In two weeks, students across the region will be heading back to school, and already the hustle and bustle of buying school supplies and shopping for new clothes is in full swing.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by Pollara, it is anticipated that $428 is going to be spent, per child, on purchasing supplies and new items for the upcoming school year.
In addition to buying supplies and clothes, it is also important for students of all grades to prepare mentally for the upcoming months.
Any new school year offers students the opportunity to begin a fresh chapter in their academic path. Hence, it is a great chance for students to set the goals and milestones they would like to achieve, and treat them like resolutions for the school year.
Now is also the time for students to focus on their past successes and not dwell on any failures, so they can envision success for the new journey on which they will embark.
By adopting an attitude of positivity, hard work, and optimism, students will be ready to tackle any new content or challenges that come their way.
Certainly, it is always a good thing to learn from your past weaknesses and improve on them in the future. The new academic year offers students an opportunity to start fresh and begin from a clean slate.
For elementary school students, the next two weeks would be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the school schedule and maybe begin their regular bedtime routines, so that they can gradually get back into school mode. For high school and university students, now is an opportune time to set goals, arrange study schedules and possibly consider some options for extracurricular and volunteer activities that they will be participating in for the next semester, in addition to their studies.
University and college students can also consider possible programs that may help prepare them for an exchange or co-op term for the next spring or summer semester. Students of all grade levels should also pre-plan and research any campus study help or resources available to them before the school year begins.
For students in elementary and high school, for instance, there are often after-school study clubs and many teachers are also available for help. University students should look into possible study resources offered by university teaching assistants and professors.
By preparing oneself mentally for the new grade or semester, one can build a solid foundation for the first few weeks of school, and this strong start can lead to continued success.
The new school year offers everyone the chance to hit the reset button and begin anew. With focus and hard work, any student can achieve academic and extracurricular excellence.
So as we get closer to September and the beginning of a new school year, it is imperative for students to build a confident attitude for all the achievements and successes that await them.
Japreet Lehal is a student at Simon Fraser University Surrey. He writes regularly for The Leader.