4B Charlotte Thursday, December 28, 2006 \ /T '}^\/ ■" la ■ i Out with the old, bring in new year with party skills By Chens F. Hodges cheris.bcxiges@fhecbaffoftepost.com It’s time to kiss 2006 goodbye and welcome in a new year. Many people usher in the New Year at a party If that happens to be your plan, make sure that you don’t blend into the background at the New Year’s Eve shindig Why not be the master attractor at this year’s party? According to author Susan Barnes, being a master attractor means having: • Charisma • Individual focus • Active listening • Air of mystery • Backup plans • Presence In her new book titled “The Power of Net Magic,” Barnes talks about the personal net energy that everyone has. At a paity the best way to meet new people and possibly have a new love for the New Year is to flh-t. “When you look great, you feel great,” said Survivor: Senior year of high sehool By Brittanie Dixon THE CHARLOTTE POST Surviving the senior year of high school is no easy task. There are college applica tions, SAT^ and ACTh to study for as well as sciiolar- ships to apply for. Then there’s high school gradua tion. The stress can be hal'd to handle, especially with a giipping case of “senioiitis,” or cruising through the final yeai'- The ailment develops with the completion of senior exit projects, which begins dm-ir^ the junior year. After that, many seniors don’t feel like doing anything. Tb’Netiia Paige, 17, a senior at Harding University High School, said she knows what’s needed to make it to gradua tion day “Dedication and motiva tion,” she says. You have to be motivated.” And a time manager, some thing Tb’Netiia said is requii*ed for a successful senior year. She works two jobs to pay for senior dues and college applications. ‘T had the (senior exit pio- ject), college applications, and the SAT all in one week,” she said. Tb’Netria’s advice to rising seniors (class of 2008, take notes) includes: • Save money Expect pay ing a lot of money for senior dues, college applications and tests. • Start eai'ly with applica tions and testing. “Not only that,” Tb’Netiia says, ‘fout take your SATb and ACT^ as soon as possible. And when senior year is starting to wear on you, get together with friends and just hang out. Don’t give up on your social life.” College isn’t for everyone. Although many seniors see coEege as a must, theie are those that choose not to go, opting for the military or workforce. Tashiva Green, 17, a senior at Harding, plans to go to the Air Force after high school. “My father played the bluest role in my decision not to attend college,” she said. “He was in the Air Force for 20 years and I decided to follow in his footsteps. My parents respect my decision.” By picking the Air Foi-ce ovei- college, Tashiva said: ‘Tt makes me think about how it’s going to be being in a dif ferent environment than the college lifestjie. I know going to the Ail' Force will be a life-changing experience.” Although Tashiva’s plans ai'en’t the same as many other seniors, she feels her decision doesn’t make her final year any less sti-essful. Someone who knows what it takes to sm'vive senior 5^ar is Michelle Hoffiuan, a guid ance counselor at Hardii^. She gets weekly visits fium students asking aU kinds of questions. “Information about financial aid” is the most-asked question, • she said. “And other general questions about applying for coEege like when to apply or where. I also get questions for parents concerning paying for coEege.” Hoffman said choosing a coEege wiE require research. “When choosing a coEege students should consider the size of the school, location, whether it’s pubEc or private and costs,” she said. “Not just the cost of tuition, but costs of books, housing, living expens es and things of that nature.” “Senior year is very impor tant for many reEisons,” said Steve CXimming, director of admissions • at Pfeiffer University “CoEege admis sions (officials) are looking for students that can do coEege work and who don’t slack off There shoiEd be a smooth transition.” Oinnming went on to say “'When choosing a coEege seniors should consider the admissions requii'ements. And whether the school has theh- major and if it’s a good match. If the stud^t is look ing into Pfeiffer, they should consider the programs, statis tics and if our school has what they are looking for aca- demicaEy” Cumming’s advice: “\Tsit the campus. When you get to coEege expect to work harder and expect a different work load. Also, make sure to man age yom- time and be pi-e- pai'ed.” ® Je Charlotte Can be delivered to your house Call 704 376 0496 today Rita Tfempleton, a writer with googobits.com, a lifestjies web site. “And when you feel great you’re a better flirt.” Tfempleton also says oozir^ confidence by making eye contact and smiling. “Be approachable. A smile is llie absolute best way te look approachable and can attract someone without you having to say word.” If you’re hosting a party and want to create a memorable time for your guests, that takes some planning. According to ehow.com, you need to warn your neighbors if you’re havir^ a party at your house. “Even if they choose not to attend, theyll know what to expect and thus wEl be less likely to knodc on your door and complain.” If you’re not the host, then according to real- simple.com, avoid arriving early “For a cock tail party, your host probably escpects you no later than an hour after the start time. If you’re not sure when to leave, look for these signs: music turned down or up (to make talk ing more difficult); fights turned up, the bar closed; food no lor^r being replenished; the host with her shoes off, rubbing her feet.” Moving forward starts with not leaving his message behind. Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. 01.15.07 s) 2006 toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.. Inc.. (^TOYOTA moving torward movie stardom. *Earn a walk-on OTOvie or TV role. millions of rawards choose yours