Let's be real everyone, we all think of the first day back to school after a fabulous Christmas break as quite the bummer. Waking up before the sun has even risen properly with a messed up sleep schedule doesn't brighten the idea of going back to school where we'll be about to receive piles upon piles of work and upcoming tests (if not now, it will happen sooner or later - be prepared). Still, we all have to admit there are so many things to look forward to at the start of a new term, especially at Hillel! It's the little things, really, that get us back into the school groove after a break: seeing our friends 5 days a week, the commencement of extracurriculars, fresh notebooks, the possibility of a new student or two, THE BOX-LUNCH IN THE CAFETERIA. Even though the prices may have increased, no one can deny Mrs. Lyn's hot lunches or even Rochelle and Pet's jokes. When you think about it, even the teachers are a long-lost delight -and don't forget our chances to start fresh with the new 2013 term.
Thinking about it now, school hasn't done much to give us reason to look at it so lowly - we've only had to pull a few hairs out here and there, right? There are so many things we can do to ease the pressure and monotony we all see in school:
1. Organize
You know what I mean, your parents tell you everyday and so do your teachers. Organize everything!!! Keep an agenda, know what's due, what's upcoming and what's overdue (oops).
2. Revise
It sounds terrible, but you'll be way better off if you revise your notes over the weekend and breaks. A certain Chemistry teacher tells his class almost everyday to re-read our notes for the day - even for five minutes. You'll be surprised what you remember after that. Weekend reading really eases the pressure of upcoming tests, exams, classwork, and the like because you'd have already studied.
3. Freestyle Writing
If you ever see me walking around the school - to every and any class - you'll always see me with a book of poems in my hand. As of late it has been "The Feather Room" by Anis Mojgani - he's brilliant! Besides being really interested in poetry, I find that just reading a poem or two every other hour serves as a little pick-me-up throughout the day. Sometimes I find a really inspiring one and insist on reading it aloud in the common room (I promise I'll stop guys). The same might work for you; keeping inspiring quotes or even just writing anything you feel at that moment can be really relieving and ease whatever pressures - school-related or not.
4. Count
Count the successes of each day! If you got a bad grade on a test, remember the homework you also got a 100% on, or the friendly memories of lunch! It helps not to dwell on the not-so-awesome things.
5. What Works
For some people, it's working non-stop once they get home, others may need to take a 5-hour nap and work throughout the entire night.
6. Reach Out & Collaborate
Share notes with your friends, go to teachers for help, or even the older students! We don't bite, we promise (well some of us do, but only in jest)! Sharing notes, study guides and forming homework/study groups can do wonders for some people, because they're receiving extra support.
7. Release
Extra-curriculars... Besides being absolutely necessary for well-rounded development they de-stress! When a new term starts, I look forward to ballet like nothing else, because I have a reason to forget about the work I have to do when I get home, if only for a little while. I'm sure it can do the same for you, if you find your niche.
8. MAKE PLANS!!!
What better way is there to get through the week than making plans for the weekend! Being able to look towards the weekend can help you breeze through the schooldays. Just make sure you can leave time for revision and homework!
Don't look so anxious Harry:
.... Yes you do, so make it a good term
Brooke
