Let’s be honest, I know for a fact that you’ve procrastinated once before. Whether it be on the weekend, deciding to hang out with your friends, or whenever you get home from school and push your homework to the next day! I know you probably finish the homework as the teacher collects it. Surprisingly, lots of students struggle with that. But not just by managing time correctly. But keeping up with their work, studying for tests, and staying organized. If you don’t struggle with any one of these, you’re lying!

So, let’s take a word from an experienced Eighth grader, Tiago Garcia. As a junior high student, it’s highly important to be prepared and ready academically. Tiago mentions how he studies for his upcoming tests by reviewing his notes and looking over studying material, which can usually be found on Canvas. This leads to staying efficient and using your time wisely outside of school. Tiago says,” For the first half of the day, I hang out with friends and do the things I want to do. But for the second half, I’m productive with homework and studying.” Giving up time of your day dedicated to completing work or studying for a test helps. Just get it out of the way instead of worrying about it at the last second! By doing this, you can complete work efficiently and on time.

But to be successful academically, you need to stay organized and keep up with your work. Tiago claims, “Staying organized is so important. A way to be organized is to have a neat binder and divide your work from your classes evenly. You can use binder dividers or folders. But make sure you keep your work separated.” Having a neat binder and backpack is a step in the right direction. It keeps all of your work organized and separated so you can easily find it when it’s time to turn it in. If your binder looks like a dictionary, let’s just say you have some “extra” homework to do.

While it may seem like a lot, it’s good to be prepared academically. Tiago mentions, “But if school seems to be hard, and you need help, there is always an extra hand willing to help.” Always ask your teacher, tutor, parent, or friend if you need help academically. Also, know that you are not alone. It’s supposed to be hard; it’s preparing you for the future.

Staying on top of your work by being prepared, organized, and managing time are all factors that will lead you to a successful year of school. It provides skills that will become super useful in college, your future job, and in the real world. It may seem hard now, but it will certainly pay off.