The Third Quarter Slump

There are many people at Kenmore West who can tell you all about the dreaded third quarter. It is arguably the most disliked of the four quarters, and it’s already almost over. You may be wondering why the third quarter is so hated. And, does everybody think that, or is it just a few loud and extremely angry individuals that hate the third quarter so much that they are overpowering the non-hating voices of the rest of the students?

There are a few reasons why students claim to struggle so much in the third quarter. A few reasons were large amounts of time off, boredom, burnout, bad weather, an increasing difficulty level in classes, etc.

The third quarter is a crucial crunch time for many students, where the curriculum begins to wrap up and classes begin towards exam prep, making assignments that contribute to grades fewer and farther between, resulting in higher pressure to get everything right. 

If you, like many others, are struggling during the third quarter, here are a few strategies that you can use to keep track of everything.

1. Make a list/planner and write down all of your assignments when you get them.

2. Remember to still enjoy yourself, even through the stress. Find a fun hobby, watch a good show, do things that make you happy.

3. Try to stay after school or use free periods to catch up on work if you can.

4. Designate times after school to do any work you may have so it gets out of the way quickly.

5. Always prioritize your mental health. It can be very difficult to balance a healthy life with school, but your health is the priority. Try not to over-stress about work or classes for long periods of time, and allow yourself to take breaks. Even if it seems counterproductive, it will help you stay focused and attentive in the long run.