We all know that 2020 has been a stressful year. “The Unknown” seems to dominate space in our thought process. For a high school student, this situation is not unique to the pandemic but is definitely intensified.
What is this year going to look like? Will we have prom? Will we have sports? Will we have pep rallies, fair, UIL academic competitions? And for the Class of 2021, what will graduation look like?
These are important questions and, even after high school, there will be situations that are difficult and sometimes hard to navigate.
So for our high school students and the community of people who support them as they find their way in this world, I offer this advice... whether it is grades, extracurricular activities or handling the new world we live in: Take care of the little things, focus on the things you can control.
Every year we can teach students common strategies for common concerns. Frequently, I have students ask me what they can do to improve their GPA.
The key is not to look at it as a whole; doing that can make it look daunting. The key is to start working on the little things that you can control.
You may not be able to be perfect but you can decide to take the time to study. You can be present in class and you can pay attention to what is being taught. As you do these things, you will see your grades start to improve.
In competitions and extra-curricular events, students want to be the best, they want to win. The only problem is that the person across from them is also trying to do the same. The same rule applies in this situation.
Focus on what you can control. You can prepare and you can give your best effort at each moment. Not everything will be perfect but you can put yourself in the best position possible. When you do the little things consistently, eventually things start to fall in place and success follows.
Why is learning to take care of the little things so important during this “Unknown”? Through 2020 I have realized that what students really want is the opportunity to participate in the activities in which they would normally get to participate in. They want this year to be normal. With the pandemic, there is a sense of uncertainty and many students are worried.
So as a community, what can we do?
Instead of worrying, I would encourage the students and our community to do the little things, the things we can control, that will allow us to continue to move forward as normal as possible: Follow guidelines for self-screening, maintain social distancing and wear a mask.
This is not always comfortable, but in the end, we want our students to have the full high school experience.
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