“I have nothing to put in a portfolio!” Sound like you? Lots of students feel this way. They think portfolios are only for stars. For students with big awards. For those with tons of projects. But that’s just not true. Every student has things to show. Yes, even YOU! Let’s see how to make a great portfolio. Even if you think you have “nothing.”

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Think You Have “Nothing” for a Portfolio? Think Again!

It’s easy to feel like you haven’t done much. School can feel normal. Homework can feel normal. Your day-to-day stuff can feel like “nothing special.” But stop thinking that way! You do things every day. You learn things every day. And many of these things are great for a portfolio. You just need to know how to see them. And how to show them off.

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It’s Not About “Big Deals” – It’s About YOU

Portfolios are not just for big stars. They are for everyone. They are for showing YOU. Colleges and jobs want to see who YOU are. They want to see what YOU can do. They don’t just want to see big names or fancy awards. They want to see your skills. They want to see your work. They want to see YOU shine. Your portfolio is your place to shine.

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What Counts as Portfolio “Stuff”? More Than You Think!

What can you put in your student portfolio if you feel you have “nothing”? Lots! Think bigger than just “big deals.” Think about these things:

• Skills You Have: Everyone has skills. Think about skills you use in class. Think about skills you use with friends. Think about skills you use at home. Can you write well? Can you solve problems? Can you work with people? These are skills! Show them.
• School Work That’s Cool: Did you do a project in class you liked? Did you write a paper you’re proud of? Did you do art that’s awesome? School work counts! Pick the best pieces. Show them in your portfolio.
• Things You Do Outside School: Do you have hobbies? Do you help in your community? Do you do stuff online? These are all things you can show. If you play music, add a clip. If you code for fun, show a project. If you help at a local place, talk about what you did and what you learned.

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Where to Find Your Hidden Portfolio Gold

Still not sure what to add? Look closer at your life. Think about these places to find your “portfolio gold”:

• Old School Folders: Look back at old school work. You might find papers or projects you forgot about. You might find some gems you can show off now.
• Your Phone & Computer: Check your photos. Check your files. Do you have pictures of projects? Do you have videos of things you made? Your phone and computer are full of stuff for your portfolio.
• Think “Small Wins”: Don’t just think about big awards. Think about small wins. Did you fix a problem for someone? Did you help a team do better? Small wins show you are helpful and skilled. These are great to show too.

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Turn “Nothing” into Something Amazing

You see? You DO have stuff to show. Every student does. It’s about how you look at it. It’s about how you show it. You can turn “nothing” into something amazing. Your portfolio is your place to shine. Make it shine with YOU.

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Action Steps: Start Your Portfolio Today (Yes, YOU!)

Ready to make your portfolio? Even if you feel like you’re starting with nothing? Do these steps now:

• Stop Saying “Nothing”: First, stop saying you have “nothing.” You do. Believe it!
• Brainstorm Your Skills: List out all your skills. Big skills and small skills. Don’t leave anything out.
• Hunt for Your “Gold”: Look through your school stuff, your phone, your computer. Find projects and work samples.
• Just Start Building: Pick a simple portfolio site. Start adding your “gold.” Start telling your story.

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Final Thought: Awesome Portfolios for ALL Students: You Have Stuff to Show!

The greatest portfolio is a journey of self-discovery. Don’t let the illusion of “nothing” hold you back from uncovering the wealth of experiences and skills within you. Your portfolio isn’t just a document; it’s a testament to your potential. Start building, start believing, and watch as your “nothing” transforms into an extraordinary story of you.

📢 Want more college admissions tips? Check out Cirkled In Library for expert advice and tools to help you build a winning college application and land a spot at your dream school! 🚀