By Olivia Xoxa
School work can sometimes be tough on your shoulders, especially if you just entered your second month of high school. Everything is new, which can be scary. New school, new students, and new rules. Along with those comes a heavier workload that can shock freshmen at first glance. Hopefully, these different pieces of advice on time and stress management, from your older fellows, can help you do your best in the next ten months of school as a newcomer.
The students that were asked ranged from grade 10 to 12, all being involved in a school club or team. The seniors were asked to give advice to the freshmen on study tips and dealing with stress from the high school era. Many of the experienced had similar answers, despite being part of diverse sections of the school, having different interests, and ages.
When the grade 12 students were asked for their guidance, they gave unique answers that appealed to their personality and experience.
Alex Lam, a 17-year-old student and a member of the frisbee and badminton club said, “Personally, I listen to super relaxing music as I study or just do work in general. For example, some soundtracks come from Ghibli or some lo-fi hip-hop.” He then added, “It’s pretty lit, and it especially helps with my stress.” Clearly, he has caught onto the new kid slang. Rachel Perlmutar, another 17-year-old and President of Music Directorate, kept her proficient instruction short and sweet. She simply stated, “As hard as it is, you have to just do it. Review what you learned in class on the same day.” Her advice may be old-fashioned, but it has proven to work so far. Next, 17-year-old Adela Logli related to the stressful side of a new environment and said, “Don’t stress too much over grades, do your homework, and enjoy your first year of high school as much as you can. The workload just gets heavier.” Finally, Scott Xoxa, the only 16-year-old questioned, revealed his wisdom about the first year. The Co-Head of The Active and Sustainable Transit Committee believed that it is best to challenge yourself a little and join clubs. He said it is smart to make new friends you can sit with at lunch, and converse during classes – not when the teacher is talking though. He expressed how important it is to not let your anxiety stop you from involving yourself with opportunities and interests you find offered in high school despite how terrifying it is to walk down those hallways. He offered his belief in the best study strategies too. According to Scott, it is best to take your phone, computer, and other devices out of your room and finish your work as quickly as possible with the best quality you can achieve. He says that you will become more efficient in your work, and to remember the most effective legacy, ‘practice makes perfect.’ To continue, the younger opinions on this topic were surprisingly similar to the matured above.
Adrian Cako, a fifteen-year-old student in grade 11, shared his straightforward answer by firmly stating, “For me, anytime I feel stressed about a test or something, the best solution is just to study. I believe it’s a waste of time to meditate or something.” He, the Vice President of Music Directorate and member of the robotics team, strongly believes “Studying is the only answer.” His reply may be parent–like, similar to Rachel’s, but it is one of the most realistic ideas to apply.
When Qing Yuan Wu, a 15-year-old sophomore, and baritone player in the mega band, was asked for his opinion he swiftly responded, “Use your spare time to study. Don’t take tests too seriously and realize that they’re probably not worth a lot in the end.” Jhessmund Mendoza, the same age, and member of the junior volleyball team expanded by stating, “Do not compare your grades to the grades of other people. Grades are important and all, but it’s more important that you actually understand the information. I feel like grades don’t matter as much as giving 100%. If you are really stressed out, I recommend calming yourself down by doing something you love or talking to someone.” Rhea Xinxo, a member of the student and athletic council, concluded the theme of resolving stress by saying, “If things get really overwhelming put everything into perspective. A lot of this stuff won’t matter at all ten years from now. If you feel it does, prioritize that and put some effort in.” She quickly added, “Try to start preparing for tests and projects in advance so that you don’t have to cram and stress.”
It is understandable why grade 9 can be very stressful, which is why these important tips and opinions can help you organize your time and create a more stress-relieved situation for yourself. Whether it is creating a To-Do list, putting away your electronics, or listening to certain types of music – it is essential to find a balance between fun and studying that works for you. If you are a hard-core procrastinator, like me, take baby steps toward wise decisions or go cold-turkey. These opinions only gave a glimpse of the possibilities you can attempt to keep your high school year healthy, both mentally and physically. Although it is difficult, do not overwhelm yourself too much. It is your first year after all, and only a tiny portion of your entire life. As Rhea emphasizes, “You don’t have to go the extra mile if you’re wearing down your own tires.”
Here is a little summarized stress antidote for success:
Stop procrastinating
To-Do List
Review regularly
Entertain responsibly
Stay positive and smile
Success Guaranteed!
Enjoy your freshmen adventure while it lasts.
An opinion articles.