Surviving Spring SOLs

If I was to be asked what the worst part of the school year was, I would say that it is the time when everyone starts reviewing for SOLs and when they begin. This part of the school year typically begins right after spring break and continues to get worse until these state required tests are over.

To me, the end of the spring semester is always worse than the fall semester. You are so close to finishing the year and getting a break, but they decide to cram all of this knowledge in you for a test when you are exhausted from just going to school five days a week. Also, it is hard to get a break during this time. Want to go home and take a nap right after school? You have to do a review packet for homework. If you play spring sports or want to spend time with friends and family after school, you will most likely be doing one of the following: staying up late to do homework, doing it in other classes at school, or you won’t do it at all.

There are some things that can make all of this easier though. It can be a stressful time and we all cope with it differently.

First, be positive. Just changing your outlook on things can make you handle them better. If you say you are going to fail your test and that is all you can focus on, you are not helping yourself out. If anything, be realistic. If you actually tried during the semester, you have a good chance of passing.

Second, be comfortable. Some people wear their sweatpants and don’t try to dress up at the end of the school year, others do the opposite. You should not be doing one of these because you feel like you have to, do it because it makes you happy. I personally feel better when I put on makeup and look like I put some effort in my look, because I feel more awake and it makes me less likely to fall asleep in class. If you only care about what others think, you are causing more unnecessary stress at a time you really do not need it.

Third, do whatever you need to help you succeed. Need extra help in a class? Ask your teacher, most of them are willing to help you outside of class. Need to get some sleep? Get off your phone at night and sleep. You can only help yourself.

SOLs determine if you pass a class, and they are required to graduate. If you do not try to help yourself, no one can force you to. It is up to you to make the time to study and do whatever you can to help yourself succeed. Do what makes you happy and what enables you to do your best when you are stressed out. When it really comes down to it, you know yourself better than anyone else and know how much you need to do to succeed. Some people study for hours, some people do not study at all. Our minds work differently and if you made it this far, you know how to find a way to make it all work out in the end.

Blog Submission by Kara Hillman