We’re back with study tips and healthy lunch strategies.                                                                                  

By McKay Lucas

Q: I always make resolutions in advisory to pay attention in class so I don’t have to cram the night before a test, but I always end up studying for other tests or just being too tired to pay attention in my classes. Any quick fixes?

A: It’s understandable! No matter what year you are in, this problem will likely cross every student’s path at some point or another. Here are a few suggestions to keep this cycle from repeating itself:

• Take handwritten notes. I know it sounds tedious, but just writing the information by hand makes it stick in your brain better for a test. Additionally, it shuts out additional tablet distractions. This can be helpful for any subject. Some of the main classes which handwritten notes help with are history, biology, and chemistry. (A lot of memorization-based information.) It can also be helpful for languages because it is very different to type and write words.
• Often, teachers can provide you with a textbook for the class which presents the information in a different and new way. Just ask!
• Quizzes online can be an engaging and practical way to study; just make sure you are using reliable sources! (Ex. Some Quizlets are student-made and not completely reliable.)
• For information you are studying over long units and periods of time, condense the information you have learned so far on each weekend. Whether typing out your notes or making flashcards, this makes the task of studying before a test less daunting.

Q: I’m having trouble finding healthy lunches I like that I like and that fuel me throughout the day? Any alternative ideas?

A: I would suggest three things for someone in your situation:

• If you really don’t like the lunch on one day, explore the salad bar, sandwich bar, fruit stand, etc. However, just a salad won’t be enough to sustain you throughout the day. I would explore some of the more protein-filled options that you can add on top of your salad such as chicken or hummus. If you prefer to eat a few snacks throughout the day, bring a variety of protein bars and other small snacks from home to sustain your energy. For the 2PM tiredness that always hits without fail, this would be a good time to make sure you have a snack. Wednesdays are also good days to set reminders on your phone to bring a snack for the later lunch.
• There’s always the upcoming café to look forward to! The café will provide a variety of healthy snacks such as protein smoothies, tea, and healthy foods. For now, the CA store also has a variety of options.
• If neither of these fits what you are looking for, you can pack a lunch from home. But try new things! Your new favorite food could be just around the corner in the CA cafeteria.

Q: My math classes are transitioning into no longer providing a key. How can I check my homework (after I do the work of course) so I don’t do everything wrong?

A: One great (math teacher approved) website to use is Desmos! Desmos.com is especially helpful for algebra-and-above based classes so you can graph multiple functions and see them laid out on a graph. Of course, you can also plug them in on your calculator but Desmos can also be a quick option.