Students, don’t give up. Even now, you can do it. One solution for procrastinating or filling your time with other things is to schedule yourself relentlessly. I am not joking! Write out a schedule for yourself and use the time in your day. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
It is time to be real with yourself! What am I referring to? Whatever is stealing your time and preventing you from getting your education, move it out of the way. For instance:
Sleep: If you are used to going to sleep at 12 or 1 am and wonder why you have no strength when you wake up? Get to sleep earlier. But that is not enough!
Tell your family your plan.
Remove technology from your room
Even if your body/mind tells you to stay awake, shut off the lights, and wait. Listen to the rain app or something to occupy your thoughts and let your body create the melatonin naturally to allow you to sleep.
Work Schedule: If you are committed to your work schedule during the day and carrying a full load…you have a conflict of interest. Using your off-work times for school is the only way to do both. Do this during the week and use the weekends to unwind. You will be tired, mentally and possibly physically, and expect it.
I Don't Care: Apathy destroys almost everything relationally. Sometimes we don't feel like doing something, but we do it anyways. This is because our emotions can be influenced in a myriad of ways. For example, when I go for a run, my body tells me to stop after 1.5 km. My feelings follow suit, but I will never get past 1.5 km if I listen to it. The satisfaction of completing high school will feel good. But for those that "don't care", it's time to dig deep and do some soul searching.
The course is too challenging: Sometimes, a course is tricky because there are gaps in your learning. Not because you don't have the ability. If you are in the wrong stream, that is a chat with the guidance counsellor. But if you have done okay in the past, my guess is that there are gaps in your learning.
1. Go back and reread the material (or have the computer read it for you). Still trying to figure it out? Search Youtube for the topic and watch someone teach it to you.
2. Be honest with your teacher. Don't be embarrassed; there is NO JUDGEMENT! See your teacher on the off teaching classes and be specific on where you are lost.
Distraction: Okay, this one, you must be RELENTLESS. Remove the distraction until your desires start to fade. I used to go to a coffee shop or the library to work because my room was too distracting. I remember moving my computer to the basement because I would be computing and lose all matter of time. Remember, your mind and desires will not like that move, so don't give in.
Overloaded: When our lives are too full, and we feel like we are going to burst, have an open and honest conversation with your caregiver about removing some courses and changing the graduation date. Just do it. There is no shame in looking after one's health. Just make sure you look after your health.
Important Reminder
0%-10% In Course by Mid-Term
Parents, if your child is at 0-10% in a core course by mid-term, you'll receive an e-letter from the school. By then, teachers will have tried to engage your child multiple times. We understand there may be special circumstances, but if your child does not plan to complete the course, removing it from their timetable is best. The e-letter will give your child five days to actively engage with the course or face removal from their schedule. However, the course will remain active if your child creates a plan with their teacher, guidance counsellor, or learning support. Thank you for your understanding.
