Dig out that backpack that has been buried in the corner of your bedroom since the last day of school in June. Pull out the wadded up papers, the broken pencils, the half-eaten sandwich (so THAT’S what that smell was in your room!) and dust off your notebooks. Whether you’re ready or not, school is about to come roaring down the calendar and the lazy days of summer will be gone. Maybe you didn’t have the year of your dreams last year and you want things to be different. It doesn’t matter if you’re an up and coming freshman or a rising senior, there are some things you can do to help this school year kick off on the right foot and make this the best year ever.
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Plan ahead.
True success requires planning. To make sure that your year goes the way you want, make plans now. Are you going to join a club? Try out for a sports team? Audition for the school play? Write down the things you’re planning on doing and make sure you have enough time in your schedule to fit them all in.
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Eat breakfast and lunch.
Everyone says, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” It’s true, but when faced with an opportunity for ten more minutes of sleep or making breakfast before school, sleep usually wins. Avoid the bed or breakfast debate by prepping the night before. Ask your parents to stock the kitchen with protein filled choices that are easy to grab on your way out the door. Protein bars, hard-boiled eggs and fruit cups are quick and portable, so you don’t have to sacrifice sleep for food. Pack your lunch the night before so your morning is stress-free.
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Stay organized.
The beginning of the year is a perfect time to get organized. Color code your notebooks, set up a locker system to keep your books and materials neat and establish a study area in your room with all the supplies you’ll need to do your homework. Use a virtual calendar to track assignments and activities to make sure you don’t miss anything.
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Get involved.
Look for new opportunities to get involved at school. Check out your school’s list of clubs and organizations. Find something that interests you and try it out! You’ll meet new people, face new challenges and expand your capabilities.
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Engage with your teachers.
Your teachers can be one of the best resources for having a successful year. You won’t love every teacher, but you can still have a positive experience by talking to your teacher about your assignments and seeking help when you need it. Sit toward the front of the room. It will help you focus on what the teacher is saying and will show the teacher that you’re interested in the class.
If you’re ready to have the best year yet, start the year off with a positive attitude and try new things. Enjoy the exciting new opportunities that the year offers!