Tips to Get You in the Back-to-School Mindset to Stimulate Success

For the past twelve days since school started, it has most likely been the same story for your parents as they try to coerce you out of bed each morning: “ten more minutes!” The struggle is perceivable: trying to stay awake in first period, feeling overwhelmed as homework begins piling up, and overall feeling disassociated with the school environment. Acclimating to high school after an entire summer of rest and fun is challenging, but not entirely impossible. Perhaps the most important step to take is building good habits, but that is easier said than done. This article is meant to assist you in becoming the most engaged, successful, and aware student you can be in and out of the classroom. Remember: every day presents a new opportunity to become better; you will continue growing with every struggle and triumph you experience, even if it doesn’t immediately seem like it. 

Use your time to your advantage

Teachers will often appoint the due date of an assignment according to the time they estimate students will need to complete it, meaning that there will always be enough time to finish it. If you do not feel this way, then this might be the first habit you choose to change. Once the school day ends and you get home from practice, panther period, rehearsal, etc., teachers no longer have control over what you use your time for. Generally, as a rule of thumb, it is best to complete the easier assignments first, take a short break, and then begin the more challenging ones. If you continue this regimen throughout the year, the schoolwork will feel much less burdensome, and you might even have some spare time for personal activities and pastimes. Time-management also might help you go to sleep earlier and wake up rejuvenated, ready to learn, and willing to engage with others throughout the day. 

Teachers are here to help

This might sound generic, but it is true, and not many students take it for what it is. Panther periods are extremely beneficial as they allow students to have one-on-one time with their teachers if they are confused about an assignment, need to make up a test, or just need some clarification on a topic. In addition to these features, educators will become much more lenient and understanding when they see you try, even if you don’t immediately succeed! While having an “A” might seem like success, the best form of achievement is persevering even when it doesn’t seem like you are making any progress. Hardworking students tend to flourish academically in the long-run and often end high school with more deeply-rooted connections to their teachers, their fellow classmates, and a solid foundation in the topics they explored throughout their classes. 

Your perception of school might contribute to any academic road-blocks

Part of the general “high-school experience” is chatting with friends and complaining about how “useless” a class will be in the future. This impression about high school, however, will not lead to success or growth in the future. I like to think of it more like this: even if you do not choose to participate in a field of study that requires a certain subject when you are older, the knowledge, critical thinking, and awareness you gained from this subject can ultimately do no harm. While it might be difficult to imagine your life so far in the future, when it comes to everyday tasks in adulthood, knowing more, being a more engaged citizen and learner, and contributing to society as a whole are all crucial benefactors to the human condition. 

Invest yourself in extracurricular activities inside and outside of school

When considering extracurriculars, it is important to prioritize your interests over all else. High school is the time to let your hobbies through and use them to participate in the school community. PTHS is packed with a variety of clubs and activities to ensure that every student is represented. While you might be inclined to join clubs on account of which “strengthen” your college application in the future, it is also crucial to enjoy what you are doing, potentially uncover new interests you didn’t even know you had, and be acquainted with new people. The same goes for out-of-school activities. If you love writing, try entering yourself in an essay contest. If you enjoy playing the piano, dedicate a few minutes each day to learning a new song. The quality of your extracurriculars will always win over the quantity, and colleges see that. If you end your day feeling proud about all that you have accomplished, that is enough to foster the success I discussed earlier. 

High school is the time to make connections, learn life skills, and apply yourself to collaborative thinking. Very few people go into high school with everything mapped out; and that’s okay! You do not need to join every single club the school offers, dedicate every minute at home to schoolwork, or start a non-profit organization to be successful. I strongly believe that everything in life should be done in moderation, and the same goes for school. Your social life, peer-pressure, and personal interests might coincide with homework, extracurriculars, and connections with others, but moderation is still possible. Just remember: you are not alone in experiencing self-doubt and anxiety at times, but these emotions should lead you to habits that will not only contribute to self-improvement, but will also unveil a path of self-discovery and connectivity that will lead you to your very own version of success.

Sabrina Cristea