But then November 1st hit... and that signified the change. The transition. My college applications were sent in. Whatever answers these universities give me, will influence my next 4+ years of life. It's so exciting! Amazing! Terrifying. Really scary.
Definitely scary.
I'm not sure parents know the true pressure that's exerted now on students. On their kids. The dynamics have definitely changed since my lovely parentals graduated from college. The rigor of courses one takes is no longer sufficient. 4.0GPA's aren't enough. Schools want to see someone who is well rounded. Someone who can balance varsity sports, a job, extracurriculars, and advanced courses. And that's hard. It's honestly difficult.
How many all nighters can a person take? How many shots of caffeine does a kid need to function to get through the day?
The answer is: not a lot. Or, at least, the answer should be that. But the reality is that kids do do that. The competition has accelerated to an all time high. Students who want scholarships or want the academic recognition put themselves through hell to get where they are today: at the top to graduate. I've been doing that since middle school. And let me tell you, it's no bueno.
I don't think life should be like that. There's more to life than studying. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying education isn't important, because it most certainly is. But there needs to be a balance. Now personally, I haven't found that balance yet. But I'm hoping to soon though.
I'm thinking college may change that. There'll be a time to have fun and a time to study hard. But for all of you fellow high-schoolers, I have a few tips to get you through the year.
How to get through the school year:
1. Keep an agenda- it sounds tiresome and at points it is, but it will keep you organized. Science actually proves that writing something down will store information in your brain longer, because the information is in your own handwriting
2. Actually look at your agenda- don't forget to re-read what you wrote down, so you can complete them! It feels great to cross something off your to-do list.
3. Eat breakfast- even if it means waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual, it will help out. Having extra food in a stomach never killed anyone. And we don't need bikini bodies right now. :)
4. Bring snacks to eat- I feel like I have three stomachs. So naturally, I eat during every class of my day. I don't know what I'd do without my extra snacks. Or lunch. Or second lunch. Just make sure you bring a little extra to eat.
5. Get tutoring when you need it- I'm a part of the National Honors Society at my school (the kids who tutor other kids), and am not ashamed to say that I do get tutored as well. It's nothing to be ashamed of! It actually feels great knowing someone can teach me in a way I understand. Sometimes the way a teacher gives out information doesn't click with me. And if I can't absorb the lesson from my professor, I will make sure I understand it from someone else.
6. Don't procrastinate- now I know you hear it all the time. But honestly, procrastination will bite you in the butt. It's happened to me multiple times. The day you get an assignment, try to take some time doing it. You don't have to get it done right away. But do it in gradual amounts, so your workload doesn't add up.
7. Have gum at hand- If you ever fall asleep in class, pop a piece of gum in your mouth. It will keep you awake (most of the time), and your breath will feel minty fresh! Or fruity. Whichever way you swing is fine by me.
8. Sleep over texting- if you're done with your homework, then try and go to bed! Every opportunity you have to get close to eight hours of sleep should be taken! I know texting is fun, because I love to message my friends, but make sure it doesn't curb your sleep schedule too much. Every chica needs her beauty sleep. And the same thing for guys.
9. Don't forget to have fun- Go to a football game, watch movies with friends, eat out, take out, party (but not too hard), or do whatever you want (within legal restrictions of course). Just make sure you have your "me" time. High school shouldn't be too stressful. Make sure you make memories.
10. Don't overwhelm yourself- I'm directing this to all the overachievers out there. I'm one of you. Five Advanced Placement courses, a job, president of my environmental club, and two varsity sports. A person can only handle so much stress. So don't push yourself past the brink of exhaustion. Some stress is good. It pushes you. Makes you better. But know your boundaries.
I hope this helps! If you have any additional tips you feel need to be added, then message me and I'd be happy to add them!
Have a great night!
-Cat
