We’re in our last stretch of 2023 before we make New Year’s resolutions again; December marks the upcoming fresh start. But this month is also packed with finals and stress over our grades, making it difficult to try to live in the present. Still, try your best because we will never return back to 2023. Take it one day at a time and keep going! Here’s some advice from your senior on how to be your best student during the chilly holiday season.

One. The worst part of December is definitely the final exams and projects — making it one of my least favorite months, despite knowing break starts in a matter of days. To avoid the overwhelming thoughts of stress, strike a balance between being successful for the week and keeping your priorities focused on your health. Make study plans with mental health breaks, using a timer or app to keep you on track and spread out your studying so you aren’t cramming. Stay focused on what you and your body needs versus sacrificing your mental health for school. When finals are already over, there’s really nothing to worry about if you were able to put forward your best efforts. Though a 10 percent category weight often seems like a lot, it rarely adjusts your grades above two percent (max) and high school is supposed to be a journey of mistakes anyways. Take those paranoid voices in your head as an incentive to push yourself for the next finals.

Advice #1: Finals are tests and assignments that you’ve been prepared for throughout half of a school year. I guarantee you that you secretly remember more than you think. Don’t stress too much because there are more happy and fun times waiting after finals — it’s the last stretch before an even better year.

Two. It’ll be another year before it’s the winter holidays again, and for whatever you celebrate, enjoy the time with your friends and family. Personally, I celebrate Christmas with a miniature fake tree in my bedroom and some gift giving. But most of all, I love Christmas because it gives me another memory of spending time with my family and friends — and the holidays are a time to make another person smile a bit or enjoy life a little more. I reflect on who and what I appreciate, like the people in my life I love. Lastly, the end of a year marks a time to move on and live, laugh, love.

Advice #2: Refrain from stressing over mistakes and getting yourself or others sick. Finals are over — reflect, rest and love.

With love,
Your senior Ellie Ji