10 Habits of Rising Stars: Highly Effective Teens

ADvTECH Group • March 28, 2022

You figure yourself out more during your adolescence than at any other time in your life. It’s an incredible and scary time filled with tough issues and life-changing decisions.

Here are ten teen life hacks to help you rise to be the star you are.

1. It gets better

Almost every middle-aged person on the planet will tell you this: no matter how good or bad your teen years are, life gets better. You get better-looking, or at least more stylish.

You learn to laugh at yourself more, and suddenly the opinion of others doesn’t matter at all. You like yourself better. So on the bad days, tell yourself: this is a learning curve and it WILL get better.

2. Body Beautiful

Making peace with the way you look can be a lifelong struggle, if you allow it. Develop an early appreciation for the amazing vehicle that your body is - you’ll save yourself so much unnecessary trouble.

Besides, yours is the generation that turned its back on body shaming, so we think you’ll manage this one. Try this: look at yourself in the mirror before your shower and say one positive thing about your body every day. Remember, not everything you see on Social Media is real or attainable so, aspire to be no one else but yourself.

3. Don’t abuse you

Related: don’t put stuff in your body that’s bad for it. Alcohol, tobacco, performance-enhancing drugs, any recreational drugs at all, too much food, too little food… Get it? Nobody looks at themselves at 40 and is happy they started smoking. Nobody!

4. One bite at a time

Sometimes, you tell yourself, “I MUST study!” and then you sit down and you have no idea where to begin. That’s because “must study” is vague and unhelpful. Yes, we know the Maths exam at the end of your high school career will test all your

knowledge, but right now, today, you feel unsure about the quadratic equations you did in class.

So say this instead: “Today, at home, I will spend half an hour rereading the chapter on quadratic equations, and I will practice five examples.” That’s attainable.

Many things in life are like this, that’s why we have the saying “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Just take that first bite.

5. Forgive yourself

Learning to forgive yourself is not only one of the most valuable teen hacks but a valuable lesson you will carry with you throughout your life. No person on earth has it all figured out. You keep on learning and changing throughout your life, so don’t think the choices and mistakes you make when you are a teen are going to be everything.

(The pace of change slows down in adulthood though - and thank goodness, because who can sustain the intensity of puberty?)

The best people resist becoming rigid and boring in their old age. If you’ve made a mistake, learn from it. Now let it go and move on.

6. Do unto others…

Whether it’s how you speak to a friend, how you compete in a match, and how you treat a girlfriend or boyfriend, don’t behave in a way that would upset you if someone did it to you. Simple!

More importantly, 'seek first to understand then to be understood', remember to pay attention to others too, listen and be kind. It is easy to become an egocentric teen, caught up in your own world but remember there are others around you and a whole world out there so, pay attention.

7. Listen to the voice

Peer pressure when you're a teen is real but everybody has an instinct so do your best to follow it. If something feels wrong, it is usually your little voice inside sounding a warning. Whether it’s telling you that you’re getting a “no” feeling about something you are doing, or that a certain person is untrustworthy, or that you probably shouldn’t lie to your parents about meeting up with a stranger you connected with online, listen!

The little voice is rarely wrong, and giving it airtime boosts its power. It will help you your whole life long.

8. Do it anyway

You may not be the best hockey player. Play anyway. Public speaking may frighten you. Give it a go, once, anyway.

Yes, you can’t load your plate with every single activity, and you do have to be selective, but don’t be afraid to try out and to be rejected once in a while. It’s a reminder that rejection, (while awful), is part of life.

Your crush wants to break up. A friendship hasn’t worked out. A university hasn’t accepted you for the course you want. But you’ll have the resilience to overcome the disappointment.

9. Look for the fun

While it can be hard, adolescence is also intensely fun. Make sure you don’t get caught up in cranky parents rolling their eyes or the stresses and problems of the day. Look for the fun, find it, laugh and be a kid.

10. Ask for help

Everyone gets overwhelmed. We can’t stress this one enough: asking for help when you are not coping is a sign of wisdom, not weakness! Speak to a parent, teacher, friend or call Lifeline on 08 000 55 555 if you feel desperate. There are people who can and want to help you.

