Students at Aliso Niguel High School are hoping to improve their habits for school this semester. Resuming school on Jan. 8, 2024, marks the beginning of the second semester for the 2023-2024 school year. With the new year comes many new resolutions.
For many students, especially upperclassmen, time management is a consistent issue amongst them. As schedules and classwork get more intense, homework starts to pile up. Students struggling with certain subjects may sometimes be afraid to ask for help from their teachers.
Christine Lam (11) said, “This semester, I am trying to do my homework and turn it in on time. I am also putting less of my focus on clubs, as I have some regrets about not being so focused and slacking off on some of my schoolwork. I want to reach out and ask for help from my teachers more.”
Many high school students have schedules that are extremely stressful due to the amount of classes and extracurricular activities they are involved with. Procrastination is a struggle most students deal with on a daily basis. Finding a balance between them is what many students struggle with and wish to change.
Elise Yvette King (11) said, “I want to work on my sleep schedule and force myself to start homework earlier in order to not procrastinate as much as I did.”
Additionally, Jackson Milby (11) said, “My time management has gotten worse, so I have been procrastinating way more, but I am trying my best to change that. I want to manage my time better by sticking to my schedule from last semester.”
Schoolwork can be very draining at times, especially as a junior or senior. With so much homework to do, there is not as much time for a much-needed good night’s rest. A decent amount of sleep and a stable sleep schedule are key to balancing focus and stress.
Ryan Yamimrafie (12) said, “I am planning to procrastinate less. I am doing my homework when it is assigned. Since it is my senior year, I’ve been taking advantage of my opportunities to get more sleep.”
A technique that many students use to not procrastinate is doing their assignments immediately. If a student is given the option to do the assignments later, many will usually opt to do them at a later time, which feeds into the procrastination issue. By finishing the assignment as early as possible, students feel a sense of accomplishment and relief.
Sara Pham (9) said, “For my school work, in the first semester, I would usually wait until the day right before it was due to start the assignment. However, this semester, I am trying to fix that. I start the assignment right as it is assigned and complete it before the due date. I also hope to get to know more people by talking to them, and making new friends.”
Aside from academic goals, students also want to socialize, meet new people and start building new connections this school year.
