With the beginning of the second semester comes many students who are mentally and physically drained from preparing for and taking their finals.
Students that have braced themselves for another semester of school work might find less motivation than they had at the beginning of the school year.
To help bring some motivation for this next semester, here is a playlist to motivate students to keep trying their best and regain their pre-school energy.
Kicking off the playlist is the upbeat and rhythmical “Keep Moving” by Jungle. With its pulsating energy, the song encourages students to stay resilient and embrace the challenges of the new semester with a positive mindset. The song constantly repeats the phrase “keep moving, keep moving / you gotta move it,” reminding students that they have to keep moving, keep their energy up, and keep trying to do well.
“The Great Unknown” by Jukebox the Ghost:
Jukebox the Ghost’s “The Great Unknown” is a sonic journey through uncertainty and self-discovery. Its lively piano-driven melody serves as a reminder that embracing the unknown can lead to personal growth, just like how striving to do well this next semester can help you grow personally, as well as intellectually. This song constantly states that something is waiting for us, and with hard work, we can do anything we set our minds to in the future and present.
“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala:
Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song that unfolds like a motivational story. The edgy and somewhat dark track encourages students to let go of the past, embrace change, and allow for positive transformations to take place. It reminds students that the past is the past, and there is always another chance. Similarly, the second semester is a chance to let go of all of the things that happened last semester and an opportunity for a fresh start.
“Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous:
Infused with a youthful sound, “Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous is an anthem for embracing the vibrant spirit of youth. It is a reminder to students that they are still young and should still be able to have fun no matter what. As students start their second semester, this song’s dynamic energy shows that they should cherish and hold onto the excitement of the high school experience before they no longer can.
“Shut Up and Dance” by WALK THE MOON:
WALK THE MOON’s “Shut Up and Dance” is an iconic song with an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics that encourage students to let loose, have fun, shake off the stress of finals, and have an optimistic outlook on the semester ahead. With all of the hard work that went into their first semester finals, students should have a little fun and “shut up and dance.”
“Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine:
Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” is a powerful and uplifting song that signals a new beginning. This song has a nostalgic feeling which helps keep you relaxed and set all of your worries aside. As students finished their last round of finals and the second semester is now underway, the song serves as a reminder that brighter days are ahead and it’s time to embrace the positive changes the new semester brings.
“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey:
Another iconic song, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey reminds students that they should never stop believing or giving up. Though it may seem like there is little reason to keep putting in the effort, or that you already worked too much, this song motivates you to keep going.
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World:
The last song of this playlist is a timeless classic: “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World delivers a message of self-acceptance and perseverance. Perfect for those moments when the pressure feels overwhelming, this song encourages students to trust the process of their personal and academic growth. It tells us that everything will be just fine and the future is something that we do not have to worry too heavily about right now.
