Jeffrey Dean Blog

Now that school is back in session, it may not be as cool and fun as High School Musical. But there are a few things you can do to make it rock for you!

1. Be confident in who you are. You are unique. There is no one else exactly like you. Never compromise who you are to be who someone else wants you to be.
2. Pay attention in the classroom. Ask questions. Show interest. Get to know your teachers. A teen who is engaged in the classroom is one that teachers will respect.
3. Recall a choice of regret you made during last school year. Then, commit to avoid whatever and whomever is necessary for you not to repeat that same poor choice.
4. Like it or not, school is all about the grade. Set goals and boundaries now for studying and homework that will help you attain the very best grades you can.
5. Commit 30 minutes each afternoon to chill. Teen life is busy and your brain needs time to unwind. Don’t use this as an excuse to develop poor and lethargic habits. Use it as time to refresh and refuel so that you are ready to work like crazy to make your grades rock.
6. Remember, your friends determine your future. Hang with the wise and you too will make wise choices. Hang with the foolish and a regrettable moment will be waiting around the corner.
7. Strive everyday to make it a good day for someone else. Say hello to someone you don’t know or go out of your way to do something kind to a teen or teacher.
8. Be a woman of noble character.
9. Be a man of respect and integrity.
10. Enjoy the moment. Before you know it, high school will be a blur and the school of “real life” (bills, a mortgage, car payments, and dirty diapers) will be awaiting your attendance.

I was saddened to hear the news that former Tennessee Titan Steve McNair was found dead last week in his Nashville condominium along side his, newly publicized, girlfriend. I didn’t know Mr. McNair personally. But like most Titans fans, I enjoyed watching him lead our Titans to within a yard of winning it all against the Rams in the Super Bowl several years ago. Mr. McNair was considered a hero in Nashville. Most everyone who had something to say about him almost always had something to say about him that was good. (more…)

What’s up Texas teens? I’m in Texas this week speaking in schools and churches and am jazzed to be back. If I was in your school this week, I’m glad you’re checking out my blog. I’m especially excited to tell you about a new section on my blog just for you. From time to time, I’ll be blogging just for teens in Texas and I hope you’ll stay tuned-in to what I have to say.

These blogs will be categorized and found under Texas Teens in the Categories menu to the right. I’ll touch on issues that are relevant to you as a teen and hopefully offer you a little guidance in your journey.

This week I’m here in Texas talking specifically about choices and the powerful role your choices play in shaping your future. Here’s a question for you to consider. Ask yourself: “What do I live for?” This is a critical question because the answer to this question has everything to do with who you are, and, ultimately, is the basis by which you discern right from wrong. You see, what you live for defines your character, dictates your lifestyle, and determines your destiny.

I’ll talk more about this in future blogs. I hope you’ll stick around, not to merely read my words. Rather, to allow my words to help you better gauge what it is you’re living for, and, to better understand what it is you were created to live for.