This advice column features personal advice for Cary Academy students by Princess Bernard-Oti, ’18, in regards to school-related questions. Her responses are meant to be taken lightheartedly, so please enjoy.
How do you deal with stressful situations, such as during exam weeks?
Princess: It is important to get a lot of sleep; that will help you assess your situations and put things into perspective. When you are tired, you tend to stress out more and therefore it inhibits your ability to tackle the work. Taking short naps when you are free can do a lot to make you feel better.
How should you pick your classes for junior and senior year course registrations?
P: Listen to your teacher if they give recommendations regarding whether or not to take specific courses. Your sophomore year teachers will know you very well, and although they do want to push you to challenge yourself, they also have a good sense of what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to best work on improving yourself in those specific subjects.
How do you keep energized through the eight-hour school day?
P: Make sure not to take such a heavy course load so you can use free periods to do homework, go to teachers, and take some time to destress. When you need a boost, having healthy food options is always helpful, my favorite is a clementine. One trick I have is that I have a “food locker” where I store snacks for when I need them the most. It’s also nice that I can share with others. Full stomachs lead to better learning. (Make sure your snacks are not the insect-attracting kind!)
How do you manage time with both homework and participating in Cary Academy sports?
P: You should definitely go play sports if you can, but there is a time commitment. If necessary, you can always explain to your coaches why you may need a day off if you are swamped with work.
What are some of the best study habits?
P: I can say what not to do. I would recommend that you do not sleep for 20 minutes, then study, and then sleep for 20 more minutes. It is good to take a break, but I found this method to be unproductive. In addition, don’t try to drink a lot of caffeine at night, because it might help you study in the short term, but it’ll hurt you in the long term.