When beginning a new semester, it’s important to establish a positive mindset. Although it may be dreadful and really stressful, it’s crucial to lay down the basis of wanting to learn and succeed.

I enjoy looking at the bright side of things. For example, school gets me back into a specific routine and makes me feel like I have my life together. It allows me to stay organized and keeps me busy so that way I prioritize important things.

At the beginning of each semester when I’m feeling down, I like to remind myself how much of a privilege education is because so many others don’t get the same opportunity. I included some tips below that may help when starting a new semester.

• Stay organized- I like using my “reminders” app to remember assignments/exam dates etc. It’s so much easier and convenient to store things on your phone.
• Set goals- All goals are valid, no matter how big or little. Make sure to set a few, it helps keep me grounded and focused.
• Give yourself time- I know it’s really difficult not to procrastinate but school feels like a breath of fresh air when you don’t pile up a bunch of assignments before the due date. I like giving myself 3 days before the due date, not too soon or too late, it’s more like a meeting in the middle.

By NVC Student Haneen Rafati