With the first semester quickly coming to a close, it is time to start thinking about the second semester. Whether you are trying to get good grades for college or you are just trying to pass, it is important not to fall into what is called “the second-semester slump”. With the first semester being a mess of virtual and hybrid schooling you may have found yourself falling behind, and that is perfectly okay. This form of school is hard on us all, teachers included of course, but we can try to make it easier on ourselves. 

First, evaluate the problem you are having. Are you sleeping through your classes? Not getting your work turned in on time? Can’t stay focused? A little bit of all of those? It is perfectly okay. Once you identify what is causing you to fall behind, the next and hardest step is to address it. Does that mean getting more sleep at night, setting more time aside for school, or even leaving all other distractions (phones, laptops, etc.) in another room? Whatever that may be, you should stick to it. Going to bed early one night is not going to fix your “COVID sleep schedule”, you need to do it multiple nights. It may be difficult at first but it will really improve your grades and even your overall mood in the long run. 

The most important thing to know and realize is that it is okay to fall behind sometimes, and it is even more okay to ask for help. Whether it is asking a teacher, parent, or friend, for a little help, it will do you some good in the grand scheme of things. Also, don’t stress! Yes, school and grades are important, but it is not the end of the world if you get one bad grade. Find what you did wrong and see what you can improve upon for next time. 

Although we aren’t sure what the second semester will have in store for us, it is important to remember you can do it. It is possible to bring your grades up and it is possible for you to get that perfect GPA, you just need to put in the work. You got this!