TRUE GRIT (February Blog)

 A very long time ago, in a state not so far away (California), I was beginning my teaching career at a very innovative school in Turtle Rock, a community in the city of Irvine.  When I assumed my brand-new position, we had training in a relatively new program launched by parents and educators, born of the "Self-Esteem" movement that first blossomed in the late 1980s. 

As I learned about the program and how it would be integrated into our teaching, classroom management, and philosophy, which proposed lavish praise of kids and handing out trophies just for "trying hard," I felt myself cringe inwardly. At first, I wasn't sure why.

I mean, isn't cultivating a "positive" self-esteem a good thing?  You would think so, but that still, small voice inside of me--you know the one-- that sort of sixth sense or inspired discernment that just "knows" things to be true or not, whether or not you have concrete proof?  That's the one.  That voice whispered to me: "bad idea."  While I couldn't articulate why at the time, I just knew this wasn't the right approach to cultivating the dedication and enthusiastic engagement of young learners.

As time passed, I learned that, lo and behold, that voice was right.  Subsequent studies showed that kids did NOT try harder as a result of the program.  In fact, it was the opposite: coddled kids became softer, slower, and less likely to persevere.  Why?  Because there was one very important characteristic that past generations knew about and encouraged that was NOT fostered and learned in the process:  GRIT.

Carolyn Adams Miller, an author and speaker on the topic from Bethesda, Maryland, said, "This is not a gritty generation.  They become overwhelmed and stressed easily because they have been protected from failure."(1)  Like Miller, Psychologists now assert that grit, not a positive self-concept, is the best predictor of future success and overall happiness.

So...what, exactly, is grit?  According to the dictionary, it is, in this sense, "courage and resolve; strength of character." (2)  It is a passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long term goals.  It is what determines whether a West Point cadet survives or who makes the cut for the Olympic team; in other words, it sifts out those who can ultimately reach the finish line of hard goals in life from those who cannot.  Miller says that talent can only get you so far.  It is really your grit that determines whether or not you make it.

In fact, research has shown that grit is completely unrelated to talent. (3) At times, it is even

inversely related!  Those who are not blessed with talent discover they must work twice as hard, and with grit, they develop the skills of discipline and perseverance.   Grit is contagious.  It is inspiring.  It CAN be taught and fostered.  In a Washington Post article, Miller proposed some steps to cultivate Grit, and they largely relate to our thinking and how we view and approach challenges:

1.  When you face a tough problem, don't tell yourself "this is too hard."  Instead, ask, "Why not me?"

2.  When things get hard, and you want to quit, mentally change the channel.   Focus on a spiritual phrase, mantra, or image that encourages you.

3.  Build a team around you.  Encourage each other.  Be sounding boards.  Connect positively as you pursue your long-term goals by achieving smaller goals.

4.  Instead of offering empty praise and pity in failure, parents should coax their kids through failure.  Point out the lessons and praise the efforts to keep on going through pain and failure.

5.   While it is tough for parents to let their kids experience failure, it is actually the most important KEY in developing Grit!

Back in the 1980s, many communities opted to "soften" neighborhood parks so that kids could fall into a pillow of wood chips.  This seemed, in many ways, very prudent, but as it turns out, it has made kids "softer" as a result.  Creeping grade inflation, allowing kids to retake tests they "bombed," has also been shown to erode the development of grit.  Reducing expectations and workload has made it harder to balance activities and time effectively. Alternately, participation in true, competitive sports and auditioning for roles (and experiencing the disappointment of not always getting the role you want) in theater arts has shown to cultivate grit.

This all really seems to put a spotlight on the IB profile attribute of risk-taking this week.  We have learned through hard experience here that playing it safe and protecting ourselves from failure doesn't seem to net anything but more anxiety and cowardice.  But taking risks, watching, and learning from those who never seem to quit will actually encourage curiosity and lead one to feel truly "alive."

