Freshman Year

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Wealth

• What money is and why it matters
• Needs vs. wants
• How to read a paycheck
• Basic budgeting (weekly allowance model)
• Introduction to saving (short-term goals)
• Avoiding scams and predatory lending
• Real money verses virtual money

Health

• Personal hygiene and nutrition basics
• Sleep and exercise fundamentals
• Understanding stress and anxiety
• Recognizing emotions in the body
• How to ask for help (trusted adults, counselors)
• Substance awareness (not moralizing—safety-focused)

Education

• How high school works (credits, GPA, graduation)
• Learning styles and strengths
• Time management basics
• Self-advocacy with teachers
• Why education matters beyond grades
• Goal-setting for the school year

Emotions

• Naming emotions
• Trauma-informed emotional literacy
• Understanding triggers
• Healthy vs. unhealthy coping strategies
• Building trust and healthy boundaries
• Conflict basics

Life Skills

• Organization skills
• Basic cooking safety and simple meals
• Laundry basics
• Personal responsibility and routines
• Communication basics (email, texting appropriately)

Spiritual

• Exploring identity and values
• Purpose and belonging
• Gratitude and reflection
• Understanding personal story (without forcing disclosure)
• Respect for diverse beliefs
• Hope and future-orientation

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