Tag Archives: back to school

Tips for Incoming Sophomores!

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Hey everyone!

The new school year is coming up in a couple of weeks and if you are an incoming sophomore as I was last year, I have some quick tips for you to make sure you get a good start!

  1. This year I would focus on taking more of the harder classes, and making sure you get a good grade in that class. Whether it’s a humanities, math, or a science course, you need those courses as a sort of pre-req into the classes for junior year. For example, at our high school, people who take AP European history sophomore year is oftentimes more prepared for APUSH junior year because you have the foundation of not only history knowledge, but also how to outline (* which is super important btw!!!).
  2. Also, this is the time of year for you to start getting to know which sort of courses you like? Are you into more of the science classes, math, maybe English? Or perhaps it’s an elective course, like AP Seminar/AP Research/AP Comp Sci, etc. Colleges like to know what you are interested in, so it’s time to dive deep and find which courses suit or interest you!
  3. The SAT requirement is starting back up at a lot of the UC schools and Ivy league schools as well! This means you should start prepping for the SAT early on, preferably starting in sophomore year summer! The information presented in the SAT may look easy at first glance, but they test you on a wide range of knowledge, so be prepared!
  4. It is also time to get the extracurriculars in order as well! If you want to suceed and make your own path through high school, it’s crucial to start building a strong extracurricular profile. Whether you’re passionate about a sport, a club, volunteering, or perhaps something more unique like starting your own initiative, now is the time to dive in. Colleges appreciate commitment, so sticking with an activity and taking on leadership roles can really make your application stand out.
  5. Lastly, don’t forget to also have those moments to destress. High school is tough, but it’s important to find a balance. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and setting aside time to relax and enjoy your high school experience. Especially sleep!!! I know we all pull all-nighters from time to time, but sleep is important for you to function!

Good luck sophomores! Junior year awaits you 🙂

How to Make The Most of the Upcoming School Year

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The school year is steadily approaching as summer dwindles to an end, which means it’s time to prepare and get back into routine. However, going beyond academics and succeeding in all your classes, here are a list of tips to remind yourself of during the school year! While it’s important to focus on school itself, there’s still so much more to school than just studying and getting good grades. Let’s ensure that this school year is truly memorable for you and everyone else around you! Good luck in the upcoming school year!

  1. Have fun with friends
  2. Get to know new people
  3. Go after your passions
  4. Challenge yourself
  5. Go outside of your comfort zone
  6. Explore new interests and electives
  7. Create traditions and memories with your friends
  8. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small
  9. Be kind to others
  10. Set goals to motivate yourself
  11. Be willing to make mistakes and learn form them
  12. Seek help whenever you need it
  13. Learn how to cope with stress and anxiety
  14. Learn more about future career opportunities
  15. Develop time management skills as well as other life skills
  16. Go to school dances and events
  17. Attend a sports game
  18. Join clubs
  19. Make the most out of the school year
  20. Live in the moment

Back-to-School Jitters? Let’s Crush Those Anxieties!

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 It’s that time of year again when summer days turn into school days. For many of us, returning to school can bring excitement and, let’s be honest, a bit of anxiety. But don’t worry; you’ve got this! Let’s dive into those back-to-school butterflies and uncover strategies to conquer them like you’re champs.

Let’s examine what really causes our anxieties:

First off, it’s totally okay to feel a little jittery about returning to school. It’s super common, and almost everyone goes through it. So, what’s causing those butterflies in your stomach? Here are some common back-to-school anxieties:

  1. Meeting New People: Meeting new classmates can be nerve-wracking whether you’re starting a new school or just moving up a grade. Many questions and worries go through your mind- Will they like you? Will you fit in? Everyone’s feeling a bit uncertain, so remember you are not alone.
  2. Academic Pressure: The thought of new subjects, more challenging assignments, and exams can be overwhelming. Be bold and ask questions. Good teachers love students who ask questions and are eager to learn. So ask away! Remember, it’s okay. Learning is a journey.
  3. Social Expectations: The pressure to have the “perfect” social life can be intense. Real friendships take time to develop, and it’s okay to be yourself. No judgement! Usually, we are harder on ourselves than others. Most of the time, friendship comes naturally. 
  4. Organizational Stress: Keeping up with schedules, assignments, and extracurriculars can feel like a juggling act. But guess what? You can become a master organizer with a bit of practice. A schedule app is the best for this. 

