Approaching a new school year is always intimidating, even more so for upcoming juniors. This peak of your high school career will bring the most stressful, emotional, and physically exhausting moments of your life.  Between studying for standardized tests and spending hours on enrichment readings, it isn’t hard to publicly cry about twice a week. Now that it has been a whole three months since I’ve “graduated” eleventh grade, I feel qualified to give some advice based on what contributed to most of my meltdowns. Here are some tips to ease the stress and make the most of your most important year yet.

  Do your work

That sounds simple, doesn’t it? Whether you are taking five Advanced Placement classes or just getting by, this will be your biggest course load yet. Making homework and studying a top priority is a good habit to develop.  The worst feeling is when you don’t feel like you have done everything you wanted to accomplish. Trying your hardest will pay off in the end.

“If you spend every night crying over your homework until 3:00 am, you’re doing it right,” said senior Bella Stenvall.

  Find a way to balance your schedule

Pick and choose what you want to focus your time on. Joining Key club and Harvard Model Congress and the track team and Big Brothers Big Sisters and debate team is a horrible idea. By pursuing activities that follow your passion, you are more likely to enjoy yourself.

“Don’t participate in things just because you’re worried about your college applications or resumes,” said senior Emily Ardantz.

  Step outside your comfort zone

By the time you and your peers are half way done with high school, many boundaries that limit how you have chosen to present yourself will decline. Fear is a useless emotion; don’t be afraid to try new things.

“You’d be surprised how much people will respect you once you stop caring about what others think of you,” said senior Victoria Humphrey.

Finally, rejoice. The rest of your life can only get better, hopefully.