Nancy Wake, an Australian woman who went to fight with the French Resistance against the Nazis during World War Two, once stated that while she was incredibly grateful the war ended as it did and freedom was restored, she never felt more alive and like she was living in her true purpose than during those long, fearful months she spent with troops of thousands of men hiding out in the forests.  At a time of great danger, Nancy chose not to listen to the cautionary pleas and warnings of those around her.  She learned to fight like the men she ultimately led.  It turns out that her being a woman was not a "weakness" after all; in fact, it made her less likely to be seen as a threat by the enemy!  Several of her fellow fighters were quoted as saying that having one woman named Nancy Wake was like having "five additional men" in their ranks!

Kids with Grit are finishers.  They are the tortoises in the race that keep on

moving towards their own established finish lines.  You may trip and fall in life.  You may experience heartbreaking defeat and failure.  But the kids who ultimately succeed are the ones who take risks and feel alive.  They are the ones who get back up after a disappointing blow with a sparkle in their eye, and that sparkle? That's GRIT!

Here is a link to a Ted Talk by Angela Lee Duckworth.  Listen carefully to all she has to say:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8

Then, click here to take the Grit test, and see how you score:  https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-scale/

Finally, comment below on how you scored, what you have learned, and how you are going to apply it to your life.  

Don't be afraid to get GRITTY!!

(Footnotes:  1.  Holland, Judy.  Washington Post, "The Key Ingredient to Your Kids' Success."  March 9, 2015.  2. Merriam Webster Dictionary  3.  Holland, Judy.  Washington Post, "The Key Ingredient to Your Kids' Success."  March 9, 2015.) 

WORDS ARE LIFE (January, 2026 Blog)

"Don't get upset by what he said.  They're only words." 

Does this statement, or any close variation of it sound familiar to you?  How many of you embrace it as your own philosophy?  How many of you would like to give the speaker a nice, firm sock in the arm?  Well, I am going to start this post here by making a bold statement.  Here it goes: Whether you acknowledge it to be true or not, your words have power.  Lots of it.  You may not feel very powerful when you utter them, but they are, as the great English proverb tells us, "Mightier than the sword."

Now, allow me to explain and expand.  For some, the words of others don't sting as much as they will for others, but whether you are tough as nails or a marshmallow when it comes to matters of the heart, those to whom you communicate may not fall into your same category.

For this reason, being a thoughtful, empathetic, yet clear communicator is a precious skill--especially for those of you who plan to be in any form of upper management.  The best leaders in any industry got there because they knew how to communicate.  They were aware of the great power of their words, and they used that power with skill and wisdom.

If not everyone receives the same words in the same spirit, then how do we become astute at the great art of communication?  Well, the answer is in the question:  it is an art, so we practice.  We test the waters.  Observe more than just verbal communication/language.  We communicate who we are to others in many different ways and within many unique nuances.  Reading people --really taking the time and presence of mind to actively listen to not just what they say but how they say it--can really tell you a lot.

In year one and year two of the IB Language and Literature, Diploma Program, we have already done a lot of communicating with one another in various groups and partnerships, as well as all together on our blog.  As Markus Zusak wrote in his masterpiece, The Book Thief, "words are life," figuratively and quite literally.  Combinations of letters create words, the arrangement of words create sentences, these sentences convey meaning.  What the recipient does with that meaning--how they deconstruct it--builds and tears down elements of their very character.  That's power!

This year, you will continue to have many opportunities to observe and learn from each other's communication styles, and practice wielding your language "sword."  The spoken and written word both have their moment on the world's stage, and whether their influence is felt on a small or large scale, it is a moment that carries power for the listener: a moment in the ears can lead to a lifetime on the heart.  In his novel The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfus writes: "Words can light fires in the minds of men; words can wring tears from the hardest hearts."  See?  I'm not the only literary person to make those bold statements.

In the link below, you will have the opportunity to read Cat Thompson's article, The Power of Language.  Read through it, maybe even commit some of it to memory as a resource to use when you communicate.  See what happens!

You are powerful.  Whether written or spoken, your words carry the power to build someone up and bring life, or tear them down and bring death.

Just like that mighty sword the English were talking about.