Now that we know what are some things that cause our anxieties. Let’s look at some strategies for overcoming them. Let’s kick those anxieties to the curb.

Strategies for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety:

  1. Prepare Ahead: Knowing what’s coming can be a game-changer. Be organized- Get your school supplies, organize your backpack, and plan your outfits in advance. This will give you one less thing to worry about.
  2. Talk It Out: Don’t keep those feelings inside. Talk to friends, family, or trusted adults about what’s on your mind or what’s bothering you. You’ll be surprised how many people have felt the same way.
  3. Set Achievable Goals: Don’t expect perfection from the start. Set achievable goals, and celebrate your progress along the way. You are more likely to continue when you see progression in your dreams. 
  4. Breathe and Mindfulness: Take some deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. Stop anxiety before it starts creeping in. Consider practicing mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded and focused. Taking time to breathe makes you feel less stressed because it gives your mind time to relax and rethink.
  5. Eating well & staying healthy: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying active can improve your mood and overall well-being. Take time to eat snacks like fruits or cut-up veggies; eating healthy provides your body the energy to finish what you need that day. 
  6. Stay Positive: Stop overworrying. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, consider all the exciting things that await you this school year, like making new friends, learning interesting subjects, and remarkable experiences just around the corner! 
  7. You’re Not Alone: Everyone has their version of back-to-school jitters. You’re part of a considerable community of teens going through this together. It’s hard enough to be a person in this decade because of all the changes and uncertainties. Lean on each other for support.
  8. Ask for Help When You Needed: If anxiety becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your school counselor or a mental health professional. They’re there to help you navigate these feelings. These individuals have training and experiences to help you navigate your uncertainty and bring them into clear focus. So don’t hesitate to ask. 

So there you have it! Back-to-school anxiety is normal, but you have a toolkit with many strategies to handle it like a pro. Remember, you’re stronger and more capable than you think. Embrace the new school year with confidence to be true to yourself and shine! ✨✨

You got this!

Bella H.

Back to School: Tips for Productivity

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The school year has just started, and like most high school students, I’m slowly getting used to having homework every night again. Often, I allow myself to get distracted or put off my homework until the last minute. This year, I’m determined to have a successful academic year and a mostly stress-free school life by staying focused and productive. So, for everyone like me out there, here are some of my tips to be productive in school and at home for this coming school year.

1. Work in a distraction-free environment. I prefer to work in a quiet area and put my phone in a different room or on “Do Not Disturb” so that I’m not tempted to check it every time a notification pops up. It’s easy to get distracted and lose track of time when you’re on your phone, so make sure it’s not a distraction when you’re trying to get work done.

2. Keep track of assignments, tests, and deadlines. I recommend having a planner/calendar and writing down your assignments and due dates so you can plan accordingly. This helps me to make progress on my assignments every day instead of letting them pile up. Daily to-do lists also work well for me, and the satisfaction of crossing out tasks after completing them is always great.

3. Get work done at school. To minimize homework, use your study hall/tutorial period as well as class work time wisely, and get as much work done as you can. That way, it won’t become homework and you will have more free time or time to complete other assignments.

4. Take periodic breaks. Working can get tiring after a while, so it’s healthy to take a step back from your assignment and stretch, get a drink of water, and/or have a snack to fuel your study session. Be sure to get back to work afterward!

5. Tackle the most difficult tasks first. Completing your harder assignments first helps you get into the zone and complete your other assignments more efficiently. Personally, completing these assignments gives me a sense of accomplishment that motivates me to continue working.

6. Create a plan for your study sessions. Decide beforehand a window of time to work during (based on what time you feel most productive or when you are free) and which assignments you plan to spend time on. Creating a plan helps you stay organized when working and not wait until the evening to do all your work.

