What is my world of Lowell like? When homework, project, chores, volunteering, practices, clubs are building up, stress adds onto what you already get from Lowell. I thought I would be able to handle 3 JROTC special unit teams, work, HIM volunteering, a long distance relationship, CSF tutoring, the Lowell Science Research Program, all on top of 8 classes in my Junior year. I was wrong. The worst thing you can do in Lowell is overestimate what you can do. It adds stress onto the tower you have already established. It is actually a better choice to just focus on a few things you can really handle altogether. Imagine you are at a gorgeous Lowell buffet with delicious, unimaginable great food. Be careful of what you want to eat. Despite they all are appealing to you, do not eat so much. Your stomach is only so big to digest all that food at once. If you overwhelm yourself, you will get a stomach ache and become sick. Stress is a more serious matter than you think. This year of my Junior year, I probably have been sick for at least 10 time due to migraines and fevers. I did not get my period for over 5 months, because I was so overwhelmed. (Don't worry, I am not pregnant; I got my period after I KOed some stress.)
Here are some tips:
* Stress is unavoidable, but manageable if you know how to control your buffet plate, manage your time well, and plan ahead. Always keep a planner. Even though you think you don't need it, $5 from Book to Book is not a bad deal for a little booklet that will keep you organized for the whole year. Middle school to high school is a big transition, but with a planner to plan ahead and keep yourself from procrastinating is the way to go.
* Your friends are very important in your Lowell career! Make many friends and choose the right ones for yourself. You know when you found the right ones if you click like puzzle pieces.
*Smiling is a way to look at things positively and be determined. You will not succeed anywhere if you are not focused on the goal you want to strive for.
Always never give up on anything and make decisions as if you will have no regrets. Life is as hard as diamond, but in order to be a diamond, you have to be harder than life.
