As the year winds down, it’s easy to let your energy run low and fall into the holiday mindset. But remember, how you finish this year can set the tone for the next. By staying focused now and preparing for the new year ahead, you’ll set yourself up for success and truly excel this school year. Here’s a little run down tip on what I suggest you do.

1. Finish Strong

The last stretch of the year matters. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Keep Up with Assignments: Resist the urge to procrastinate. Finish projects and study for exams with the same determination you had at the start of the year. Leave work of 2024 in 2024, don’t carry the burden to 2025, start fresh!
• Communicate with Teachers: If you’re struggling or have questions, don’t wait until the last minute. Teachers are more likely to help if you approach them early. 
• Review Your Goals: Revisit the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Have you achieved them? Did you lose the desired weight? Become an academic weapon? Or made as many friends as you wanted? If not, make a plan to work toward them now so that  during the next year, you can implement them accordingly. 

2. Reflect and Recharge Over Break

Winter break isn’t just a time to relax, it’s an opportunity to reset:

• Take Time to Reflect: Think about what worked well for you this year and what didn’t. Maybe you need better study habits or a clearer routine. Keep what works and discard what doesn’t. 
• Rest and Recharge: Don’t underestimate the power of downtime. Rested minds are more productive and creative. Use the break to catch up on sleep, enjoy your hobbies, and spend time with family and friends. I may sound a little old school but try to go out more often, instead of electronics. I mean it!! Get some air, touch some grass and embrace the coming snow, if we get some this year. 
• Start Planning Ahead: Organize your materials for the new year. Clean out your backpack, update your planner, and outline any major projects or commitments. Get a new calendar and organize it however you like with all the deadlines and important dates. For example the SAT date.

3. Begin the New Year with Intent

A strong start in January can set the tone for the rest of the school year:

• Set Realistic Goals: Focus on academic, personal, and extracurricular goals. Break them into smaller steps to make them more achievable. Set S.M.A.R.T goals! 

Specific– Instead of I want to get good grades, say I want to get a B average in all my classes. Measurable- Make sure you can be able to look at your progress and see if you are moving towards achieving your goals. For example, I want to get a B average in all my classes. I will know that by checking Synergy. Achievable- Make sure your goal can be attained. Don’t say I will get a 4.0 cummulitative gpa yet you are at a 1.2 right now. Relevant and Timebound- In 3 months, etc. 

• Build Better Habits: Whether it’s managing your time more effectively or participating more in class, identify one or two habits to improve.
• Stay Organized: Use a calendar or planner to keep track of assignments, tests, and activities. Staying organized helps reduce stress.

The end of the year isn’t just about finishing, it’s about preparing for what’s next. By staying committed now and starting fresh in January, you’ll not only excel this school year but also build habits that will carry you forward in life. This is my advice for you as my last article of 2024.

Here’s to ending the year strong and starting the new one even stronger! As always remember, the world is full of nice people, if you can’t see one be one!