Seth Godin wrote on his blog last month that the quickest—not the easiest—way to get things done and make change is (1) Don't demand authority, (2) Eagerly take responsibility, and (3) Relentlessly give credit. Students can apply that advice to just about any activity you’re involved in.
You don’t need to be the editor of the school newspaper to take a journalism class over the summer and share your newfound knowledge with the rest of the staff. You can eagerly take on the task of organizing the bake sale for the French club or running the fundraising drive for the lacrosse team. And the lead in the school play can take the time to praise the entire cast, the orchestra, and the tech gurus who made sure the lights and sound were perfect every night.
Sure, it’s not easy. But it’s quick. You can start today.