OPINION: How to be successful in high school

Courtesy of Ila Reynolds-Kienbaum ‘27

High school can be blissful or it sometimes can feel more like a daunting journey where one must navigate through tough honors courses all while balancing extracurriculars and a social life. As a current senior I have had my struggles throughout high school which have enabled me to find solutions and ease the stress of this intimidating time. Don’t worry, I am here to help with academics, extracurriculars, and social aspects of high school!

ACADEMICS

Choosing Elective Classes

One of the most important factors for high school is choosing classes. For most students, this looks like the core curriculum in addition to a few elective classes. But how should you choose those elective classes?

One way to decide is to ask an upperclassmen friend if they have any recommendations or talk to your C&C advisor about your interests and see what options they see as fitting. Often, people can share fun exciting classes they have taken that may spark your interest or perhaps you will gain more knowledge on a class that may be important when selecting your elective classes.  

Elective classes are the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of interests. For me, this meant trying computer science in my 9th-grade and sophomore years and completing art classes as an upperclassman to lighten my workload. However, choosing elective classes can look different for all students and depends on your grade level. 

Senior Kevin Ziehl talked about the importance of being committed to learning and taking classes he enjoys which enables him to be “motivated to come to school each morning and try [his] best.” Ziehl has deepened his interest in STEM through his elective science courses as an upperclassman. 

“It feels rewarding to solve problems and learn about the way the body or the world works through biology or chemistry. This ‘rewarding’ feeling makes me feel motivated to come back the next day and keep working,” said Ziehl. This year, Honors Biology and Honors Inorganic Chemistry have been classes that have been motivating him as Ziehl hopes to pursue a STEM career, specifically in the sciences. 

On the flip side, it is easy to get bogged down in classes that aren’t as appealing to you or get into a rut of the variances in homework compared to the previous year. I’ve got a tip that might help you!

Homework

My 9th-grade and sophomore years varied dramatically in terms of homework compared to my junior year; I often felt overwhelmed and lacked motivation to complete work, leading to my assignments piling up. Here is one trick that helped me.

I knew motivation was key to my success, so I persevered to overcome procrastination. As a 9th grader, I was told many different ways I could utilize my time doing homework and studying. Of these methods was the “crank method” which meant just finding a space and working for hours until everything was completed. 

Although I knew this method might work for others, knowing myself as a learner and my ability to get distracted easily, I turned to a different approach. One of the main methods I found useful was the Pomodoro Technique, a time-management strategy that involves working in 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This was originally introduced to me in American Studies English last year. 

For example, I’d use the Pomodoro Technique to break my work into sections when I had longer assignments. I’d allocate 25 minutes of structured time dedicated to working without distractions such as checking my phone. After those 25 minutes had passed, I would take a 5-minute break, allowing my mind to rest.

The Pomodoro Technique ultimately created a space where work was manageable and I found myself being more productive and motivated to complete my work. I also applied the Pomodoro Technique when I studied for tests and quizzes which proved to be an effective way to manage my studying. 

Tests and Quizzes

Tests and quizzes are inevitable in high school and can ultimately cause a lot of stress. I remember drowning in uncertainties about my knowledge before going into a test or quiz. Although I initially struggled with producing results I was proud of, I developed strong study habits that allowed me to gain self-confidence. 

My first study habit was planning ahead. If I was assigned a test the next week, I’d review my notes and do the practice tests a little every day leading up to the test. I’d also seek support when I struggled or had questions by attending Math or Science Cafe. 

Outside of Class Support

It’s safe to say the Math and Science Cafe became my weekly home. The extra 20 minutes in the cafe allowed me to gain clarity on subjects I initially struggled with. I made sure to come to cafes with specific questions that I could ask my teacher. 

Not only was I in an environment with an adult supporting my learning, but I was also surrounded by peers who uplifted one another to succeed. Through these cafes, I also learned how to contact teachers individually for one-on-one meetings.  

Meeting one-on-one with teachers was initially daunting to me. As an underclassman, I never took advantage of these meetings because it was intimidating to reach out and talk with a teacher I didn’t know. However, through each of these meetings, I found myself getting to know my teachers on a deeper level, which enabled me to communicate the areas in which I was challenged. 

One of the most beneficial parts of individual meetings was the amount of time focused on understanding the subject matter. There was no skimming over problems or text that I did not understand, instead, I could pause and ask countless questions to ensure that I truly understood the area I originally struggled in. 