Directions for your response post:
1.  Read the short article by clicking the link HERE.  Then, reflect on what you learned, and what most resonates with you on the topic.  
2.  Go through the quotes below about words and their power.  Pick a favorite, type it up in your post, and write about why it was your favorite.  I would LOVE to hear your thoughts...in your own words.

Quotes about language/words: 
The idea that language has great power is nothing new!  But words by themselves only have as much power as we allow them.  Even though our modern society is much more sensitized and defensive in nature (we seem to have lost the art to debate and replaced it with the great art of mudslinging in the public arena), in ancient times and during the Renaissance, the power of our language was acknowledged, admired, and celebrated.  Here are a few famous quotes, including those collected from Proverbs in the Bible and the great bard, Shakespeare, himself...

I SIMPLY REMEMBER MY FAVORITE THINGS - Annual Holiday Blog (December)

Once again, Christmas is in the air, hopefully bringing us warm memories of time well spent with those we love. Better than the presents we give and receive is the presence we offer to our friends and family—time spent truly savoring each other's company, setting aside all daily stresses and responsibilities, if only for a little while. Taking time to stop and look at all the beauty around us, engage in deep conversation, and enjoy the beauty of nature here in the desert is important. Now, perhaps more than ever, these are good ways to refocus, set new goals for the upcoming year, and empower ourselves to pursue our dreams. Another way is to stop and consider all the things we love—those things that make us smile, and for which we are so grateful. Then, we can put pen to paper.

Christmas is the best time to do this, for sure, but it is important, as our dear friend Charles Dickens suggests, to "keep Christmas alive and well in our hearts all the year through."  As we prepare to say goodbye to 2025, I am once again renewing the "My Favorite Things" post: an annual activity to make a list of the things that each of us holds most dear--those things we love and cherish in this life.

 
So, to review for those who have done this before, and to introduce to those who are new to the blog this year, here are the rules for the annual Favorite Things post:  Make a list of your 25 most favorite THINGS. The keyword is THINGS.  No people allowed on your list!  That removes the pressure you may feel to name every family member and friend.  People and things should never be categorized together.  People come first.  This list is much more light-hearted!  (I will, however, allow you to include animals/pets on this list in addition to things).

This was REALLY tougher than I thought to narrow it down to 25 for me (initially, I was afraid I would draw a blank!) but here is what came to mind this year first for me.  Try to just take pen to paper and write what comes to your mind first.  These will probably be the most honest.  :)

Let's begin this beautiful Christmas Season, and ring in the New Year with a list of all the things we love...those things for which we are most grateful, shall we?

MRS. CARAWAY'S FAVORITE THINGS...(in no particular order)

1.  Gothic Cathedrals and Cathedral bells- especially those of my favorite at Notre Dame.
2.  The sound of my son Christian playing the piano.
3.  European Christmas Market (and the smell of roasting chestnuts)
4.  Ice-skating
5.  Ballet and pointe shoes
6.  France - Paris, Normandy, and Alsace.  I love it all.

   

7. WW2 history and historical fiction

8. GREAT Writing and Wordsmithery
9. Pretty shoes and long, soft cardigans.
10. Narnia, wardrobes, & Aslan (not necessarily in that order)
11. The sound of the ocean 
12. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  
13. Things that sparkle (candlelight, glitter, jewels, the ocean in the moonlight)
14. Shakespeare School Festival: There is nothing quite like watching my students perform Shakespeare on a stage in London! 
15. My pets, Katya and Ivy, and their unconditional love example.
16. Tapas and wine with my family

17. Thunderstorms...with lightening

18. The sound of my children laughing out loud together, all in the same room.
19. A well-told story.
20. Unbridled JOY
21. Unexpected discoveries around hidden corners in my travels through Europe
22. My faith and the mystery of GRACE.
23. Perfume! (La Vie Est Belle is my current fave)
24. Riding on Airplanes to new and exciting places.
25. HOPE.  It does spring eternal.

Now, it's your turn... 

Make YOUR list....and remember, it cannot include people.  It must be a list of things (which may include sounds and feelings).  

