6 answers
Lory
Student
Mission Viejo, California
4
Questions
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Advice for HS Junior?
I'm going into junior year, and I just want to know a few words of wisdom to set myself up for success.
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6 answers
Helen Burke
Student
4
Answers
Amherst, Massachusetts
Updated
Helen’s Answer
This year is known as the toughest year in high school. The main reason why is because you have to start thinking about your priorities between grades, clubs, teams, jobs, relationships (dating, friends, AND family), etc. Keep your grades up, please. Take classes you're interested in. Don't take an AP class unless you're genuinely interested in it. Don't spread yourself too thin that your relationships and sleep suffer. Focus on what you're passionate about, if you know what that means to you. Listen to yourself above all else, meaning prioritize your expectations for yourself, but do your best to maintain relationships with everyone you want in your life. You'll learn now and throughout life that there are people you will and won't want in your life.
Susan Su McKenzie
29
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Susan Su’s Answer
Junior year is a pivotal time, and it's fantastic that you're looking for ways to set yourself up for success. Here’s some encouraging advice to help you navigate this important year:
Stay Organized: Keep a planner or use digital tools to manage your assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Organization will help you stay on top of your responsibilities and reduce stress.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve academically and personally this year. Whether it's improving your grades, exploring new interests, or preparing for college, having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused.
Prioritize Self-Care: Balance is key. Make sure to set aside time for yourself, whether it's through hobbies, relaxation, or spending time with friends and family. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you perform better academically and personally.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Teachers, counselors, and family members are there to support you. Joining study groups or finding a mentor can also provide additional guidance and encouragement.
Explore Your Interests: This is a great time to dive deeper into subjects you’re passionate about or explore new interests. Join clubs, take on new challenges, and get involved in activities that excite you. This can also help you with college applications and future career choices.
Stay Curious and Engaged: Approach your studies with curiosity. Engage actively in your classes, ask questions, and seek to understand the material beyond just what’s required for exams. A genuine interest in learning will make your school experience more rewarding.
Plan for the Future: Start thinking about your post-high school plans. Research colleges, career paths, and what you might need to achieve your dreams. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet—exploring options and preparing gradually can set you up for success.
Believe in Yourself: Junior year can be challenging, but remember that you have the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. Stay positive, work hard, and trust in your abilities. You’re capable of more than you know.
This year is an opportunity for growth and discovery. Embrace it with confidence and enthusiasm. You’ve got this!
Stay Organized: Keep a planner or use digital tools to manage your assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities. Organization will help you stay on top of your responsibilities and reduce stress.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve academically and personally this year. Whether it's improving your grades, exploring new interests, or preparing for college, having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused.
Prioritize Self-Care: Balance is key. Make sure to set aside time for yourself, whether it's through hobbies, relaxation, or spending time with friends and family. Taking care of your mental and physical health will help you perform better academically and personally.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Teachers, counselors, and family members are there to support you. Joining study groups or finding a mentor can also provide additional guidance and encouragement.
Explore Your Interests: This is a great time to dive deeper into subjects you’re passionate about or explore new interests. Join clubs, take on new challenges, and get involved in activities that excite you. This can also help you with college applications and future career choices.
Stay Curious and Engaged: Approach your studies with curiosity. Engage actively in your classes, ask questions, and seek to understand the material beyond just what’s required for exams. A genuine interest in learning will make your school experience more rewarding.
Plan for the Future: Start thinking about your post-high school plans. Research colleges, career paths, and what you might need to achieve your dreams. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet—exploring options and preparing gradually can set you up for success.
Believe in Yourself: Junior year can be challenging, but remember that you have the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. Stay positive, work hard, and trust in your abilities. You’re capable of more than you know.
This year is an opportunity for growth and discovery. Embrace it with confidence and enthusiasm. You’ve got this!
WAYNE John-Baptiste
Author/Screenplay Analyst
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
WAYNE’s Answer
This could be a challenging year for you if you let negativity and that feeling of not knowing what to do in life eat you up. Always remember to listen to your Self. What are your likes? Dislikes? Hone those and stay true to them even when external pressures seem to close in. If you're passionate about something, become better at your craft daily. Put in the work now, and you'll reap the benefits later. Sometimes, people may tell you one thing or another, but they may not have your best interests at heart. Stand up for what's right and let your unique value shine. You are the world, and don't forget it. Spread peace and help others shine, too.
Thank you for the advice, WAYNE.
Sara
Stacy Fernandez , MBA, MSW
Global Customer Success Executive
9
Answers
Temecula, California
Updated
Stacy’s Answer
The first thing I would say is believe in yourself and have confidence. I would first say to focus on your high school. Be present and take in all the experiences. Good, bad, and the in between. Take notice of classes you like. Create wonderful memories with your family and friends. Indulge yourself in your hobbies and be young. You have plenty of time to be an adult and once you get there, you can't turn the clock back. :)
Preparing for post high school: If you know what you want to do as a career, the college you want to attend, trade school, job or etc., then pursue those options. If you don't, that's okay. Not everyone knows what they want to do right off the bat. Think about what you like to do on your off time. What brings you joy or energy? That should ideally, help you determine what steps to take.
Remember that if you don't believe that you can accomplish something, how will others believe it . Learn about self-care and practice it. Self-care is how you address stress when you are feeling overwhelmed. Do you go for a walk? Read, paint, or play video games? Talk to a friend or even meditate or workout? This habit will be important for you through out life.
I wish you the best of luck with your journey. Enjoy it! :)
Preparing for post high school: If you know what you want to do as a career, the college you want to attend, trade school, job or etc., then pursue those options. If you don't, that's okay. Not everyone knows what they want to do right off the bat. Think about what you like to do on your off time. What brings you joy or energy? That should ideally, help you determine what steps to take.
Remember that if you don't believe that you can accomplish something, how will others believe it . Learn about self-care and practice it. Self-care is how you address stress when you are feeling overwhelmed. Do you go for a walk? Read, paint, or play video games? Talk to a friend or even meditate or workout? This habit will be important for you through out life.
I wish you the best of luck with your journey. Enjoy it! :)
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
The number one thing you can do is have good attendance. You should not miss more than two days a year.
-missing a math class requires you to teach yourself an entirely new concept
-if you are working in a group you cannot help your group for up to a week
-when you ask the teacher about missed material you are taking time away from students who were in class but need extra help
-you may need extra help throughout the semester but your teacher cannot help you come up with for things to help you (accommodations) because you need to be in school before anything can be done to help you
-missing a math class requires you to teach yourself an entirely new concept
-if you are working in a group you cannot help your group for up to a week
-when you ask the teacher about missed material you are taking time away from students who were in class but need extra help
-you may need extra help throughout the semester but your teacher cannot help you come up with for things to help you (accommodations) because you need to be in school before anything can be done to help you
Helen Burke
Student
4
Answers
Amherst, Massachusetts
Updated
Helen’s Answer
This year is known as the toughest year in high school. The main reason why is because you have to start thinking about your priorities between grades, clubs, teams, jobs, relationships (dating, friends, AND family), etc. Keep your grades up, please. Take classes you're interested in. Don't take an AP class unless you're genuinely interested in it. Don't spread yourself too thin that your relationships and sleep suffer. Focus on what you're passionate about, if you know what that means to you. Listen to yourself above all else, meaning prioritize your expectations for yourself, but do your best to maintain relationships with everyone you want in your life. You'll learn now and throughout life that there are people you will and won't want in your life. Also, if you can take any classes through your HS for dual-enrollment credit, TAKE THEM.