I think not! International schools are slowly opening around Beijing after what seemed like a long summer. As students begin anew, fresh from summer vacation, it’s time to get heads on ready for the rigors of homework, tests, exams, sports and other time demanding, but important tasks. School is here!
There are a number of things that students need to contemplate as school begins. First of all, students should spend some time evaluating their summer – not just what they did but what they learned? How did their perspective change? What value was added to their overall outlook? Who influenced them and in what ways – friends, teachers, staff, etc…? What were the main take-a-ways from their summer experience? These are just a few questions to be asked and the answers written down. This could be good fodder for application essays.
Lots of students look forward to school starting. Seeing old friends, making new ones and prepare themselves mentally for the coming school year. It is important that students set down on paper some goals (reasonable, attainable, and perhaps aspirational). If you are a Grade 11 student, it is important to remember this is, in some instances the last set of grades colleges will see (if you are applying Early next year). If you are a Grade 12 student, you have lots to do – complete researching schools, take final standardized tests (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS), write essays and do well in school. In either case, don’t sacrifice quality for expediency. Don’t cut back on the rigor of your academics to get a “higher” GPA. Take the challenge!
School is a wonderful place, yet sometimes students get complacent. Old habits re-emerge and lethargy sets in. Be vigorous, work hard, and find compelling interests. If there are few to choose from, create something new – a new club, activity, and project. If you let go of an activity you once enjoyed, restart. Find ways that you can truly engage yourself above and beyond the classroom, but not at the expense of time or grades.
Sometimes reinvigorating after summer can be hard. A student mentioned the other day that the first few weeks of school would be slow and no homework. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that teachers are going to take it easy, especially if you are entering either of the last two years of school and particularly if you are taking AP, A-Level, or IB courses. It’s time to rock!
Lots of new things come with the start of school. Over the summer, schools have been refurbishing, updating, and getting ready for the new school year. At many schools there have been lots of new hires, so you may find that you have new teachers or even college counselors. A common statement heard is that “these teachers don’t know me.” Yes, that is true, but your job is to get to know them, particularly if they are in the areas where you need letters of recommendation/references for applications. It is also particularly true of new college counselors. Schedule a meeting with them as soon as possible and make it a regular event. Share your insights on where you are thinking about applying if you’re a senior, ask their advice, give them a cheat sheet on your achievements, personal qualities, etc. If you’re a Junior, the same is true.
So while the dog days of summer are coming to a close, it’s time to refocus, revitalize, and get with the program. Make the most of the year to come. Keep up the intensity throughout the year, seek challenges, create new ones, and have a great year. Make a schedule of when and what needs to be done, so nothing gets lost. It will be a great year, but only if you keep everything in focus!
Photo: hanfordsentinel.com
