Life as a high schooler is hard. Trying to balance school and life outside of school can be extremely overwhelming. Juggling extracurricular activities, homework, family, and friends can seem stressful and sometimes impossible. However, I can say from experience it can actually be a lot easier than you might think, if you follow a few key steps. Here are ten tips and tricks that I have found very helpful:

• Organization is key. By having everything organized, life can be smoother. To stay organized for school I have learned that using a planner to write down assignment due dates and test or quiz dates makes the school week a lot less stressful. I also recommend that students keep their lockers and backpack organized so it is less likely that homework will be lost. Students can also do something similar for just everyday life by writing down important dates or events on a calendar.
• DO NOT AVOID DOING HOMEWORK. Try to complete homework as soon as possible, while making sure it is neat and correct.
• Procrastination can be a killer. I have plenty of personal experience with procrastination and I highly recommend avoiding it. Procrastination will only make life way more difficult than it needs to be.
• Sleeping saves lives, so make sure to get enough of it. I am aware that many people already may say to get enough sleep, but it is extremely important, not only for staying awake during class but for overall health.
• Make sure to eat, and eat well. It helps to keep energy up throughout the day. It also allows for better focus.
• Don’t be afraid to make new friends. Making new friends can be scary, but it can make the time spent at La Salle unforgettable, and can make getting through the stressful times easier.
  
• Try new things. Join a club or try out for a sports team—who knows what will come of it. Whether you love it or hate it, it will be a great learning experience.
• School events are great so don’t miss them. Going to school activities like football games or basketball games can be so much fun. Even if you are not super into the sport or event that you are at, it is still fun to hang out with friends and fellow students, as well as feeling like you are a part of the school community.
• Mistakes happen so do not be afraid to make them. I am fully aware that making mistakes can be extremely embarrassing or feel like the end of the world. However, making mistakes can simultaneously be the best learning experience available. Making mistakes is also a way to create memories or stories to laugh at years from now.
• Enjoy the high school experience. High school only lasts for four years, and those will go by quickly, so make the most of it! This is a unique experience, and it only comes once, so enjoy it while it lasts.
  

Through trial and error, I have found all of these tips to be very helpful in the three years I have been at La Salle — and hopefully they can help you out, too.

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Do you have tips or ideas not listed here that you have found helpful? Tell us the comments below!