Halfway There!

You have practice every night of the week, two games, and don’t forget homework. Plus this week, you are planning to implement a new Fuel Up to Play 60 Play. Ahhhh!

I am the first to say that juggling sports and extra-curriculars while keeping your grades up is tough. I have practice Monday through Friday, not including games, almost year round. I never have a study hall because I am in both band and choir. I am Student Council President and President of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Committee at my school. Also, I am WI State Ambassador for Fuel Up to Play 60. I have managed to keep a straight A average while still being active in my school.

I have found two helpful strategies to help you stay on top of things, get your homework done, and make it through the week:

1. Plan a week ahead! Every Sunday before you go back to school, sit down and look at your schedule: When do you have practice and games? What school events are scheduled? Do you have any tests, projects, or homework due? After you look at your schedule make a game plan. Make sure your parents are aware of your practice and game schedule. Also, make sure you have a way to get to and from them. Decide what homework you should do early. Find time between your games to study, work on homework, and/or finish your group project. You must remember that grades must be your first priority! If your grades start to slip, evaluate your assignment grades, and how much time you’ve allotted for studying and doing your assignments. Also, find time to go over your extra-curriculars: When do you have a meeting? Are there any events you must plan for? Are there any details that you, yourself must plan and accomplish? While going over your extra-curriculars if you find anything that may be an issue, talk to your advisor, and he/she may find a way to help you or make it easier for you to still participate and plan the event. If you remember to plan a week ahead, you will find that you are more aware and feel more in control of your schedule.

2. Be organized! I find that it is easier to have a separate folder for each class to keep homework, papers, tests, and notebooks in. Keep a clean calendar that you can read and understand at home and maybe one at school. You should remember to write down your assignments, so when you go to work on them, you don’t forget the page or problem numbers. Organize and go through your locker every so often to throw out garbage and get rid of clutter. Also, I find it is easier to study when you take organized notes that are easy to read and understand. When you are at Fuel Up to Play 60 meetings or student council meetings take organized notes. Good notes will help you remember the information to tell your student body. It also keeps you on track with the meeting and up to date on events and planning. Also, pack your jersey and athletic bag the night before, so it’s ready to go in the morning. Staying organized will make your life a lot easier and may even bring down your stress level.

The school year is almost half over and most of us are getting tired of homework. This is the time when we may see our grades start to slip, and we become more stressed. You may be able to prevent this by remembering my two key strategies: plan a week ahead and be organized! These two strategies can make all the difference and make your week easier. It is good to be outgoing, but you must keep your grades up. These two strategies are extremely helpful to me, and I hope they will help you as well.

Keep up the good work!