Wake up, scramble to leave the house, get to school. Feeling rushed? Sit through a class, stare at the clock, add another assignment to your endless list of things to do. Feeling overwhelmed? See your friends, hear about a party last weekend you weren’t at, pretend to text someone on your phone. Feeling left out? Go to practice, get told to train harder, eat healthier, sleep better. Feeling like you can barely keep up? 

Does this scenario feel familiar? If it does, you aren’t alone. Despite the glitz and glamour of a Punahou education, students are subject to extremely demanding and overwhelming schedules. It’s understandable to feel stressed out, anxious, or any other complicated feelings towards school. Navigating this complex environment can be difficult, and you may not always know what to do. To give you a bit more guidance on how to sail a little smoother through this school year, Punahou’s academy counseling center, the S+Well, has provided tips on managing tests, grades, academic overwhelm, social life, and getting involved in the community. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, or AP student, there’s something for you. 

Tests and Grades

Who doesn’t dread a test? There’s no magical spell to ease all worries and make the answers appear on the ceiling, but you can make it halfway there by preparing beforehand. 

In order to abracadabra your brain into remembering whether the solution is B or C, you’re going to have to study. And no, don’t just flip through your notes during lunch and call it a day. Instead of cramming, start using active study techniques days before the test. Flashcards, notes, and practice quizzes are a simple way to start. Confused about a topic? Talk to a classmate or teacher (asking for help is for smart people!). Remember not to stay up too late studying; cramming at 12 A.M. is not as effective as sleeping! Sleeping gives your brain a much needed break and can actually help you retain knowledge better. 

Even if you prepare, taking the test can be the hardest part of the process. When you feel nervous, take some deep breaths. You’ve definitely heard that one before, but for good reason. Nervousness can cause the heart to speed up, breathing patterns to change, and your muscles to tense, while breathing does the exact opposite. But if that’s not your thing, take a walk, stretch, or fidget with something. Most importantly, always remember that your grades do not define you. Setbacks are part of learning and growing. Being proud of the work you put in is more important than a percentage. 

Schedules: How Much Should I Get Involved?

Especially towards the beginning of the school year, academic and extracurricular opportunities are on full blast. If you’re one of those people who fill out interest forms for every single club that mentions college applications, I suggest you keep reading. You do not have to do every single thing that is offered to you. Pick a few things you’re passionate about instead of spreading yourself out too thin; prioritize “quality over quantity.” Make sure you have balance in your life. As the counselors at S+Well put it, “Burning out helps no one.” 

Perhaps you are on the other side of this dilemma and want to become more involved. In that case, S+Well suggests starting simple and finding small ways to branch out to the different parts of the Punahou community. Attend the club fair, email a director, or take a shot at that new sport. Trying new things and exploring your interests is a great way to make new friends and get to know yourself better. Keep experimenting, and eventually you’ll find your place. 

Preventing Academic Overwhelm

Sadly, you can’t go over or under those piles of homework. The best way to eliminate them is going straight through. Finish the most important or urgent assignments before getting to other things. Or, whenever there’s no deadline blaring in your face, pick the simplest task to get you going. 

While there may be times when you think that you can finish every missing assignment in one night, studying for five hours straight isn’t always efficient. Taking a break isn’t lazy; in fact, it’s essential for productivity and brain function. Just taking five minutes in between longer work sessions to walk around, get some fresh air, or organize your workspace can be extremely beneficial. And no, social media does not count as a break–it’ll only cause you to lose focus.

If you feel your workload is too heavy, reach out to your teachers and deans via email or a quick conversation. School is for learning, and Punahou staff are there to help you (and they love it!).

Organization

Staying organized is vital to performing your best. Keep materials for each class together using pencil cases, binders, folders—anything that will prevent loose papers from disappearing. Keep your schedule and assignments in line as well. Whether it be digital or on paper, use something to track all of your assignments, deadlines, and events. Google Calendar, Canvas, Reminders, and your planner are great resources. Stay realistic about what you can take on and what you have to finish. Again, quality over quantity!

Social

For better or for worse, interacting with classmates is an inevitable part of going to school. Friendships influence who you are, so knowing who you want to be is crucial. Wanting to be part of a group is normal, but don’t sacrifice who you truly are in order to “fit in.” 

On the occasion that conflict does arise, begin by reflecting internally before addressing any discord. Think about the situation and try to see things from both perspectives. When you are ready to address the issue, have an open conversation to keep things as simple as possible. Some things can feel tough to manage alone; counselors and teachers are always available to help navigate the situation. 

Takeaways

If there’s anything you should remember aside from all those deadlines, it’s to take care of yourself.  Use your time in the Academy to explore who you are. Teachers, deans, and classmates are all here to support you. Whether it’s a trusted friend, parent, teacher, or a counselor at the S+Well, there is somewhere you can go that will support you. Other resources such as 988 provide 24/7 counseling for out of school hours support as well. You got this!