The CHIEF January 2023

Second Semester Advice By: Summer Negray

Here we are again for second semester. We are now halfway throughout the school year and that means that we are thankfully much closer to summer break. Second semester can be hard to get through. Motivation is running low and it can be hard to stick to good habits. Here are three tips to start off this semester right. First, use a planner and create a master plan for second semester of the school year! This means looking at the school calendar to see any important dates such as finals, school dances, and sport events. Also, I recommend writing down anything non-school related. For example, birthdays, doctor appointments, and your work schedule. You can also write down any school assignments that you have to do here too. Revise and review your schedule every week to make sure you have time for every event to make sure nothing overlaps. This will help decrease your stress because you will know exactly what it is you need to do that week! The next tip is for SAT preparation. It’s important for juniors to start preparing for the SAT as this test will take place in April. This test is important because it plays a part in getting accepted into college. The SAT helps colleges compare students from different high schools! Some studying tips for the SAT are setting up a study group or studying alone, taking ten minutes a day to look over questions, and using the app Khan Academy. Remember, April will be here before you know it! Also, if you are underclassman, you will be taking the PSAT the same day as the juniors are taking their SAT. The PSAT is a test to help prepare you for the SAT and taking it seriously can very much help you with the SAT. Finally, here is a tip that I recommend a lot but it is so important to incorporate into your life: Take care of yourself. Setting time for just ten minutes a day morning and night to decompress and prepare for school can make a positive impact on your mental health. I am guilty of not sticking to a routine every day, but just having an idea about what your goals are is a very good start! Thank you for reading and make sure to find motivation to incorporate these good habits and routines into your day!