The best way to set up for success during these unprecedented times is to be open to change. The shifts that have happened over this year shows the necessity of being flexible while still being able to move forward and make progress. As an example, all students and teachers have had to move around schedules and change routines in order for this year to work. First we were online; then we were hybrid, and now we are back online. We also must remember that everyone is going through the same thing, and most people are willing to help with anything we need.

Between big shifts, I find that routine is valuable. In my personal experience with remote learning, I have taken to following a similar schedule every day. I wake up at the same time so my sleep schedule isn’t out of whack; by doing this it helps make me feel less tired than I actually am. I usually eat breakfast on the days that I do not have gym because I will workout after school on those days, and I usually do not eat something on the days I do have gym because it is my first class and I eat something afterwards. Another great habit I have gotten into that helps me succeed is I usually just try to relax during the 10 minute breaks between classes, whether that means walking for a few minutes with my dog or just looking at social media for a few minutes, it is good for the brain to have a distraction. Distracting the brain between classes will also helps when you are in your next class. It is proven that if the brain is distracted even for a short period of time after focusing for an extended period of time, it focuses better when it goes back to work. The last trick I use to succeed during these tough times is by setting a specific time during the day that I will do my homework so I do not procrastinate and make it take way longer than it should. I struggled with doing this for many years and now I just get it all done at one time and don’t have to keep worrying about it.

Success can be made with being flexible when there are things out of your control, but managing routine and expectations for the things you can control. You’ve got this!