Only about 45 percent of students show evidence of healthy self esteem. Throughout life a continual improvement in decision-making skill is called for. Adult who want to help young people avoid the most hazardous pitfalls of adolescence alcohol, drugs, tobacco, premature sexual activity know that decision-making skill is a prime goal. The ability to make friends is a skill that many people seem to acquire without effort. Others find that learning it is a challenge.
Some adolescents move blithely from one thing to another without planning.
They may be heavily represented among those who are not doing a great deal of homework. It is a mark of maturity to be able to delay the thing that seems most attractive right now in order to complete the less-desirable but necessary task. Only a little over half of students think they're very good at planning ahead. One of the most valuable things in life is hope. As many of their elders know, hope for oneself and one's future is one of life's greatest assets.