Advice Column

By Jessica Berg

Q: Why is high school so difficult?

A: High school is difficult for many reasons. As us students get older, we get closer and closer to the real world. This means that we need to learn harder things as we go through high school. Also teachers are here to teach us harder skills and things so that when we graduate and go into the real world, we are prepared for what’s about to come. When it comes to learning new and harder things, just keep your eyes and ears open and always ask questions. I have learned from harder classes that teachers are always willing to help. So just do your best and ask questions and high school will be a breeze.

Q: Why is junior year so difficult?

A: Being a senior, I know how difficult junior year was. One of the main reasons why junior year is so difficult is because of PSSA’s. During junior year, teachers have to push students in all aspects and this is one reason why junior year is so hard. I know for me last year, I hated writing by the end of the year but it paid off because I passed the PSSA’s. Another reason why junior year is difficult is because senior year is coming and that means thinking about college. This is the year that students really have to start the college process. Taking SAT’s is another difficult part of junior year. Once junior year is over, you’ll really see how junior year prepared you for senior year and college.

Q: How do you handle the stress of sports, school, and your personal life all at the same time?

A: Being involved can definitely take a toll on someone’s free time. Sometimes being stressed means that maybe you should take a break for say a night and just relax. Although it seems like there’s too much to do and you can’t just relax, I’ve found that by taking a break one night I can get back on track with everything. Try doing that. One night this week, just take a break. Watch some TV and relax with friends or family. Then the next day, jump right back into your busy schedule. This break could be what you really needed.

Q: How do I study better for tests and quizzes better in school?

A: For small quizzes, I would say look over notes and ask questions if the topic is really difficult or you just don’t get it. Also ask what’s going to be on the quiz or what it’s going to be about. This makes it easier to study. For bigger tests such as chapter tests or mid-terms, make your own study guide. Once again, ask what’s going to be on the test and ask if the teacher has a list of the topics on the test. From there you can make a study guide focusing on the chapter as a whole or just one section. This should definitely make studying easier.

Q: How do I avoid high school drama?

A: Although drama is around us 24/7 in high school, there are definitely ways to avoid drama. For me, I try to keep to myself when I feel drama is occurring around me. This allows me to stay away from what’s happening and not let it affect my life. Another way to avoid drama, is to distance yourself from gossip and people who like to gossip. Face it, we all gossip in one way or another, but in order to avoid drama, keep away from those who talk about others. By involving yourself in this, you are putting yourself in the middle of the drama. Overall, I would advise just keeping opinions to yourself and keep alert of the people around you.