How To: Get Back on Track After Long Vacations

*Note: The names of all interviewees have not been disclosed as readers may disregard their recommendations by virtue of their identity.

Have you ever returned to school after a relaxing vacation and your legs just refuse to walk up the seven flights of stairs at 8am? Yup, same. I, along with other students and teachers, was dreading the day school started again, not because we don’t want to see each other again, but because of the scary workload awaiting us. No matter the grade level, we’re bound to encounter an obstacle in our paths we’re all-too-fearful to face. These fears have been running rampant throughout the school community: seniors are both excited and anxious about college applications; juniors are nervous of IB’s notoriety and intensity; sophomores are panicking because of the upcoming social studies speeches; and, of course, freshmen are apprehensive of embarking on their high-school journey.

No matter who you are, what grade you are in, or what classes you take, it’s advantageous to start the year fresh and organized. Trust me, if you don’t start getting organized in the first few months of the school year, it’s a slippery slope. I mean, just ask eleventh-grade me. I truly wish I was on top of things and not merely surviving my first year of IB. Our school challenges our students to do their absolute best with rigorous courses. I hope all the students who are struggling to keep up (like I was) know the things I wish I knew when I was in their shoes. So, here are some tips from teachers and students at AISG for what you should do to have a good time this school year.

1. GET or MAKE A PLANNER 

A planner helps you organize all the tasks you have to do on a daily basis and you are able to be knowledgeable of all upcoming events, due dates, tests, and assignments. Whether you are a teacher or a student, a planner will help you stay organized and become efficient. As college applications are approaching for seniors and the summatives are rolling in for ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders, a planner is just what everyone needs to ensure deadlines are met (and to ensure you’re not begging for extensions). If you would like for it to correspond to your weekly schedule, make your own! I made my own personalized planner over the summer; this helps me cover all aspects of the work I need to complete, school-related or otherwise.

2. MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU NEED TO DO

If you are someone who focuses on the things you need to do on a specific day, it would be helpful for you to make a to-do list. You don’t need to organize tasks in chronological order either, as new tasks added throughout the day might render that endeavor ineffective. When interviewed, a teacher suggested to “just write everything you know you need to get done that day.” The teacher explained that it “helps you visualize” your schedule. A student agreed but added that she “like[s] to write all tasks down with a particular time [for when she plans to do it].” She explained that this technique helps you keep track of time while you’re doing work, allowing you to finish your work within a couple hours. “Also, it’s very satisfying to cross things off that list,” she added (I agree).

3. CHANGE OF WORKSPACE

Another teacher described that a change of scenery helps you differentiate between your workspace and your leisure space. For some, it is true that working in the same place for five hours is not possible. In fact, it often inhibits productivity. If you are sitting in your room, consider moving to the dining table or a nearby coffee shop. That way, you’ll also have an excuse to eat whatever you choose! If you live in Tianhe or Zhujiang, some locations people like to work at include Costa Coffee, Zoo Coffee, Over Easy, Maan Coffee, and Starbucks.

4. BUY FURNITURE FOR YOUR WORKSPACE (if you don’t already own some)

A fellow student changed their workspace permanently. She clarified, “I bought a new desk because I didn’t have one previously.” As a result, her workspace and leisure space often clashed. She explained that her research on the psychological effects of colors reveal that natural and lighter colors boost productivity. On the other hand, darker colors may contribute to the negative energy around you. Additionally, you can also place plants, reading books, or fairy lights to increase the positive energy of your environment (or to, you know, have your desk be aesthetically pleasing).

5. STUDY PLAYLISTS

A few other students revealed in our interview that they are not able to study around in an environment that is either noisy with conversation or pin-drop silent. So, they found the perfect balance. One of them uses a study playlist filled with songs they know they will not sing along to. The other knows they will inevitably start singing, so, like me, they loop 2-hour-long YouTube videos of the sound of rain. This achieves two purposes: the sound in the background doesn’t disturb the student and it kills the awkward silence.

Check out the study playlist created by a fellow Beacon member, Minting Young:

https://beacon.aisgz.org/back-to-school-study-playlist

Check out the YouTube videos students like to use while studying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q76bMs-NwRk,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDq6TstdEi8,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX6kn9_U8qk&t=107s.

6. USE SCHOOL HOURS EFFICIENTLY

I, personally, do not like working at home. I try to finish all my work during school hours, often to no avail. Rather than spending free periods and advisory periods watching YouTube videos or the new episode of your favorite TV show, use that time to complete the remaining coursework due for classes you will have the following day. If, like me, your tendency to work inside your room makes distinguishing your workspace from your leisure space difficult, it might be helpful to finish everything you can at school, so you’ll have less to do at home.

7. BECOME INSPIRED

It is highly possible that you lack the motivation to work. That’s okay! We all have to cross that bridge at times. A student explained that they like to watch movies, YouTube videos, and read books about people who are struggling with similar problems. In these situations, it is important to understand that you are not the only one who may be struggling with a subject or a personal issue. There are many other people who are going through or have been through what you are experiencing. Look up to these people and learn their techniques to achieve success but know that their methods are not universal. This may just be what you need to re-boost your work ethic.

8. DON’T BECOME STRESSED OUT!

It has been four weeks since the start of school and I think we’re all doing great so far! Please keep in mind that these are only a few of the many techniques you can use to help yourself stay on track and ace your classes. Don’t become stressed out if you feel lost with all the assignments piling up; just start somewhere small.

What do you do to keep up your work ethic?

Do you agree or disagree with the suggestions mentioned above?

Comment down below!