In junior year, I frequently met with math teacher Rick White, as I struggled to grasp some challenging concepts of Honors Calculus. I found that each meeting with him slowly started to build my foundational knowledge of calculus. Eventually, I found myself teaching other students in my class what I had gone over during my meetings with White. 

It was through these meetings that I learned that teachers always have the best intentions in mind and are always willing to support my needs and other students.

“Being comfortable approaching both John [Upper School Dean of Students] and Derek [Interim Head of Upper School] has been super helpful,” said junior Katie Jin, who also agrees that teachers are an amazing resource. She has found that being able to confidently and comfortably approach teachers and administration has benefited her experience in high school as a student. For example, Derek recently prepped Jin for an interview that was “really high pressure” for her.

Sleep

With increased stress, it is vital that students also take care of themselves. Prioritizing sleep is important as it allows students to improve their health and happiness. One key takeaway is to create a strong sleep schedule to make sure to get enough sleep. 

I often try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night (the recommended number of hours for a teenager according to UCLA Health) and not stay up too late, which allows me to wake up feeling refreshed and not exhausted at the start of the day. Additionally, when I have a test, quiz, or important project, I have found it beneficial to get an early rest and then wake up 30-45 minutes earlier than normal to do a last-minute review and study.

This method has become my favorite because when I wake up early, I can test my knowledge from the night before to see how much information I have retained. 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES  

When it comes to extracurricular activities, it's important to choose ones that are meaningful. 

“It has been a really long path learning that doing stuff for college is not the move, you have to be passionate about what you are doing,” emphasizes Jin. She wishes she had known this lesson earlier; now, she finds herself enjoying many of the extracurricular activities she participates in. 

When I am feeling academically overwhelmed, I turn to activities that allow me to release stress and not think about anything besides that activity and I suggest you should too. For me, this has been volleyball. 

I have participated in Varsity volleyball for four years and I will admit it has been one of my favorite parts of high school. Not only am I able to relieve academic stress and pressure, I have created lifelong friendships with people across every grade level. 

Through volleyball, I have learned how to manage my time effectively, communicate with people of all ages, and value the importance of a positive environment. Although these lessons became prominent through volleyball, they have also been applied to my academics. 

Strong time management has allowed me to balance my academics and extracurricular activities. I know how to prioritize my work to take part in the activities I love, such as hanging out with my friends on the weekend while maintaining my academic standards. 

After understanding how to communicate with people of varying ages, I have applied my knowledge during alumni council meetings and interacting with younger students.

Finally, I realized how important a positive environment is. It allows people to come together and support one another to succeed. I have channeled this mentality on the court with my teammates and in the classroom with my peers.

SOCIAL

High school isn’t just about academics and extracurricular activities, it's also about making memories and developing many friendships. As a current senior, I have cherished friendships with people who aren’t necessarily my best friends. I try to get to know those in my class better through collaboration, laughing, and hanging out. 

In the class Body Systems last year, I was one of two juniors in a class full of seniors. I was nervous in this environment with students I hadn’t talked to before. However, as the year progressed, I found myself bonding with all the students in the class.

Ultimately, this class became my favorite for a variety of reasons but one main reason being my newfound friends. Together, we enjoyed the class, laughed, and found ways to build conversations on a variety of topics. Although I went out of my comfort zone, I am grateful for that experience as it allowed me to build with people who have continued to be my close friends. 

It can be challenging for some to step out of their comfort zone, and some are more comfortable sticking with friends from freshman year; however, I have had a different experience.

When I came into high school I heard that friendships don’t always make it through high school, but I like to disagree. Although I am not as close to some of my friends I have entered high school with, I have made friendships with people who inspire me, support me, and comfort me. These are the best friendships that I have put my energy into for the friendship to last.

FINAL TIPS 

As you head through your high school years, it's important to remember that everyone’s journey will look different. I recommend not getting hung up on what others around you are doing, but instead focusing on your personal growth and learning about yourself as a student.

As for advice for underclassmen: build strong study habitats early, meet with teachers, and find extracurricular activities that resonate with your interests! Jin emphasized this by adding, “Explore things with the intent of caring for them throughout high school.”

It's also important to be present with the people you are around and of course, have fun. When asked to share advice for underclassmen, Ziehl shared, “Have fun, manage your time, get off your phone.”

Some of these tips are specific to my own high school experience, however, I hope you will follow some of my advice as you find your own way of succeeding in high school!