As underclassmen transition into upperclassmen they tend to learn a few things along the way.
Some of these learnt things sometimes tend to be realizations of what they could have done better throughout their academic year. Sometimes, these realizations even lead to those moments where one says to oneself “woah, I wish I had known that before.”
Of course, finding a time machine to travel in time to advise a younger version of oneself is more of an impossible task, but while this can’t be done, there’s one thing that can: share “upperclassmen knowledge” with the at-times naive underclassmen.
One of the things that upperclassmen would like to stress to underclassmen is the aspect of self-motivation and self-care that they practice while in High School.
“Set up a reward system for yourself” said Tabish Paracha, a rising junior at MLEC. “Positive reinforcement is extremely important, and if you can’t get it from others, you need to get it from yourself.”
Perhaps taking breaks to eat or watch an episode of your favorite TV show can help you re-charge to continue doing your homework later on. Practicing self-care and not burning yourself out is important — plus, if you set a time for “breaks,” you’ll definitely have something to look forward to while writing that seemingly-boring essay for your English class.
Many spend their four years of High School completely stressing themselves out, forgetting it’s important to practice self-care and reward oneself for the work done. These four years are ephemeral, and sometimes, you should simply let yourself enjoy them as part of your reward system.
“Focus on your own path and what’s right for you and just enjoy yourself, keep calm and do you, have fun.”
Of course, keeping up academically and completing your responsibilities on time is important, but High School compasses four years of our teenage years that we will never get back.
One way in which you could be responsible while having fun is through making “connections,” which are emphasized as important by upperclassmen. You should join clubs, run for a class positions, participate in school activities — these are all great ways to meet new people and make “connections” that will help you in the long run by putting yourself “out there.” You should have fun, make those connections, and remain focused on academics as Natalia Reboredo, the Class of 2020 President, explained.
“Enjoy your school years before they slip away from you like they did for me,” she said
Another thing that some upperclassmen would like to stress is time management — something that all upperclassmen have struggled with at some point. Procrastinating is the last thing you would want to do. Truth is, you are still going to procrastinate at some point.
“Most of the time you are going to postpone work until the last day possible. And that’s okay,” said rising senior Matthew Bruges.
“However, don’t lie and say you’ll finish it in first period; give yourself time to panic, assemble and sprint it in one night, if you’re going to procrastinate, do it right!”
Sometimes, you are going to have to pull all-nighters — and that is okay; we’ve all been there. Be willing to sacrifice a night’s sleep for a passing grade. Don’t leave any work last-last minute and say “I’ll finish it in school.” Finishing work in school it’s not much of an Albert-Einstein-idea.
