Although academic knowledge is important for the future, teens should also take an interest in developing basic everyday life skills in order to be well prepared young adults.

Teens should know some life skills to be self-sufficient. Skills can include home and personal care, life management and organization.

Home and personal care skills allow teens to live independently. Teens need to know how to use basic kitchen appliances to cook simple dishes, to do laundry and to sew hems and buttons.

Life management and organization skills include being able to create a budget, organize and protect online information, use a credit card wisely and balance a checkbook.

Junior Erica Freitas said, “I have been preparing for college by teaching myself how to do simple things like cooking. Many of my friends who do not cook have to rely on ready-made food. Although ready-made food is convenient, it is neither healthy nor self-sufficient.”

Having these skills allows teens to save money in the long run.

The average cost for a seamstress to hem clothing or re-attach a button runs from $5 to $10. The average cost for a plumber to unclog a toilet or sink is about $85.The average cost of dining for three meals is about $20.

Senior Tiare Sadaranandra said, “I have been preparing my own snacks and lunches for school since I was in fifth grade. Although it may not seem like a big thing, it is one less thing I have to depend on my mom for.”

Teens who practice these skills will be better equipped for the future. Students will discover that basic life skills come in handy during college when they are on their own.

Alumna Paige Thomas said, “I feel that I was more well off than my roommate because of the basic life skills I have developed over my high school years.”