May this mark an attitude of gratitude in your heart, that you may keep the joy and love of Christmas all year through!  

SEVEN SHELBYS: A Tribute for Veteran's Day (November Blog, 2025)

   

I dedicate this post to my friend Larry Frost, and all those Americans who have given their lives for the freedom I enjoy....

One weekend, several years ago, my husband and I took the family over to our Estrella Residential Center to visit the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall. At that time, I had not yet seen the one in Washington DC, neither had our kids, so we thought that would be a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon and reflect on the freedom we enjoy, and take time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

One of our very dearest friends is a Vietnam veteran.  He has shared many incredible stories with us in our home and his.  We have looked through his picture and scrapbooks of memories, and seen the display of his many war medals that his wife lovingly made for him.  He had tried to throw them all away once, but she would not hear of it.  Despite the memories that still haunt him over fifty years later, she sees him as a true American hero.  So do I. 

I remembered him telling us many times about his dear friend, Shelby, whom he lost in Vietnam.  It was a horrifying story in which my friend witnessed his best friend's helicopter being shot down just yards away from his own.  Shelby had a baby daughter when he died...a daughter who would never know the incredible, kind-hearted man who was her father.

We arrived at the wall that day, and I realized I didn't have the slightest clue as to what Shelby's last name was, so that I could find him on the wall.  My friends live in Kauai, so I texted them, hoping that perhaps they would see the text and reply in time.  In the meantime, we decided to try to inquire based on our knowledge of Shelby's first name.  It was not a common first name.  Maybe, just maybe, we would get lucky.

We asked the volunteers, who were not only gracious but eager to help us find this friend.  They looked up the name "Shelby" in the database.  "Let's give it a try," one of them said.  Then, we waited a few short seconds, and she gave us the verdict:  "Seven.  There are seven Shelbys on the Vietnam Wall."

I asked her about them--perhaps some detail might register so that we could narrow it down.  Here is what I learned:

There are seven Shelbys on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

One was from Louisiana.  

Two were from West Virginia.

One was from Virginia.

One was from Missouri

One was from Nebraska

and one  Shelby hailed from Ohio.

All of the Shelbys on the wall were from the ages of 20 to 23 when they died.

Seven sons.  Seven friends to countless others.  Seven American heroes.

These are the things these soldiers share...along with their name.

Suddenly, we wanted to find them. We all wanted to find each of the Shelbys on the wall because no matter which one was my friend's buddy, they all had a story to tell. 

A story that ended much, much too soon.

In a strange way, I felt we owed all of the Shelbys a glance, a silent word of thanks.  A touch on the wall.  A photograph.

They deserved to be remembered.

We found all of the Shelbys.  I took photographs of their names because these young men matter.  

My friend did send me a text before we left the exhibit, and we were able to obtain a rubbing of his Shelby.  The Shelby who was his dearest friend.  The Shelby who would never really know his daughter.  The Shelby who will always have a place in my friend's heart, and now, mine...

But I am so grateful to have found the others, as well.  They will also have a place in my heart

Please watch these two videos (links below) explaining the origin of Veteran's Day and honoring American Veterans.  Then, comment on how you celebrate Veteran's Day, or share about any veterans in your life!  

Video One:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvkrwxsLXAw

Video Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQUxu9uyyBs

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THE CONTEXT KEY: Opening our Eyes to Understanding in Life and Literature (October Blog)

 

You have probably heard it said (often, if you are in the second year of my class!) that context is everything.  Okay, so I admit, it is definitely a cliché, but I would also like to suggest that it is a whole lot more than that.

I recently read a blog post in which a woman detailed a story about attending a church service that was very "charismatic."  In other words, people were very vocal and enthusiastic in their worship style.  She was okay with that, at least at first.  But it really started becoming annoying to her when a woman behind her started yelling "Glory!" and sometimes, "Glory, Glory, Glory!" during the service and the preacher's sermon.  Once was fine.  Twice or three times was pushing it.  But when it became constant, the blogger had enough.  She had formed a judgment about this woman and it wasn't a complimentary one.

