Campus Blog

For many students, school is more than just a place of learning. It's a second home where we spend a significant portion of our lives. From the early morning bell to the final dismissal, school shapes our daily routines, friendships, and personal growth.

When I first started at Lincoln High School, I saw it as just another building with classrooms and teachers. But over time, I realized it was much more. The hallways that seemed confusing at first became familiar pathways. The classmates I didn't know became close friends. The teachers I was nervous to approach became mentors and guides.

School provides us with:

• A sense of belonging: Through clubs, teams, and classroom communities
• Routine and structure: Creating a stable environment for learning and growth
• Support systems: Teachers, counselors, and staff who genuinely care about our wellbeing
• Opportunities for self-discovery: Trying new activities, subjects, and leadership roles
• Lasting friendships: Bonds formed over shared experiences and challenges

Just like a home, school has its challenges too. There are difficult assignments, stressful exams, and occasional conflicts. But these challenges help us develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence—all essential tools for life beyond school walls.

As I enter my final year, I appreciate more than ever how this institution has shaped me. The classrooms where I discovered new passions, the library where I found quiet concentration, the cafeteria where I shared laughs with friends—all these spaces have become part of my identity. School isn't just where I go to learn; it's where I've grown into the person I am today.

After three years of high school and countless exams, I've discovered that effective studying isn't about how many hours you put in, but how you use those hours. Here are the study strategies that have helped me maintain a 4.0 GPA while still having time for extracurricular activities and social life.

1. The Pomodoro Technique

Instead of marathon study sessions, I study in focused 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks in between. After four cycles, I take a longer 15-30 minute break. This keeps my mind fresh and prevents burnout.

2. Active Recall

Simply rereading notes is passive and ineffective. Instead, I test myself regularly. I use flashcards, practice questions, or just cover up parts of my notes and try to recall the information. This strengthens memory pathways.

3. Spaced Repetition

I review material at increasing intervals—first after one day, then three days, then a week, then two weeks. This takes advantage of how our brains consolidate memories over time.

4. Interleaving Subjects

Instead of studying one subject for hours, I mix different subjects in a single study session. Switching between math, history, and biology in one afternoon helps me make connections between different areas of knowledge and keeps me engaged.

5. The Feynman Technique

To truly understand a concept, I try to explain it in simple terms as if teaching it to someone who knows nothing about the topic. If I can't simplify it, I don't really understand it yet.

6. Optimal Study Environment

I've created a dedicated study space that's:

• Quiet and free from distractions (phone on silent in another room)
• Well-lit with natural light when possible
• Organized with all necessary materials at hand
• Comfortable but not too comfortable (a proper chair at a desk, not my bed)

7. Healthy Study Habits

Learning isn't just mental—it's physical too. I make sure to:

1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night (critical for memory consolidation)
2. Exercise regularly to boost brain function
3. Stay hydrated and eat brain-healthy foods (nuts, berries, fish)
4. Take real breaks that involve moving away from my study space

The most important lesson I've learned is that effective studying is personalized. What works for your friend might not work for you. Experiment with these techniques, track what helps you retain information best, and build your own customized study system.