School Advice

By Gregory Roitbourd '22

August 2020

Hello! My name is Gregory Roitbourd, and I am a rising junior. The purpose of this column is to address popular questions that my peers and I have pondered at NEST+m and provide advice relevant to our current situation. I hope you enjoy reading this article and receive answers to any pending questions. 

Academics:

• Use folders and binders to separate classwork, major assignments, tests, notes, and homework. 

• Invest in a planner or take advantage of a phone calendar. Cross out  assignments that you’ve finished. It’s also helpful to create a daily schedule for yourself. 

• Allot yourself study breaks! Focus on test content for 45 minutes and take a fifteen-minute break. Avoid completing homework or studying on a bed. 

• Using online resources, like planning apps and Google Suite, will allow you to carefully study and organize your work. 

• For math and science classes, attend office hours before unit exams. Sketch graphs and visuals in your notes to accompany important concepts.

• For humanities classes, always read the book! SparkNotes won’t supplement you during class conversations or help you write an analytical essay. Take notes while you read the book (ie- create a character guide, make a list of important quotes, write summaries for each chapter, etc.).

• Summer Homework: Dedicate at least one hour a day for your homework; read through the book, but take your time. It’s important to balance work with relaxation!

• Sleep before the day of a test or quiz!

• Create an organized format for note-taking. Implement highlighters, colored pens, and pencils to distinguish different parts of your notes (ex. problem-solving in blue, notes in black, important points in yellow highlighter, etc.). 

• Don’t register for an elective because you think it’s easy. Register for an elective that you would enjoy. Since electives explore unique, specific ideas and allow students to enrich their interests, take what you want to learn! 

Social Life, Relationships, and Extracurriculars:

• Join clubs you are passionate about! Instead of joining numerous clubs, prioritize and amplify your roles in a few clubs! Attend all meetings and participate in club projects. Email club leaders when you’re unable to attend the in-person or online meetings or events. 

• Read school newsletters and emails and talk to our guidance counselors to inform yourself about internships, volunteer opportunities, and school events.

• Another way to find community service opportunities is by doing your own research.

Health (Physical and Mental) 

• Sleep is a crucial part of your day. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per day is a great way to refresh yourself. About an hour before going to bed, do not use any technology; your mind takes about an hour to process new information, which makes it harder to sleep.

• Implementing meditation and yoga into your schedule is a great way to relax both your muscles and mind. These techniques help slow down breathing and loosen muscles, allowing you to rest. 

• Playing sports is a fantastic way to keep yourself active and healthy, although we understand team sports are not very feasible during this time. If you’re not passionate about sports or are not able to play with others, you could bike, skate, dance, walk, or run to keep yourself active during the day. Indoor activities are also viable. Strength-building exercises (jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, etc.) and aerobics (lifting weights, etc.) are great indoor activities. 

• Eating a balanced diet supplies you with proper nutrients. Choose a variety of foods from different food groups: vegetables, fruit, protein, dairy, and carbohydrates. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. 

• Drink water to keep yourself hydrated!