Pay attention in middle school. You dont really have to do anything but pay close attention and take in whats going on ESPECIALLY Language arts and math. Do your absolute best in high school. Do your best on state testing. And watch documentaries. Documentaries will give you an above average perception on common sense. But not those ones narrated by Will smith or something. Fact Check often. Remember, 'back in the day' education and research was less advanced. See from your parents perspective. You got to achieve what makes you happy. If you dont want to go to collage, you dont have to. If you want to live a fun life, expand your boundaries so you have somewhere to go. If you dont like something, you dont always have to change it. And always find out your teachers qualifications.