From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to Make the Most of the 2025-2026 School Year

From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to Make the Most of the 2025-2026 School Year By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist Practically every teenager loves summer vacation, a time filled with sports, friends, travel, and part time jobs. As of Tuesday, September 2nd, summer vacation has officially come to an end, as students begin to fill classrooms for another year. Despite the anxiety which comes from high school, I am a grade 11 student who is excited to resume learning. To me, a new year is about more than a classroom and homework; it’s about seeing my friends, having a stable routine, taking part in extracurriculars, and studying interesting content. When viewed this way, going back to school doesn’t feel mundane or frustrating, but enjoyable and exciting. As a high-performing student and active member of my school community, I’ve discovered a few strategies and lessons to ensure success in the upcoming academic year, which I plan to apply daily. The back-to-school season begins long before the first day of class. A few weeks prior, stores advertise backpacks, stationary, and uniforms, which is when school preparation begins. Although shopping for these necessary supplies may feel tedious, it can be surprisingly enjoyable with a little bit of planning. In addition to proper bags and stationary, one item I always recommend is a yearly planner with daily to-do lists and monthly calendars. Planners help keep track of assignments and tests, so you can manage your time accordingly. There are many designs to choose from at Indigo, Staples, and Amazon. A planner is one step to properorganization, the key to a successful school year for every student. It is easy to get caught up in the preparations and commotion of a new year, however it’s important to reflect before the first day. Take a few minutes to write down your goals for this year; you can make a list, a collage, or a vision board to help visualize what you want to accomplish. Is there a sports team you want to join, or a grade average you’re aiming for? Once you know what you want from this year, consider how you are going to achieve it. You may need to practice your sport regularly, create a study schedule, or build healthy habits. This mindful preparation is the key to achieving your goals, one attainable step at a time. Getting ready for a new academic year includes more than shopping and goal setting, it’s also important to create a proper routine. There are a few practical steps to take to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. A week before school begins, it’s important to start resetting your sleep schedule, so your body adjusts to waking early. Some individuals choose to prepare meals at the beginning of each week, so they don’t have to worry about cooking or buying food during the day. Students with busy calendars may create a study schedule, to ensure they have time for everything they need to do. These are just some of the many preparations which can be done beforehand to reduce stress once school begins. Regardless of what your routine entails, it’s important to add enjoyment to it and romanticize the season. Listen to a playlist and light candles while studying to make the task more amusing. Do your daily homework with friends at a library, or reward yourself for reaching small goals. Find a routine which is both efficient and enjoyable, one that gets you excited for the day and satisfied with how you spend your time. School may feel demanding, but it may also feel rewarding and interesting if you take the time to enjoy it. Beyond your day-to-day routine, school is also a place to discover unique opportunities. Whether you’re starting at a new school or entering your senior year, it’s never too late to explore something new. Education is a powerful, unique opportunity, not just to learn, but to grow as a person. I have tried out for the school debate team, student council, school musicals, and more. Each activity came with its own worries, and many times, I questioned if I was capable of doing everything. Yet, I tried anyway. This is the only way to grow as a person, and to make the most of your opportunities; by trying. Whether it’s an academic challenge or an extracurricular adventure, you never know what you’re capable of until you try. Regardless of your goals for the 2025-2026 school year, I hope you take the time to ensure you have all the necessary supplies, mindfully set goals, create an enjoyable routine, and take risks. School is about more than a diploma or a grade, it’s also about opportunities and life lessons. Do not let your education pass without making the most of it; engage in extracurriculars, take interesting courses, and meet new people. This, in addition to proper organization and an efficient study schedule, will ensure you have a balanced, enjoyable, and efficient academic year.