Kasie's Korner - Staying Focused in High School

Staying Focused in High School

For years, college students, parents and counselors have perpetuated the myth that studying hard during sophomore and junior years of high school will enable a senior to coast through their last academic year.

After all, colleges don’t really ask questions beyond first semester senior grades, right? It’s a popular belief, but it can be a recipe for disaster!

In fact, each year in high school is really a rehearsal toward the future. Scholarship committees and college acceptance boards want students who are invested in school, academically devoted to learning and driven to perform. Just as there is no employment opportunity that allows an employee to sleep on the job, there is no college seeking students who sleep through school. Instead, those students who know how to stay the course get the opportunities. Vacations from school might be the ideal times to sleep late, enjoy a heavy dose of relaxation and play video games — and senior year is no vacation! During the school year, our job is to maintain focus. Working hard today might help secure a spot at a competitive university — and eventually a great job — for tomorrow. So when the weather is warmer and the allure of an activity with friends interferes with our nightly studies, what can students like us do to maintain high academic standards? Get involved in other activities that will help you keep an eye on the future while having fun!

Here are a few ideas to try:

Volunteer! Work for a political candidate, help with a community service project, tutor at the boys and girls clubs, or find any other organization you believe in that can use a little help. By gaining experience with volunteer organizations, you’ll be presented with opportunities that provide mental, physical and emotional challenges, while making a difference in your own life and your local community. Volunteering allows you to build the skills needed for college and for life.

Develop a passion for an in-school activity. Devote time to the school play as an actor, a crew member or an usher; join a sport; join a school club. Mental and physical activities can strongly enhance your ability to stay focused in school. Planning time for extracurricular activities is also a good way for you to learn how to schedule your time for schoolwork. Create a commitment calendar. Establish how much of your time is committed to each activity. How much time do you need for family commitments, seeing friends, your job, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, etc.? After you have put all commitments on the calendar, draw circles around the areas that are not committed. Use these times to schedule study time. Schedule play time when your studying is complete. You’ll see there is time for work and play!

As a high school student, you might not receive an award from your teacher just for completing your work on time. However, you will be rewarded with the thrill of self-satisfaction when you receive your final report card for a job well done — and you’ll continue to enjoy a lifetime of the benefits of staying on track.

*Kasie is a 17-year-old high school junior from the area. If you have any questions or comments, contact Kasie for her point of view at kasieskorner@marsusa.com.

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