After the service, the blogger stopped to speak with the pastor's wife, who was a friend.The pastor's wife asked, "Did you happen to notice the woman who sat behind you today?"  The blogger commented that yes, indeed, she had noticed her, but she stopped herself from saying anything negative or judgmental that she might regret (she was in a church, after all!). That was when the pastor's wife said, "Her son was killed just last week in a drive-by shooting."  The pastor's wife went on to share what an inspiration the woman had been to everyone at the church in the way she had clung to her faith through her pain, "It's truly beautiful," she said.

In that moment, everything changed.  No longer did the blogger see the woman as an obnoxious, overzealous churchgoer.  The woman calling out, "Glory!" had suffered unspeakable loss and tragedy; she was a human being who was bravely confronting her pain and suffering.  The blogger posted these words:  "When we know context, we are slower to judge, slower to write people off, slower to feel disdain, and slower to puff ourselves up in self-righteous [or indignant] pride."*

Communication and social interaction processes are an integral part of our everyday lives;  at school, at work, and at home.  In each of these situations, both our culture and the unique context of our individual lives and situations play a role in how information is communicated, received, and most importantly, understood.  This is such an important revelation as you take in the flurry of information hurled in almost rapid-fire succession at you every day. Whether in watching the news, paging through advertisements, engaging in hallway gossip, or just making your own observations, you must always consider the role that the larger context of that message or sound bite is playing.

This should inspire this question in us all:  Who is judging you without a context today?  All of us can do only so much to allow others to see the "bigger picture."  But ultimately, in a world of Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, short tweets, and snippets of time that people may see us in the grocery store, hallway, or out on the field, they are going to see what they want to see, make of it what they will, and form an instant judgment.  This shouldn't surprise us; after all, we live in a hurried, "instant" world.  Personally, I'd like to hope that people who see me out and about, at my best and my worst, will give me the benefit of the doubt...

I have attached a video link here that highlights the results of a very interesting experiment.  Several photographers were hired (unaware of each other) to photograph the same man.  Each photographer was given a simple background or "context" of their subject.  None of them were true, and all were very different from each other.  It's very interesting how it affected even their artistic choices!  Please watch it by clicking this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-TyPfYMDK8   

In your post, share what you learned in the video, and what your own life experiences have taught you about the importance of context.

We live in a fast-moving, rapidly changing world of quick reactions and snap judgements.  We live in a society that gets its news in disconnected soundbites.  Perhaps it would be beneficial for us all to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the experiences, emotions, interactions, and relationships that have brought us to this very moment.  Maybe it would do us all one better if we took the time to stop and consider all the possible factors that have brought each individual we encounter to this moment, as well...

(*Booker, Adriel.  "Context is Everything," I Still Belong blog, 2017) 

EVERYONE HAS A STORY: Know Thyself, Understand Thy Neighbor (September Blog, 2025)

 Communication breakdown can occur at any time and in many different settings.

There's Group Project Anxiety: everyone has great ideas at discussion meetings, but you feel like the only one with a sense of urgency to get any actual work done.  There's Discussion Frustration: whenever you engage in a discussion with your group, you feel as if your thoughts and ideas are not valued or brushed aside with no regard to your feelings.  And finally, there is just sheer information overload: why is it that after a full day of school, you feel completely zapped of energy, consumed by an overwhelming need to be where people are not?

We all realize that we are social creatures.  We seek out and thrive within interpersonal relationships.

We long to be heard and appreciated, to create and explore.  This is probably not new information.  Rewarding as they may be, however, relationships of every type are complex and not without their difficulties.  People are different.  Where we come from, our experiences, our beliefs, and our DNA all go into who we are, how we see and interpret the world, and how we communicate.

Many corporations have invested large sums of money in consultants with one goal in mind:  to improve inter-office communication and efficiency.  Where do you begin?  The communicators, themselves! Knowing who you are helps you to better understand how and why you communicate the way that you do.  Knowing who your co-workers are can help you better understand how to communicate with them more effectively and efficiently.

