The snow is getting heavier, the cold is getting sharper and even though the hours with sunlight are getting longer, it feels as short as ever. January is arguably the hardest month of the school year, as seniors run into the most intense “senioritis”, juniors are scrambling to prepare for the ACT and SAT tests and underclassmen are simply ready for the sun to come back out. During this challenging period, students have to find what works best for them, to keep them motivated and moving forward.
Students at Antioch Community High School have a few different ways that they stay awake during the start of the second semester. Those closer to graduation just use motivational self-talk to get them through the next few months, while others have promised themselves that they will break old habits to make this semester a little easier.
“[Last semester is] teaching me to study more,” freshman Autumn Bernick said. “I can’t expect to just do good if I study the day before.”
Procrastination can be a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially for freshmen who have recently been thrown into the life of a high school student. Realizing how late-night studying and last-minute cramming are negatively affecting academic performance is crucial for getting through these long and dreadful months of the second semester.
Throughout winter, it is important to stick with people who exert happiness and light into the lives around them. Junior Isabella Dawson struggles when it comes to enjoying school and staying motivated, but she has found that spending time with friends can make hard times during the school week seem more bearable.
Along with making time for friends, it is important to also find time to be with close family. Freshman Ava Dorado believes that her mom is one of the main reasons she survives during bouts of low motivation.
“[My mom] keeps me positive and occasionally buys me pick-me-up Starbucks,” Dorado said.
It is essential to stop burnout from occurring, especially with the current lack of Vitamin D. No matter the age, all high school students struggle with motivation, so it is crucial to prohibit self-sabotaging and be aware of the self-care and self-love needed to feel content. Everyone only gets one shot at living through their teenage years; be wise about studying and academic performances, so that when the sun does come out, those moments shine brighter than ever.
