It’s time to take back your time.
In high school, our everyday schedule is chosen for us already: what time we have to arrive everyday, when we can eat lunch, how many classes we have in a given semester. But this is merely an outline; we can choose what fills the spaces in between.
Over the past four years, I learned that feeling fulfilled with my time didn’t have to just be about how many AP classes I’ve taken or the amount of extracurriculars lined up for me after the 2:05 bell rings. I found the importance of looking a little deeper, and asking myself what I truly wanted to focus my energy on.
With this new perspective, I felt myself stepping into a rhythm that wove together my passions and responsibilities as a student, keeping in mind the components that truly matter in prioritizing balance while making the most of high school.
1. Pursue your passions
It is impossible to do everything all at once, so involve yourself in activities that feel like home to you.
From testing the waters in Haven Yearbook during freshman year to being part of The Panther Press since sophomore year, journalism has been constant for me throughout high school. I initially tried to do both, but soon realized that just being on The Panther Press staff was the best fit for me. It has allowed me to express my love for listening to and sharing the stories of others, and has given me a supportive community that always has my back.
Since then, I’ve made other changes to my list of extracurriculars, and I couldn’t thank myself for it more. Making these decisions trained me to recognize when I started to feel overwhelmed by unnecessary stressors in my schedule and eliminated the pressure to stay somewhere just for the sake of it.
Letting go can be difficult at first, but I found that it was even more rewarding to be part of just a handful of activities that I could actually dedicate myself to. Without this, I wouldn’t have found such special homes in places like Marching Band, Interact Club, and The Panther Press; places that have helped me grow into the person I am today.
2. Rest is the key to success
Just as our chromebooks need to after seven long hours spent at school each day, we need the time to recharge.
Burnout is absolutely the last thing a high school student should have to juggle on top of a busy schedule, but unfortunately it can creep into our lives at the worst moments. This is especially true during college applications and testing season.
At these times, give yourself permission to take a break and don’t be afraid to cut yourself some slack. We live in a culture that is constantly switched on, but sometimes it is just as important to take a step back and flip that switch off.
Dedicating at least a few minutes for self care every night is a grounding part of my routine, and helps me start the next day feeling ready to take on anything that comes my way.
Read a few pages of that book you haven’t picked up in a while, take a walk through your neighborhood, journal down your thoughts; even the smallest reset makes a big difference.
3. Take a leap!
High school is only what you make of it, so spend some time outside of your comfort zone! It is always important to make time for trying new things, as this is a big part of a balanced schedule.
Even within the activities you may be part of, there are always opportunities for growth waiting for you. When I wrote my very first center spread feature for the February issue of The Panther Press this year, the larger responsibility of the article felt like a daunting task. However, after getting all of my interviews and seeing my writing in print, I was so glad I made the effort to take on a bigger story.
With all Haven has to offer, you have the ability to take a class on something intriguing to you, check out a new club during fifth block, or even better yet, take it from me and stop by Mr. Z’s room in the morning to make a warm cup of tea.’