So, as Aristotle taught centuries ago, we will begin by seeking the wisdom that comes from knowing ourselves.  Here is a link to a personality inventory:  http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test. Once you complete the test, you can have your results emailed to you, and you can read all about your personality type: how you relate to others, how others see you, how you work, etc.

The test takes about 20 minutes, but it provides a wealth of information as it analyzes four distinct areas of personality and then adds a fifth area that analyzes overall identity.  It is created from a combination of the infamous Myers/Briggs and Carl Jung's Theory of Psychological Types.  The four areas are explained as follows:

1.  Introversion vs Extroversion: (I vs. E) This is more than just "shy" vs. "outgoing."  In fact,

according to Jung, it is really not about that at all.  It has to do more with where you get your energy.  Do you find yourself getting energized when you are around others, or do you find that you need to be away from people to re-energize?

2.  Intuitive vs. Sensing: (N vs. S) Intuitives are creative, imaginative, and curious individuals who are open-minded.  They tend to go with novelty over stability and see/feel possibilities.  They tend to have strong discernment in new situations.  Sensing or Observant individuals are practical, pragmatic, and down to earth.  They tend to have strong habits, and rather than going with their gut, they are more focused on what has happened or what is happening.

3.  Feeling vs. Thinking: (F vs. T) Feeling individuals are sensitive and emotionally expressive.  They are more empathetic and tend to be less competitive than Ts.  They tend to focus on social harmony

and cooperation.   Thinkers focus on objectivity and rationality, prioritizing logic over emotion.  They tend to hide their feelings and value efficiency over cooperation.

4.  Judging vs. Perceiving or Prospecting: (J vs. P)  Judging personalities are decisive, thorough, and highly organized.  They value clarity, predictability, and closure, preferring structure and planning to spontaneity.  Perceiving individuals are good at improvising and spotting opportunities.  They are flexible, relaxed, non-conformists who prefer to keep their options open.

Identity Variables of Assertive vs. Turbulent: (A vs. T)Assertive types are confident, self-assured, and pretty resistant to stress.  They do not push themselves too hard.  The turbulent types are self-conscious and sensitive to stress. They are perfectionistic types who experience a wide array of emotions.

So, test away, and POST!

1.  IDENTIFY YOUR FOUR LETTER PERSONALITY, then put a dash, and A OR T   http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

2.  COMMENT ON ANY SURPRISES OR EXPECTATIONS.

3.  NOW,  click this link, and find out if you are more left or right-brained, and let me know your results!  https://www.arealme.com/left-right-brain/en/

4.  Finally, here is a quiz to determine your Harry Potter House.  https://www.wizardingworld.com/news/discover-your-hogwarts-house-on-wizarding-world

 For example, I am an INFJ - T.   This was absolutely no surprise to me, but a big surprise to those who know me, as I come across as an extrovert (SO not true!)   I think this is because I am also an empath and deeply care about and love people!  I am also a J, but BARELY.  I need to feel organized in my environment, but DO NOT open any of my desk drawers--although with the inspiration of Mrs. Cassidy, I have become MUCH better!  For a long time, I would score as right-brained (although it would be pretty close!).  This year and the last two, I am testing as 50/50!  A balance of both (Hurray!).  Finally, I am (still and always!) firmly in the House of Gryffindor.  Now, it's your turn!

(Blog Response is due: September 30 by midnight!)

*Images by:  Kim Anderson Photography,  All rights reserved. 

WORD TO THE WISE: Sage Advice from the Class of 2025 to a NEW Generation of DP Language & Literature Scholars! (August Blog, 2025)

Well, it is hard to believe, but we have closed yet another year at Odyssey.  We have sent hugs and tearful farewells to the Class of 2025 as first and second-year DP Language and Literature scholars gear up for another year (or our first year together!) The Class of 2025 be moving on to bigger and broader endeavors and adventures in learning as they pursue university, college, military service, missions, or careers, wherever their plans and dreams take them.  

