.
The church is able to groom you into a responsible youth. When I completed my grade 12, I decided to serve God to my best ability. My life as a school leaver was fruitful, in terms of my spiritual life. Again this was my foundation, even the time I went at UNZA, I was well prepared and used my time on Campus in serving in the UNZA Bread of Life Campus Fellowship.
Let me take this opportunity to welcome all School Leavers to the society but live responsibly and remember that there is more to life.
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