Topic: How to stay on track in the weeks between Thanksgiving & Winter Break.
Dear Freshmen,
As the holidays quickly approach, I can’t help but think about the post I once saw, that says: “Going to school between Thanksgiving and [Winter Breaks] feels like the last lap of Mario Kart, where the music is all fast and gets really stressful” (via @hannahfallshand on X). I’ve never seen a more accurate description of the three short weeks that lie between us and the first major break of the year.
You’ll find that Thanksgiving break will feel like a nice reprieve from the stress Freshman year has brought so far. Unlike you might have experienced in Middle School, Skyline teachers don’t assign work over break, so you’ll have plenty of time to be with loved ones and relax. However, the return from Thanksgiving will be a shock to your system. I’m not sharing this to scare you, but to prepare you! With the right mindset and motivation, this last uphill battle before the holidays will feel like a breeze.
What makes this period of school so stressful, and how to deal with it?
Believe it or not, this period marks the beginning of the end of the First Semester. While the new year will focus on Finals, general wrap-up, assessments and unfamiliar assignments will vie for your attention in these upcoming weeks. During my Freshman year, I wrote an entire outline for History in three weeks, a feat which might seem inconceivable to many of you all, who are becoming familiar with the style of papers humanities classes expect you to write. Additionally, you may find that you spend more time studying for exams than doing homework, which can feel foreign.
There will be a lot to keep track of, so here is my advice to you:
- Use a planner & plan plan plan! Sometimes school and outside responsibilities become overwhelming, so writing everything down can help keep you organized. Even if it’s just in the Reminders app on your phone, having a record of what is due and what to do helps eliminate stress about assignments.
- Talk to your teachers: Something I didn’t realize until my Junior year is that your teachers are the most valuable resource you have when it comes to understanding coursework. Chat with them about assignment questions during class, figure out when their office hours are (and where their office is!) if you have more complex questions, and send them emails when you’re stuck. I promise they will be happy to help, even if approaching them seems intimidating!
- Take time for yourself: Sometimes we get so caught up in assignments and to-do lists that we forget to practice self-care. Take breaks when you’re studying, watch a funny show to unwind, or have a calming bath. Burnout is the antagonist of success.
Throughout these weeks, it is important to remember that Winter Break is closer than it seems. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year are just around the corner. And whether you celebrate holidays or not, we all get two weeks to relax, recharge, and have fun! You deserve the break, just keep working hard until it comes!
Best of luck from someone who’s been there,
A Skyline Senior