After the first week of school “high” that students get, routine begins and hard work emerges. Until November, students have to wake up each Monday through Friday and attend eight hours of mandatory learning. On top of the workload, many students will have extracurricular activities which can lead to fatigue, mentally and physically. As an upperclassman, I assure you that students will eventually survive the few months before Thanksgiving break. Here are some of my tips to facilitate your day-to-day lives, juggling school and activities, before break:
1. Start your days with a good mindset. I know waking up can become nearly impossible to accomplish; however, attacking the day with a positive attitude will make your responsibilities seem less demanding.
2. Stay on top of your homework. Yes, with extracurricular activities and other tasks, it can become last on your to-do list. However, it is much harder to catch up on extra work than to finish it in the first place.
3. Make sure to leave time for family and friends. Although school work comes before many things, it is important to surround yourself with people that make your days seem more manageable. Being with people going through the same thing will validate your feelings, and family is always there for you at any time. Having a solid support system facilitates day-to-day life.
4. Talk to your teachers. Teachers are on your side and want you to succeed. Therefore, if you express how much you want to succeed in their class, they will most likely help you. For example, if you are not feeling ready to take a test because you have been so busy with other work, ask to take the test the next day. Or, if you get a bad grade on a test, ask for extra credit or test corrections. Teachers want to see that dedication from a student.
5. Take advantage of time off. We get days off for a reason: to relax. Whether it is rotting in your bed or going out to do something with friends, make sure you prioritize your well-being on weekends or long weekends.
After the first break, the rest of the school year flies by and you will find yourself in a much better routine. As long as you remember my rules, you will be more successful than me if I had known what I do now.
