A year and a half; this is how long we have been home. For many students around the country, the idea of returning to school was nightmarish. Not only do we need to wake up early, we need to shower, get dressed and style our hair. AHHHH! The horror!

September was painful. Not only were the halls filled with new teachers, new students, and the ringing of raging bells, but already you could feel that this year would be unlike any other. Mask mandates, looming vaccinations and the disappearance of students each day have already made it a memorable year.

Academically, everything has changed as well. Our grading scales are back to normal. If you miss assignments expect the zeros and if you are out, those absences will add up. The mindset of turning on a computer to start the day is no more. Traveling up and down the stairs to seven classes is the new daily routine. Students have to adapt to this new pace and fast. 

UACHS junior, Kimora Sweeney, is having trouble juggling life post remote learning. With balancing both work and school, it has made her schedule harder than before. 

“I am trying to manage my job, school work and a healthy sleep schedule all at once,” Sweeney said. “Even though it’s hard, I still manage to keep good grades and persevere through the stress.” 

Miangle Settle, UACHS sophomore, attends her first in person year of high school. The last time she was in a classroom it was her eighth grade year. Her freshman year was experienced through a computer so the transition between the two years was rocky. Now she realizes in her second week of school the severeness of this situation.  

“It’s not as hard, but it’s different from online, teachers are giving more work,” Settle said. 

Although she did participate in summer activities that the school has, this is her first time in a building full of students rushing to their classrooms without being guided or in a line. 

“My eighth grade teachers told me that high school would be different, but I have prepared and stayed true to myself and my work,” Settle said. “That’s how I manage.”

In order to get into the groove of the school it’s imperative to have at least eight hours of sleep and to be in the school building at least before 7:59 am. Next step is to observe your surroundings. What is the time it takes to reach your next class? How long does it take to enter and exit the staircase? How well do you focus in each class? What do you need help with most? Doing these things will prepare you for the rest of your year. The best way to get into the swing of things is to take advice from people who have already done it. 

Keeping up with the workload and busy schedules is a difficult task to get used to. Some ways that can help you manage your time better is maintaining a stable sleeping schedule, as well as a daily schedule. Creating specific times to do your work after school, to clean, or to do any other extra curricular activity. Sticking to a consistent routine is a hassle, but with better time management and focus, we will get back to an in person mindset in no time.