We’ve all heard it our entire high school careers: junior year is hell. Classes become far more challenging than years prior, copious amounts of homework pile high every night, and the pressure of college/the future starts to set in. We’re asked to balance this on top of sports, extracurricular activities, jobs, and our social lives. Whether you are taking four AP classes or none at all, junior year could cause just about anybody to have a meltdown.

The good news is: it will get better. We’re all still getting used to the work load. Getting into a routine and discovering ways that will make your life easier comes with time. I know from personal experience that time management is vital. It’s easy to let yourself wait until the last minute to do all of your work, but my years at West have taught me how detrimental that can be. You have to know what works for you.

If you can’t seem to get any relief from all of the homework, or if you have that one teacher that you cannot stand no matter what you do, then remember- it’s just one year! It will be over before you know it. High school will be over in the blink of an eye. When you look back on your experience, you won’t remember class time.  You will remember the amazing memories you made with some of the greatest people you’ll meet.

So yes, it’s junior year. And it sucks. But our days at West are dwindling and we should try to make the best of the time we have left.