Third quarter is definitely the worst quarter, and almost every student and teacher knows it. It starts right after the excitement of winter break fades. The holidays are over, the weather is cold and suddenly school feels ten times heavier. Motivation drops, stress rises and the days feel longer than ever.
By third quarter, students and teachers are tired. Sleep schedules are messed up, grades start to matter more and there is pressure to do well before the year ends. Not only is it cold but a lot of kids are sick and miss school. The cold weather is already bad enough but teachers are giving us a lot of work to prepare us for fourth quarter and exams.
Even though third quarter is rough, it is survivable. One tip is to stay organized. Writing down assignments and due dates helps prevent last minute panic. Another tip is to create a routine. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time daily can make school days feel more manageable. Lastly if you’re feeling like you’re pressured stop doing work and take a break; don’t feel that you need to only focus on work until you’re done.
What I like to do is think about how I’ve made it halfway through the school year and how I’m finally in second semester. I also organize my homework and do the hardest first and then do the easiest so I can be done quicker. One last thing I think that everyone should do is to listen to music while working on tasks because it helps you get calmed and helps you lock in.
The most important thing is to take care of mental health. Talking to friends, listening to music or doing something enjoyable after school can make a big difference. Lastly, remember that third quarter doesn’t last forever. Spring break, warmer weather and the end of the school year are closer than they seem. Getting through third quarter proves resilience, and surviving it makes the finish line feel even better.