Class of 2025, you are standing at a precipice, and at this momentous time in your lives, great reflection is in order; a reflection that can help our next generation of upperclassmen - juniors and seniors - as they navigate through unfamiliar and uncertain waters and build upon their knowledge as IB scholars.  Please know I am ALWAYS  and FOREVER in your corner, cheering you on through all of life’s wonderful challenges and celebrations!  Lots of love, gratitude, prayer, and applause FOR and TO you from me! 

So, DP Language and Literature Scholars of now and tomorrow, here it is: advice from your predecessors to you; advice from those who have successfully reached the summit of DP Language and Literature, HL will give you pieces of the map and a compass to guide YOU on your new journey.  They have officially completed both years of study, so really take their words to heart!  And to you scholars who are quoted here, please know that I have learned just as much, if not more, from working with you as you did in this classroom with these master authors, and I will miss your intensity and determination through all of the seasons.  And so…

Buckle up, here we go!

Start by following a daily schedule and lock in. By doing this, you will learn how to balance your school and home life. If you have a history of procrastination, immerse yourself in a learning environment to do your work. Places like a library or even having a designated space at home, not your room, to do your assignments will help you! 

With that in mind, study the rubric and all you need to know for the Paper 1, Paper 2, and IO ahead of time so you can familiarize yourself and apply said knowledge to the novels you will be reading in the years to come. 

Some other little things I’ve picked up:

1. Keep a Google Doc with your blog responses so you’re prepared for any technical difficulties.

2. Participate in class discussions! It will help you engage yourself in the novels and help create a ‘book club’ atmosphere. In addition, it is a beautiful experience to share your thoughts and hear other people’s perspectives! ~ Ashleyn Chaidez

DO YOUR LIT TRACKER! I promise you, the longer you wait to start your lit tracker, the harder it will get to complete it. Every night there is a reading, which means notes, which then means putting it allllll in the tracker! It doesn't have to be super in-depth because by the time you're at the end of the book, you'll have plenty of information. This goes hand in hand with the blog; this assignment can go unforgotten most times, and if it's turned in past the due date, you're grade is gonna drop :(  This happened to me, I had all good grades but because we don't get a lot of fluff grades, one late assignment plummets the grade book. So don't forget about it. Overall, try to manage your time the best you can... it flies by insanely fast.  - Kaeden SD

To the upcoming juniors and seniors in the IB program, the journey ahead can become intense, but it’s also really rewarding in the end. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to stay organized and stay on track. The work can feel super overwhelming at times, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can help you stay on track. Never be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a teacher or a peer. Also, always remember to take care of yourself! Balance is KEY- make time for rest, time to have fun, and time for staying true to yourself. Finally, remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, no one is ever fully certain, just always follow your heart :) The IB program is challenging, but as a full IB scholar, it’s also a great opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Stay focused, keep a positive attitude, and embrace the challenge- I promise, you’ve got this! ~ Kylee Lasch

My advice is to feel encouraged to share during class discussions. In my first year of DP Language and Literature, I felt sort of scared to voice my insights or ask questions. I don't know if it was because I felt I was incorrect or if I would be judged for what I had to say, but I took it upon myself to challenge myself to speak out more during my second year of DP Language and Literature. Sharing my opinions in class discussions has incredibly benefited my learning and preparation for papers 1 and 2. Hearing my peers' understanding and insights about the novels and class activities, along with being able to share my own, has helped in my comprehension and analysis of the assignments we have. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to participate actively in discussions, even if you feel uncertain. You'll find that the more you contribute, the more you will grow. Don't hesitate; you never know, your insights might help others see things in a new light. ~Brooke Iguaran

1- Study with friends. You can do this however you want, but on bigger projects, essays, and lit trackers, it is incredibly helpful to set a specific time and place in which all of you decide that you will work on this. I recommend going somewhere that you don't normally spend time; make this environment unique, you go there only when you are in the mindset to work and I promise you, you will surprise yourself with how much you are able to get done. This works for every class!!

