The Advice Column

By: Ruby Butler (12th Grade)

I’m stressed about getting all my summer work done this year. I feel like I’m always rushing and I don’t want it to be like that! What should I do?

Summer work can seem really daunting at first, especially when everything you have to do is listed out in front of you. It’s important to know that you have almost three months to complete everything, so if you space it out it can seem much less overwhelming! My advice would be to schedule it out now, so that you have an idea of what you need to accomplish throughout the summer. For example, if you have four books to read, it would be important to schedule out two books to read in June and two books to read in July with deadlines for yourself for when they need to be done during those months. I hope this helps you feel a little less stressed about getting it all done, I believe in you!

I’m so worried that college won’t be what I want it to be. How do I feel more relaxed about going away?

It is completely normal to feel worried about such a big transition in your life. It’s also important to manage your expectations when it comes to college. Whichever college you’re going to, you’ll make the most of it. You’ll find good people to spend time with, you’ll take classes that interest you, and you’ll grow as an individual. Whether your experience would be better at another college or not, the important thing is that you’re making the most of your experience at YOUR college! One thing that has helped me in thinking about going away to college is that at the end of the day, college is also just the place I’m going to school next year. In thinking about it practically, it can help you feel less overwhelmed about the experience as a whole. 

I’m nervous about going into junior year. Everyone says it's the worst year academically and I just don’t know what to expect.

It is completely normal to feel worried about junior year. Although each person’s junior year is different based on the classes they take or the things they are involved in, it can still be a time of pressure and stress. An important thing to focus on during your junior year is asking for help. Taking the opportunity to lean on your friends, counselors, or teachers can help so much during times of stress or anxiety. Junior year will come and pass no matter what. Things will get done, assignments will be completed, tests will be taken one way or another. Asking for help can help you through these things! I know you’ll do the best you can to make it a successful and fulfilling year.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for reading the advice column! I’ve enjoyed writing this column every month for the past two years, and it's been one of my favorite things to answer your questions throughout the years. I hope that my advice has helped you guys navigate some of the stressors and worries that come with high school. I know that all of you guys have the ability to overcome anything life throws at you! Thank you for giving me this experience!!

-Ruby