With the school year coming to an end, many students are going to begin preparing for their new academic year at Aliso Niguel, or higher education. New beginnings bring new stresses, so when interviewed, some teachers offered their words of advice for graduating, current and incoming ANHS students.
Academic stress is something that challenges every student, regardless of their level. However, it doesn’t have to be unmanageable.
AP Government and Politics teacher Mrs. Newkirk gives a very easy and doable solution for staying on top of course load and difficult classes.
“Do your homework, stay on top of the reading and stay consistent in studying every single day. This way work won’t pile up at the end of your unit or semester.”
It’s very easy to procrastinate when it comes to homework, however, it is not going to help students succeed in more advanced classes. Once students start slacking off on their work, it is way more difficult to bounce back.
Finding the right classes to take is a very stressful and important decision to make for Aliso students.
English teacher Mrs. Rose suggests taking classes that students find interesting, as opposed to just taking courses because they are labeled “honors” or “AP.”
“If it’s an AP class and a student is taking it just because it’s an AP class and thinking that’s what you’re supposed to do because everyone takes a thousand AP classes, is not the best idea. I think it’s important to think about balance, like what your extracurriculars are and the time you have to spend outside of class.”
Regarding the social aspect of high school, Precalculus and Computer Science teacher Ms. Lee reminds the students of the importance of being kind to themselves and others.
“My advice is to be kind! I think it’s easy to forget how being kind to someone can really make a difference in their day. It’s not always easy, but try even a small act of kindness, whenever you are able.”
On a similar note, U.S. and World History teacher Mr. Chapman hopes students don’t get too caught up in the moment and consider how their actions impact their future as well as their fellow peers.
“I think we tend to get so hung up on ourselves and forget to make sure that you’re seeing the whole picture like, ‘How can I better serve someone else than myself?’ Keep your eyes open and don’t get so hung up on who you are or how you fit into the grand scheme of things.”
High school is when students have the opportunity to think about their future and start a plan of action to achieve the school and career of their dreams.
When it comes to college selection, government teacher Mr. Colwell suggested students expand their horizons and look for schools in places they are unfamiliar with.
“Take this chance and get out of Orange County! Go travel, go to college somewhere other tha here or even California. This is the best time because you have no kids, no responsibilities and nothing to hold you down. It’s a great time to go out and explore.”
Colwell explains that students always have the opportunity to move back to Aliso or Orange County if they please, so they should take this opportunity of higher education to meet others and see places they haven’t before.
Newkirk agrees, while recalling her time in college and she wished she enjoyed the moment and experience more than being wound up in schoolwork.
Her advice to students considering their future is to enjoy their time in high school and college and go put themselves out there and explore different experiences.
“Don’t be afraid to go out of state! Don’t feel like you need to stay in California just because that’s all you know. Look at going to other states so you can get those experiences, and you can always move back to California.”
While educators may seem intimidating, the teachers at Aliso always have the student’s best interests at heart and are more than willing to help out when it comes to getting through high school.
