"Hello Newspaper Club!

Before I begin, I would like to thank you for your hard work with keeping everyone updated! I check the Hawk's Eye View often and I am always updated! Thank you! Here is what I need advice on I recently haven't been able to wake up on time due to homework. I stay up pretty late doing it (trying to be productive). I do all I can to be productive, I study for about an hour, take a break and study again. Yet, I always end up staying up late and waking up late. What other advice do you have so I can get all my studies in, yet get all my sleep?" - Ella P.

Hello, Ella P.,

Thank you for reaching out to the Hawks Eye View! I'm glad to hear you are a regular viewer, and that you feel updated by our content! 

Now to tackle your problem. I often feel the same way when I am studying or doing homework. You just want to get it all done but sleep is also so important. Then waking up isn't always fun. You are already doing quite well with giving yourself breaks. Just make sure your breaks aren't too long because that does take away from your study time. Also be sure to prioritize and do your work in order from stuff that is due more urgently to stuff that is less urgent. Using a planner is helpful for that. Split all your work up into equal sections and spend the same amount of time on all of them. Usually 20-30 minutes per subject should be ok, but if that is too little time, feel free to work for a bit longer. And also set alarms for yourself. You may already be doing that, but set multiple. Especially in the morning because I totally understand not wanting to get up in the morning. When you do go to bed, put your phone somewhere not near you so when you wake up you would have to get up to turn off your alarm. 

I hope this advice helps a lot! And if not, I am truly sorry. Best of luck to you and thank you again for reaching out! 

-Ash Hart 

Dear Hawks,

 "I have procrastination problems. I have left 2 math quizzes unfinished because I don't understand, the lesson goes in 1 ear and out the other, by I always put off getting help. I am extremely behind on work and I don't know what to do" 

 "I like to write, but I'm extremely embarrassed about it. I used to procrastinate, now I write at like 1 am. But, Then I end up tired for school. I also want to show people, but since it's fanfiction, others wouldn't understand/like it. How do I get over this?"

-Anonymous

To address your 2 issues, first with the writing. I understand the procrastination bit, absolutely valid. As for the timing of when you want to write, possibly schedule some time when you're done with your homework to write, but also set an alarm so you aren't writing yourself into the first hours of the morning. On the weekends, then I would let the imagination run freer and write more often. The second part of this issue, to show other people, find the group that you wrote it from. For example, if you wrote fanfiction about Twilight, find people who like Twilight and possibly present it that way. Internet places are also a great way to at least have it out there. Be it on Reddit, Wattpad, or any other forum, there will always be someone out there for you. Secondly, the newspaper has some study tips for you that could help. In class, find means of taking notes, in a notebook, pictures on your phone, on a google doc, etc. I understand wanting to get help is hard, so depending on the class and how much you trust the teacher, after class or at the end of the day, go to them and ask what you can do. There are also tutors at this school who would love to help you. You can sign up here! 

Wishing you all the best and I hope this finds you well, ~Evelyn 🏳️‍⚧️

Dear Hawks, 

"This isn't necessarily my question but just something a friend of mine was curious about. What balance between school and life should one have. Often it feels like I'm expected to use a vast majority of my time to improve myself and rarely have a chance at doing things I enjoy. I understand why it's important but at what point do I get to actually enjoy it. I have many adults around me who often tell me to enjoy my childhood while I can so I'm quite nervous about the future. If it gets worse from here (and I wouldn't necessarily call this great now) what's the point? I know this is pretty self centered when they are many suffering and I'm complaining about my privileged life but still. Anyway, I couldn't answer this question for my friend well and just want someone else's opinion. 

~ ILikePuppies

To "ILikePuppies" -

I think we all have some trouble making sure that we do what we have to do, but also make time for us and the things we enjoy! If you feel like you are spending more time doing things for school and less time doing things for yourself, maybe set a "to-do" list for the week, and break them down into priorities. Do you NEED to do ALL these  things today? Or can you do something tomorrow, and spend that hour tonight playing games or chatting with friends? 

We all need to make sure we give ourselves some self-care, because we won't be able to do our best in anything else if we don't take care of our minds and bodies first!  Sometimes the scary unknown of the future gets us a little anxious, and we worry too much about what we have to do to get there, that we don't stop and focus on what we should do NOW. So, don't be scared to take a few hours a week to do something for YOU. Don't think about what you need to do tomorrow, and focus on having fun and enjoying the time you gave yourself!

~ Hawks

• Stay focused on your work

• Honestly, just have fun. It all goes by so quickly, it’s hard to stay determined through everything, but in the end, it’s worth it. Also, a few nice words can help a person more than you think.

• The school spirit is okay but keep a few friends and make the best of your years.

• Join sports! they are so much fun, and take in every moment. Time flies

• Do your work on time.

• Focus on your grades now before its too late and you have to pick up your past mistakes

• Don't take this too seriously, enjoy your time as a kid because it goes by fast.

• Self-reflect constantly, check yourself and think about yourself and your future, think about the friends you have that may be a good influence on you, and cut off toxic people from your life.