Thursday, June 11, 2015

Junior Year Reflection


After having disappeared for a few days, I thought I was due for a little reflection of this busy, stressful year. My exams are officially over, which means I can finally devote the amount of time I want on my blog. Every day, I think about how I wish I could just sit down and write, but with the end of the school year (arguably the most important part of high school) I simply had little to no time. Blogging makes me so, so happy and I can't wait to really focus on citrus & style in the upcoming months!

Now... let's get onto junior year. I went into the year super motivated and ready to do well; I ended up studying really hard the first few months and having the best semester ever grades wise. However, I was stressed out and had a pretty tough time balancing sleep, homework and a social life. I was anxious a lot of the time, was always worried about my grades and focused too much on college when really it was silly to be so preoccupied at the time. But come second semester, I found a better balance and ended up finishing the year on a really positive note both academically and socially.

Some lessons I've learned that I thought I would share:

Set goals for yourself because hard work pays off. 
Going into the year, I had a few big goals for myself that were always in the back of my mind. I've always been a pretty motivated person, but this year was entirely different for me - with college so close on the horizon, I knew that if I didn't do my best now, I would really regret it later. As time consuming as it was, I truly gave it my all this year and I'm so happy I did.

Everything is meant to be. 
So many instances happened this year that have taught me that ultimately, everything happens for a reason and it all works out in the end. Quitting lacrosse, for example, was one of the toughest decisions I had to make, but allowed me more time to study, sleep and hang out with friends. Even though I miss the girls so much, it really just worked out for me, especially when I had the stomach flu and was out for over a week.

Tough times show who your real friends are.
As cliche as it sounds, junior year was really the time I found out who my true friends were. You just aren't meant to be friends with everyone, and that's fine - it's nothing personal. My friend group got really close this year and I'm so excited to have an amazing senior year with them by my side!

It's ok to cry.
My whole life, I've never been a big "crier". Seeing people cry makes me a little uncomfortable so I've always avoided it, especially in public. This year, though, I've learned that as much as I sometimes don't want to, letting out your emotions is really beneficial and feels so, so good after. There were stressed out tears during busy weeks, happy tears when I got my grades back, and laughing tears in the library with my friends (quite possibly the weirdest thing I've learned about myself... lately I've been laughing so hard I start crying?). Regardless, sometimes you just need to get it out, and that's ok.

Be open to getting to know new people.
Each year brings new people in your classes, so really take advantage of it and get closer to people you wouldn't otherwise have. This year in particular, I've gotten to know so many new people a lot more (especially in my english class where we had class outings and breakfasts on the reg) and it's been so fun to do so. It's so easy to judge people based on what you hear about them or how you perceive them in the hallway, but talking to them and hearing their opinions and stories can completely change your view of them (usually for the better!).

Balance is key.
The biggest lesson I took away from this year was balance. While it's fun to hang out with friends all weekend and avoid your responsibilities, come Sunday night, you'll regret not having spread out your workload and you will be stressed about everything you have to get done for the next week. Have an organized planner, study as much as you can, make sure you schedule time to exercise, get tons of sleep and have fun with your friends. It's important to do everything in moderation and sometimes you just need a night to sit home watching Netflix, and you shouldn't be ashamed about it.


Overall, as horrible as it was at some points, my junior year was definitely one for the books and I'm so happy it's behind me! 

What are some of your most memorable moments from your junior year? Was it as crazy busy as everyone says it will be? Comment below!
xoxo

8 comments :

  1. So glad you survived! Junior year was pretty busy, but last year when I was a junior we ended up with like 10 snow days so I got some extra sleep and had extra time thanks to those! I honestly say those are what saved my sanity second semester!
    xo, Scarlett
    The Trendy Chick

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a relatable post! How ironic is it that we posted the same topic on the same day?! So glad your junior year is over and you get to enjoy summer before college! Can't wait!

    Alexa
    northeastpreppy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are so wise beyond your years! I hope you enjoy your break and are ready to gear up for how exciting your senior year is going to be :)

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Caroline, I'm a high school blogger too! Just finished my junior year as well, hope you have a great summer!

    www.preppyandposhh.blogspot.com

    Preppy & Posh

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on surviving! And good luck next year!

    Running Alyssa

    ReplyDelete
  8. Click on essayclick.net to some very useful advises about taking all of what you can get in your first year in college.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Blog Design by Get Polished | Copyright citrus and style 2017