Anxiety and laziness strikes as the new marking period begins at Woodbridge High School, here’s how to beat it. As the temperatures rise, students are reminded of the pleasure of summer however the school year is not over yet. For most students, despite the end of the year pleasure, our shift becomes more real for academics. Students undergo the stresses of living as a high schooler. Upperclassmen have settled on college decisions and scholarships, while seniors prepare for college. Choosing the right classes in the intimidation of choosing harder classes and choosing AP exams. Despite the grade level or age, they all share in common the nervousness and laziness that hides true potential. With the shift in the marking period here are some tips to beat the anxiety and laziness that students are faced with.
Pick your strongest strength and explore
“For most of us, students are uncertain about the exact career they want to pursue with the lack of guidance, and as a student population having the need to explore their likes and dislikes,” said sophomore Kayla Carter. “So with that being said, there is a lot of anxiety that comes with choosing the classes because we don’t know if it fits our criteria. In addition, being overwhelmed is the best way to choose and take a harder class.”
As of 2026, students are remarkably spending time in getting involved and diminishing the fear of missing out, with both academics and social life. Teachers have notably said, in the effects of quarantine, the generation of students has significantly decreased our attention spans and for most are still struggling to write the passion for them. If so, where to spark and start that passion?
Senior at Woodbridge High School, Gatleen Kaur said, “Students are more worried about getting a good grade rather than approaching the learning aspect of school. This entirely affects a student’s unknowing of where to go, as teachers push the students’ need to guide them into their future career. Sports and clubs can help navigate their career and explore their hobbies can make them a stronger opponent. Once you find that click in a certain subject, stick with that so that you know you so you can get that foundation. If anything, in the worst case scenario, you go undecided, life doesn’t end. ”
Push and don’t pull
As of 2026, there is a 75% rate where students graduate without fully deciding on the career they want to pursue in the future. With 80% chance of students changing their majors throughout their college career. Like most of the students previously interviewed, the anxiety and fear of making the wrong decision. With students, guidance and support is greatly needed.
“It is important that students become independent but have a backbone in support,” Carter said.
It is noted that throughout a teens highschool career, the idea of grades have become a main and exceedingly important, for some students it sets the foundation for their future. However, the media and the education system have shown less aid and help to those students who are succeeding academically despite it being just as important as those who are not doing as well academically.
“We are always helping those who are struggling, which is important. But the mental health and in general of an exceeding student is just as important with the stress levels in doing good, knowing that there are only eight slots to fill and making sure they fit and are perfect for you,” Kaur said.
Gatleen Kaur is an exceeding and successful student at WHS despite her grades she was also once as confused in her academic career . Kaur was the first generation person who goes to an American high school in her family. Entering a new education system, Kaur lacked the knowledge of SATs and further seeked help from her guidance. Yet, despite that she felt like the guidance didn’t give her that push or the help that she needed in order to set the foundation for her future both academically and emotionally. Despite the mental health resources the district provides Kaur reflected it doesn’t aid much in the specific person.
Training your brain
Upperclassmen are more guided, yet underclassmen it is incredibly important to build up that knowing of what you want or a basis to understand. Those who are excelling just need the same help with guidance just as those who are struggling : the stress and pressure that pushes them away from making the right decisions and further that is why it is just as important to train your brain.
Despite academics, it can be the foundation of your future, making sure you can handle the stress under it is just as important. Your brain just as your body needs time to decompress, allowing it to take those brain breaks while exploring hobbies allows to make brighter descions.
