As we hit the middle of March, the end of the school year is upon us, and the daunting task of closing out the year strongly faces us. But, for many, the second semester seems like one big countdown until summer break. As a senior, I’m fairly familiar with the “second semester slump,” as I like to think of it. However, I’ve gathered some tips over the years on how to close out a strong year even stronger.
Losing motivation? It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of our classes that we’ve grown so familiar with for the past few months. I’ve found that it helps me to get through exam season when I remember my goals, whether that be a college I want to attend or my future career. It’s important to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing so that you can be more motivated to work towards your goals.
Feeling fatigued? With the motivation to finish out the second semester comes endless late nights of studying and AP exam prep. While it’s essential to stay on top of our grades and make sure everything gets turned in by its due date, don’t overwork yourself. For many years, I’ve ignored my feelings of fatigue that would cause uninterrupted hours of studying, and I felt the repercussions. To remedy this fatigue, I’ve found that frequent breaks really help. Whether that be pausing one assignment to move on to another or completely leaving the desk and having a much-needed reconnection with nature, any break is a well-deserved break this semester.
Lacking organization? A problem that I often run into towards the end of the year is disorganization. My folder is filled past its recommended limit, forgotten brand-new stationary lie idly at the bottom of my pencil case and discarded, crumpled assignments litter the bottom of my backpack. This disorganization often results in me losing things of value or just puts my mind in a state of disorganization. I now always take time to go through my folders and binders come second semester to clear out any things that I don’t need or reorganize so that everything is easy access.
Got the bug? It may sound random, but usually the second semester brings in a new influx of flu and cold cases. While it’s tempting to brave it out and come to school to avoid falling behind, for the sake of your health, brave out your sickness in the comfort of your own bed. I shamefully confess that I have, on occasion, come to school sick. And, frankly, it did me no better than just staying at home and catching up on work. Catching a sickness and staying home isn’t the end of your academic career; emailing teachers and staying on top of assignments from home will keep you on track for finals.
Those are just my tips, though. I asked some of my fellow seniors if they had any words of wisdom for those struggling in the second semester. Sophia Aquino ’25 shared, “I think one tip to survive second semester is definitely showing up to school and getting all your work done in your free time so you can go home, relax and get a good night’s rest. It’s definitely difficult going to school, but using free periods and extra time after quizzes for homework is key!”
Kayla Tolentino ’25 also added another tip to the list: “I would probably say to find motivation in how exciting it is that college decisions come out and the fact that it is still important to keep your grades up because of them, even though it might be hard. Also, looking forward to all the fun events like Prom or Disney Day can make the semester easier!”
While the second semester is an important semester, it isn’t the only one. Finish out the year strong, but don’t forget that doing your best is the best that you can do. Hopefully these tips could help with any issues you may be facing at this time of year. Happy studying, Royals! Only 71 days until summer…but who’s keeping track?