Beyond Smiles: How Trinityhouse Turns Happiness into High Performance

By Laura Barrett • March 20, 2026

Where emotional intelligence, belonging and wellbeing shape confident, high-achieving students

The Joy of Numbers: Growing a Lifelong Love for Mathematics in South African Classrooms

By Camilla Pretorius • March 14, 2026

Each year on 14 March, schools across the globe celebrate Pi Day, a playful tribute to the mathematical constant π (3.14). Numbers may seem abstract at first glance, yet behind every formula lies a story of discovery, logic and imagination. Mathematical thinking shapes the way young people analyse the world, solve problems and innovate in fields ranging from medicine to technology. Passion for mathematics rarely appears overnight. Curiosity often provides the starting point. According to Camilla Pretorius, Principal of Trinityhouse Centurion , mathematical confidence develops when students realise that the subject is not about memorising formulas but about exploring patterns and ideas. “Mathematics is fundamentally about curiosity,” Pretorius explains. “Students begin to thrive when they understand that problem-solving is a journey rather than a test of instant ability.” Early childhood plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards numbers. Young students naturally explore patterns, shapes and quantities through play long before formal lessons begin. Counting steps on a staircase, sorting colourful objects or building towers all introduce foundational mathematical concepts. Teachers who encourage exploration help students associate mathematics with discovery rather than anxiety. Games, puzzles and open-ended questions transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity flourishes. Confidence grows when mistakes become part of learning. “Students sometimes arrive believing they are ‘not maths people’,” Pretorius says. “Changing that mindset requires patience and encouragement. Progress becomes visible once students understand that effort and persistence build mathematical ability.” Academic performance improves when students believe they can succeed. Mathematical confidence determines whether a student will attempt a challenging problem or avoid it entirely. Supportive classroom environments allow students to ask questions, test ideas and learn through trial and error. Teachers play a central role in shaping that environment. Encouraging discussion, celebrating creative thinking and analysing mistakes openly helps students develop resilience.

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Lee Hill

February 21, 2026

Four Pages, One Future: The Trinityhouse Wordsmith Making Her Mark

International Mother Language Day: Raising Globally Confident Students Proud of their Roots

February 21, 2026

Celebrating multilingual education at Trinityhouse, where identity, inclusion and global readiness grow together. Experts: Samantha Nkosi, Raesetja Ntuli and Maché Piek (Trinityhouse Centurion Teachers) International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on 21 February, offers schools across South Africa an opportunity to reflect on language inclusion, cultural diversity and identity. At Trinityhouse Schools, language education is not only about academic achievement. It is about building culturally confident, globally aware students who are proud of their roots. In the early years, language shape’s identity. When young children hear Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans or their home language spoken in the classroom, they feel recognised and valued. Introducing home languages in Pre-Primary affirms cultural heritage at a critical stage of development. Children who encounter familiar words, songs and greetings settle more quickly into school life. Multilingual exposure through music, storytelling, indigenous games and augmented reality books strengthens vocabulary and builds early literacy foundations. Students explore the meaning of their names and surnames, deepening pride in their identity. When a child’s mother tongue is acknowledged, confidence grows. Participation increases. Classrooms become spaces where diversity is celebrated naturally. Early language inclusion supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens school readiness, creating confident students from the very beginning. As students’ progress through Preparatory School, continued development of home language skills alongside English strengthens academic performance. Research and classroom experience consistently show that students who maintain strong home language proficiency demonstrate improved comprehension, stronger reading skills and greater conceptual understanding. Teaching strategies such as repetition, guided group reading and small discussion circles allow multilingual students to participate without pressure. Students often explain concepts in Sepedi before bridging into English, reinforcing understanding and building academic confidence. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey. Daily reading in both English and home languages, storytelling and regular conversation strengthen vocabulary and cognitive development. A strong foundation in a home language enhances English acquisition rather than hindering it. Multilingual students develop cognitive flexibility, empathy and adaptability, essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Aligned with South Africa’s 11 official languages and a strong commitment to diversity in education, Trinityhouse continues to broaden its African language offerings. At Trinityhouse Centurion, Sepedi was introduced at Pre-Primary and Preparatory in 2019 and will be extended to Grade 8 in 2027. Offering Sepedi as a First Additional Language affirms students’ linguistic heritage within an academic setting. When students see their home language valued at high school level, it strengthens identity, belonging and pride. At the same time, multilingual students develop cultural awareness and global readiness. The Sepedi department will prepare students for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations in their matric year. A structured academic pathway, rigorous assessment standards and active collaboration within the IEB Sepedi cluster across Pretoria and Gauteng will ensure consistency and academic excellence. Close cooperation between the Preparatory and High School departments will further support a smooth and well-coordinated implementation in 2027. Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation. Language inclusion directly influences student confidence, wellbeing and belonging. Being able to connect socially through a shared language reduces isolation and fosters community. Through Respect, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Public Speaking, assembly celebrations and events such as Heritage Day Fire Feast, Trinityhouse creates spaces where students celebrate linguistic pride through praise poetry, storytelling and song. These moments strengthen engagement, participation and cultural appreciation. International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is more than communication. It is memory, belonging and identity. At Trinityhouse, raising globally competitive students who are proud of their heritage means ensuring that cultural identity and academic excellence walk hand in hand.