High school can look different depending on where students are in their journey. For freshmen, every class, activity, and responsibility is new and taken as a learning experience. For seniors, the finish line is close, and with that comes both excitement and pressure. To explore how these perspectives may differ, freshman Skylar Woodard and senior Brynne Alia demonstrate that balancing school, activities, and life outside the classroom is achievable.
For Woodard, sticking to a routine is the key to success.
Woodard explains, “I try to stick to a routine. Since sports take a lot of time, I do my homework either right after school or later in the evening. It’s definitely a challenge, but staying organized helps me not fall behind,”
Alia, however, takes a more flexible approach. “Balancing school, activities and personal time isn’t always the easiest but I kind of just go with the flow most of the time. I tend to plan out my day beforehand or hours ahead to make sure everything goes smoothly,” Alia states.
After school, Woodard’s afternoons are packed with sports and clubs. She plays volleyball, is training for the upcoming flag football season, and also participates in Black Student Union, which keeps her involved in school events.
“After school I usually go straight to practice, either volleyball or flag football depending on the season. When I get home, I eat, shower, and then finish my homework. If I still have time, I just relax on my phone or spend time with family,” she commented.
Alia’s afternoons are less predictable. “Some days I’ll go out and eat with my friends or run errands for my parents. Other days I’ll go home and take a nap or stay at school in my coach’s room if I have something to be back at school for. It’s not a strict routine and honestly anything pops up.”
Their study habits also reveal the difference between freshman and senior year. Woodard prefers preparation and consistency.
Woodard announced, “I review my notes and study a little bit each day instead of cramming the night before. If I don’t understand something, I’ll ask a teacher or a friend for help.”
Alia admits she is more of a last minute studier. “I always study the day before. I’m kind of a procrastinator, but I’ve been working on it because my classes are very important this year and I cannot afford any of those small mistakes,” she states.
Despite their different study styles, both students agree that exhaustion after practice makes homework the hardest part of the day.
Woodard admits, “Sometimes I just want to crash, but I know I have to get it done.”
Alia agreed, saying, “The hardest part of balancing it all is trying to find a time where I can commit to working on my assignments throughout my busy days.”
When it comes to favorite parts of the day, Woodard enjoys lunch because it gives her a break and time to hang out with friends. Alia’s best moments are either in the morning when she first sees her friends or after school when they gather by their cars.
If given the chance to switch schedules, Woodard said she would trade with an upperclassman who gets early release so she could experience what it feels like to have more free time. Alia said she would switch with her friend Vanessa Borja, who has two aide classes and doesn’t take a math class.
Though their routines are different, Woodard and Alia share the same determination to balance school, sports, and friendships while making the most of high school. Woodard’s structured freshman routine shows the effort it takes to adjust to a new environment, while Alia’s flexible senior schedule reflects the freedom and responsibility that come with experience.
At the end of the day, both perspectives highlight the same truth: high school can be very challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities to continue to grow. Whether students are just starting out or preparing to graduate, every day is a chance to balance hard work with the moments that make high school memorable.
