by Mackenzie Armstead | staff writer
Returning back to school after a holiday or winter break can sometimes prove to be difficult for students, whether it’s one day or two weeks. After returning back to school, some students may feel unprepared; seemingly forgetting everything they learned during the first semester. This mentality is sometimes referred to as “semester amnesia”.
“Homework is more difficult…within a small amount of time, I forget a lot, so coming back is kind of a big challenge for me,”sophomore Amber Liffrig said.
According to lead counselor Courtney Tarbox, there may be consequences upon arriving back to school that range in severity, and how there are ways to try and avoid being thrown into this situation.
“Students come back from the break and some of the consequences may be that they fall behind in their classes or struggle to catch up. It’s just really trying to get back to their classes [and] getting a good idea of what those expectations are going to be for this next semester. And just really work hard to try to stay organized and on top of everything, like their assignments,” Tarbox said.
Prior to leaving for break, students can keep track of assignments by prioritizing work that needs to be completed, and turning in all assignments. This can minimize the probability of getting buried under the stress of late homework, failed tests, and/or unorganized notes. Save yourself from this unwanted drama by getting prepared early for your classes.
“One good way, maybe before the holiday break, is to make any notes or anything that they [students] need to know to take care of when they come back, so that way they don’t have to worry about it over the break. The other good thing too would be just pay attention in class [when] they first come back,” Tarbox said.
In addition, students can also physically seek out information and/or help from their teachers when needed. With doing so, students can stay ahead of the game by knowing what work they will be returning to when they come back to school, depending on the class.
“Check out their teacher’s websites and talk with their teacher to know what the expectations are, so they can get familiar with what is expected and what they are going to need to do for their classes.” Tarbox said.
Teachers, as well as students, feel the wrath that is coming back from break too. It can be grueling getting back into the groove of things, but the teachers work hard to adjust as quickly as possible.
“Yes, I would say it’s tough getting back into [the school year]. You know, you’ve been on a long break and sometimes you’re still kind of in ‘break mode’ so it can be difficult. I probably adjust pretty quickly because I have to, usually by the second day of school back from the break I’m usually ready to go,” Stephanie Smith, art teacher, said.
Despite the tough adjustment back to school affecting almost everyone, some students are able to adjust quicker than others. However, most students, overachieving and underachieving, appreciate the time they get to review forgotten lessons when they get back from break.
“I think it affects all students because I know that some kids struggle and other don’t, so the thing about coming back is that it’s harder for the kids that struggle versus the ones that know more, so the first couple of weeks are like a review,” senior Maricela Trujillo said.
Regardless of most students abhorring the fact of going back to school, they eventually do get back to their school routines and try to see the positives in a new semester. Seeing it as a fresh start, they are interested in learning new information.
“I think that some of the students feel…well they aren’t so thrilled about it, but I think that it is a good refresher and you get to know new topics [this semester]” Trujillo said.
Students can have the opportunity to transform this second semester for the better and by utilizing their resources, “semester amnesia” will soon disappear.
“The more that they stay on top of things, the less there is to at least play ‘catch up’” Tarbox said.
