INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Teachers can tell when a student isn't being themselves. For example, if you're a science fiction geek or a competitive athlete, those are important things that help define who you are. Never try to hide those things just to look like the perfect student. If you're naturally a goofball or "class clown," you may need to control yourself some to avoid disrupting class. However, most teachers have a sense of humor and will appreciate some silliness or joking in class. Don't let your personality distract from class. For example, if you're a social butterfly, you can wait until the bell rings to hand out the invitations to your party. You don't need to do that during class. This may be the only proven thing that determines which students will become a teacher's favorite. You may remind them of themselves at your age, or of someone, they are close to. You may share interests or hobbies. If your teacher senses that you have something in common, they are likely to favor you. Sometimes, your teacher might just feel that you have similar personalities. For example, they might be able to identify with the fact that you're shy, or that you get easily frustrated. If you know your teacher shares an interest with you, you can connect with them over that. For example, if your teacher loves art, you could bring in a review of the latest exhibition at the local art museum to share with them. This can be difficult, especially if you're shy. However, most teachers will appreciate a student who can be honest and confide in them. If you're struggling with school work or having trouble at home, letting your teacher know will likely endear you to them. If you're having trouble outside of school (such as at home or at a job) let your teacher know. They might be able to extend deadlines for you or help you talk to a guidance counselor. Be careful not to come across as whiny or complaining. Teachers can tell the difference between a student who is truly struggling and one who simply doesn't want to do the work.

SUMMARY: Let your teacher know who you are. Embrace things you and your teacher may have in common. Be honest about your struggles.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To sell a product, you must be able to feel what your customer feels and then adjust your sales strategy. While you may enter an interaction with a specific sales pitch, you must adjust your pitch if a customer is not responding as you hoped. Pay attention to your customer's body language and facial expressions. If the customer is folding their arms, not making eye contact, or fidgeting a lot, you may need to try a different approach. When you show empathy, acknowledge whatever concern the customer has and let them know that you are on their side. For example, if a customer is saying that your product is too expensive, you may say, "I understand that. I know that price is an important factor, and you are looking for the best value that suits your needs." Do not blame other people when you are unable to make a sale or meet your numbers. If you have made a mistake, take responsibility and come up with a solution to the problem that you face. Also be open to any criticism or suggestions you receive about your work. For example, you should never say, "It's not my fault that people aren't interested in the product." Instead have the attitude that says, "Why aren't people interested? What can I do to change my approach?" As a salesperson, you will get turned down a lot. Think of rejection as just part of your job. Remember that the customer is not rejecting you as a person, but the product that you are selling. Think of rejection as an opportunity to try out a new strategy or go back to the drawing board. Use your failures as a learning tool. Keep a written record of your sales approach and the associated outcome. This will help you figure out which strategies work best. Most successful salespeople have an ego. They strive to be the best at what they do and are self-motivated. Set performance goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to meet them. For example, a goal may be to speak with 5 new customers a day or make a new sale once a week. If you work on a sales team, try to be the top performer. If someone is doing better than you, try to step your game up. Being competitive is good, but do not sabotage your coworkers or lie to customers to get the job done.

SUMMARY: Have empathy. Be responsible. Stay optimistic. Strive for excellence.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: They will get it all set up for you. Do this in advance to lock in a good price or have transportation ready when you need it. If you need to stick to a strict schedule, renting a car through these sources is your best option. Car enthusiasts can request a specific car to drive. Cuba has many vintage cars from the 1950s and earlier available. Taxi cabs are everywhere in Havana. A drive from the airport to your hotel costs about 30 CUCs, so rides can get expensive. Still, this is an easy way to navigate the city. Make sure you factor the expense into your budget. Rental cars are the newest cars on the island. In addition, there isn't much traffic outside Havana. It's a luxurious way to get from place to place if you want to explore the island. Private cars can be a little pricey, but it's like a taxi that goes beyond the city. You won't have to drive or navigate yourself around unfamiliar territory. Order a car online through the Cuban government or wait to negotiate in person at your hotel or casa. For example, you can book a trip to Vinales, a tourist town about 2 hours away, for about 100 CUCs. This is known as a taxi collectivo. You share the private car with other guests. Reserve a car by speaking to hotel and casa employees, by visiting bus stations in Havana, or by talking to taxi drivers. A taxi collectivo to Vinales can cost as little as 20 CUCs. Bus tickets are sold in advance at https://www.viazul.com/. Buses are newer than most cars, so features like air conditioning are included. Bus trips are slower than car trips because the bus has to stop at different stations. Don't be alarmed if the website shows that bus tickets are sold out. Go to the station when you arrive in Cuba. There are usually tickets available to buy in person. A trip to Vinales costs about 12 CUCs. Contact a traveling company to set up a tour. This is the easiest way to get across the island. You will book the tour with an English-speaking representative who arranges the transportation for you. Search online to find reputable tour companies. Unfortunately, you have to stick to the tour schedule. You may not get to explore some locations as much as you would like.

SUMMARY:
Speak with your hotel or casa to make traveling plans. Take cabs to get around the city quickly. Rent a car to travel beyond Havana quickly. Hire a private car for guided traveling. Share a private car to cut the cost. Get a bus ticket to travel cheaply and comfortably. Book an inclusive tour to avoid having to plan.