All in all, don’t get sidetracked, and stay organized and focused when you are working. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful and can apply them to your study sessions. Good luck in the upcoming school year!

-Lam T.

Incoming Freshmen: Join a sport!

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With summer coming to a close, it is time to consider classes and extracurriculars for the upcoming school year.

If you are an incoming freshman or an upperclassman looking to be more active, you should join a sport. It will help you make friends, promote team building, and help you stay active. Sports are a worthwhile investment for any student, even if you are nervous about high school or unconfident in your abilities.

High school can be an exciting experience, especially if you do not know anyone. Besides joining clubs and classes, another option for making friends is sports. Sports often help you meet new people with common interests. Working hard and training together can help build strong relationships. Teammates can also ensure that you do not slack off and may help keep you accountable.

Personally, before I joined my high school swim team, club swimming was much more about setting personal records and getting certain time cuts. But in high school, the focus is winning as a team. Depending on how you place in your race, you gain a certain number of points. The winner is decided by which team has the most combined points overall. Even if you are not getting as many points as your other teammates, every single point counts.

The outcome of a meet or game is decided by the team as a whole. This may motivate you to work harder and dedicate more time to your craft. In team sports, everyone has to work hard in order to win.

Finally, sports give you a much-needed break from more educational classes. No matter how good of a student you are, you will eventually be subject to burnout. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air gives you a break from the classroom. This exercise could be beneficial for you both mentally and physically. Sometimes in media, athletes are portrayed as having lower grades. But, as long as you are managing your time wisely, you can succeed in both sports and education.

Whether you are looking to make new friends, get a break from the classroom, or better yourself, joining high school sports is a great option. Remember, no one is great when they first start, but all it takes is hard work and practice.

Summer’s Over!

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We can’t deny the fact any longer: school is fast approaching. Whether it’s elementary, middle, or high, it’s inevitably…SCHOOL. How these 6 letters can make our eyes widen in dismay or whoop in excitement (the latter not my case, but still), the answer to this can only mean one thing.

Summer…is over.

No longer can we awaken and look at the clock and tumble out of bed and yelp, “What? It’s 11:30? How can this be?” Or smirk when we see our backpacks not bulge with the weight of millions of textbooks and those mountains of homework that the teachers claim are, “Barely enough.”

It’s all gone the moment the 1st period bell rings. When your new teachers step into their classrooms, with the desks freshly scrubbed and gleaming under the fluorescent lights, the sound as every stands in unison to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in homeroom. It’s all so familiar to us, from the day when we first toddled to school on unstable legs and clutching onto Mom’s hand, to many years later, walking or biking to school with friends, laughing and chattering among ourselves. It’s all the same, in essence.

But for me, it’s a goodbye. A final farewell to the school that I have seen for the past 8 years. Graduating from the elementary school next door to emerging into the hectic, bustling life of middle school, I have loved it all the same. Now, as an 8th grader (I feel so old…), it’s my final year here. A year that I’m certain that will be filled with love for my teachers that have guided and supported me, brimming memories with friends, and jokes that I’ll be sure I never forget for the rest of my life.

I’ll miss my friends as we part ways, scattering with the winds to different high schools. Who knows, maybe we’ll still be the best of friends when we turn eighty-five, or maybe we’ll just never come back in contact again. Although it pains me to think about it, it’s the way life works. I bet high school will be an even more amazing and rewarding experience that middle school has been, no matter which one we attend. In the end, school isn’t something that I really groan over. I would be lying if I said I loved it with all my heart (just take a glance at my Geometry homework and you’ll understand), but I’d be lying also to say I’d never miss it at all.

Ah, school. Something that has followed us since years after we were born to this day. Every single moment in the classroom we have been endlessly learning, absorbing new knowledge, although it can be quite tedious (want to compare notes, anyone?). No matter what happens in the future, I wish to make a memorable last year here as an 8th grader, spending one final year surrounded by all those I love most.

Adios, summer!

-Katherine L.