Junior year.
The time that high school students dread. With murmurings of increased academic rigor, there is also the college application process to start worrying about.
Since Middle School, my peers and I have been learning how to manage academics, a social life and sports—all in preparation to excel, especially for the all-important junior year (or so we are often told).
For any underclassman worried about getting to where I am now, I’m here to tell you that junior year is challenging but manageable and, dare I say it, even fun. For starters, just think of attending semi formal and prom. Oh, and you also get to participate in the traditional Ring Ceremony.
That’s not to say that Brimmer doesn’t have increased expectations for juniors. At times, I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future holds. Still, I often remind myself that it’s important to manage expectations with a calm and optimistic attitude.
Extracurricular activities are tiring, for example, but they also help me to stay active and alert during the school day.
Here is some other advice I wish to offer rising juniors…
- FIND A MANAGEABLE WORKLOAD. For me, taking AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Spanish isn’t too overwhelming. But really think about what courses you want to take and be confident in your decisions. Plan ahead.
- EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK. Teachers understand the challenges of junior year, and they know when to push and when to ease up. As long as you stay on top of your tasks, know that you will get through the day.
- THE COLLEGE PROCESS IS SCARY. But you have people to help you get through it and time to figure everything out. Though junior year is when start college visits and take standardized tests, it’s not at all the end of the world. In fact, it’s an exciting beginning of your adult life.
The Class of 2018 has one year left to showcase its potential. Though as Juniors we face lack of sleep and at times feelings of incompetence, we can be certain that we are all in this together—hoping for the best for each of our classmates.
