With school starting, it can be fun, but also overwhelming. 3 seniors were asked who had been there, done that, and survived. For those wondering how to balance school with work, learn studying hacks, or know what to do when classes get overwhelming, take these tips into account.

Q: Which teachers helped the most in an educational and mental way?

A: [Stephanie] Honjacki. She used to really scare me in the beginning, but then I learned that any intimidation you receive from her, is just her caring about how you do and knowing she can help you become the best student you can be.” -Isabella Andre, 12

A: “For education, [Hailey] Bachura, because she kept me on track. She’s scary when she’s an actual teacher. [Nicholas] Madelen or [Victoria] Gutierrez mentally, though. They’re very easy to talk to and they don’t tell me what I need to hear; they knock some sense into me and help me.”- Cymri Elton, 12

Q: How did you deal with the stress during finals and exams? 

A: “It’s a test. I’ve taken tests before. l’ve taken long, long tests before, and I’ve always been all right. I just have to trust myself and not totally goof off about it. I still study, but I don’t work myself to the bone stressing about it. I just work myself up into a fit, and then I don’t do well because I’m so stressed and I’m worried about it.” Isabella Andre, 12

A: “I don’t find exams and finals too stressful because I prepare well enough. If I don’t, I would ask my teachers because I’m closer with them this year. Make sure you actually study and know what’s on the test. Make a list of what do you know, what you don’t know, and make sure to go over it a lot.”- Cymri Elton, 12

Q: What do you do when you feel burnt out while in class or in the middle of an assignment?

A:I usually know if I can continue on with it. I will just try to get it done to the best of my ability. Whether that’s right, I may not get the best grade I could on this, but at least it’ll be done. If I am just in the state of mind where I can’t work on it and I’m just looking at it and I have no idea what I’m doing, then I’ll usually set it aside and do something else during class that doesn’t overwhelm me.”- Isabella Andre, 12.

A: “Usually I’ll sit there for a second,  and if I realize I can’t do this, I’ll scroll to the bottom to see if I can do anything down there to do. If not, I set a mental alarm and just doom scroll for maybe five minutes. If it’s really bad, I’ll ask to take a lap or go get water.”- Cymri Elton, 12

Q: What would you tell a freshman to do before they graduate?

A: “Go out with your friends. That was something I didn’t do a lot until last year, and  it’s a lot of fun. If you decide you don’t like it, or it’s just too much, then you don’t have to worry about,‘Did I miss out on going with my friends?’, because I didn’t go out with my friends a lot.  I felt like I was missing out but then this year, I’ve been going out a lot more.” -Isabella Andre, 12

A:“Try things even if you’re scared. My fears stopped me from doing any sports, and I just stuck to band and orchestra. Don’t make your high school experience boring. I was terrified of what people thought of me, but I wish I did more things.” – Cymri Elton, 12