2- Work on your Lit Tracker during class. This may or may not seem obvious, but we have our computers every day. But honestly, I rarely added notes in class because I found that it would distract me from the conversation at hand. The best solution? Bullet point it, write down sentence fragments, and work in shifts with a friend. If one of you didn't do the reading, then they focus on writing down what people say. Your peers' and Mrs. Caraway's thoughts are basically a cheat sheet, and you can always go back to fill in information later. This will save you from last-minute procrastination stress! ~Grace Wright

Please, please, please mention how the books and readings make you feel during class. The focus of your analysis across every exam will be how authorial choices send a message to the audience. If something makes you happy, sad, or angry, mention it. Chances are, you’re reacting to something exactly how you are supposed to and finding those authorial choices!

Don’t fall into the same habit of letting two or three students dominate discussions every day. The fact that they are more comfortable with sharing does not make their perspective more valuable than yours. While it’s nice to hear others share, the class gets monotonous and uninteresting when it’s the same perspectives over and over. Please, do not be afraid to share how the reading affected you, or if it did at all. You’re all reading the same books for a reason. --Katie Molitor

I believe I am a stronger reader and writer because of these two years. Why? Because I kept trying. I kept reading the books that gave me anxiety and grief, especially considering their tragic stories. I kept filling out my Lit Tracker even though I was tired and thought that it wouldn’t help me for the essays or DP exam (it did). Every day that I didn’t want to go to school or wished the assignments would go away, I still showed up and I still turned them in. (90% of the time) Trying isn’t about being perfect or completely something to 100%, it’s just putting in effort to. If you won’t read this one chapter, try two pages, if you don’t want to update your Lit Tracker, try one quote. Beautiful statues aren’t made with one hit, they take many tiny chisels. Just TRY. ~Jadyn Smith

As someone who has made it through IB Language and Literature both years, my biggest pieces of advice are: annotate and actually read your texts, be hyper-aware of deadlines and manage your time well, and have meaningful conversations with your tablemates. Annotating and reading your texts is absolutely essential to being able to participate in class. Once you annotate and understand your texts, your essay ideas will already be turning wheels in your head, and you will have a topic to write on by the time they come. If you make it a habit to link techniques to themes and purpose, your IO and HL essays will come so easily. Also, don’t forget to manage your time wisely, especially during IO and essay season, it sneaks up fast, and being prepared is definitely something you want to do before your IO. And finally, talk to your peers and tablemates often; bouncing ideas off others can sharpen your own insights more than you’d expect and give you more insights into the book being read. Have so much fun and soak up the moments because senior year flies by incredibly fast. <3. ~Scarlett Grjegian

With the amount of work given to you during your junior and senior years, it might

feel like you are being given nothing but busy work. THIS IS NOT THE CASE!!

Everything you do has a purpose, so put 100% into everything you do!! Your teachers are preparing you for the reason you decided to take these IB classes: so you can excel on the tests!! No matter if it is an

essay, a QPA, a lit tracker, or an IO practice outline, put your all into everything you are

given! This will make your life so much easier in the long run, even if it doesn’t feel like

it at the moment.

Find what helps YOU work

Everyone has different ways that they work or study. You need to find a way that works best for you in order to be successful in high school. I don’t want to say that you shouldn’t procrastinate, because that is unreasonable and inevitable. What I can say is that you have to find ways to work around it. Whether that’s working in small increments, making a to-do list to stay organized, or working with someone who will hold you accountable, try to find ways that will help you get your work done.

Give yourself grace!! High school is supposed to be a super fun time in your life, so let it be so! Let yourself take breaks, go out with your friends, and do all of the clubs, sports, or shows that you want to be a part of. This last year or two of school is what you make of it. Be on top of your school work, but remember to take time for yourself. ~Camryn Kenison

DP English is such an awesome class! It's like a book club (especially if you end up in small classes both years, like I did) where you just get to yap about super interesting stories the whole time. This year, ESPECIALLY has gotten me into reading more than any other class I've ever had! If you're not an avid reader like I still kind of am, audiobooks are KEY to getting through those long chapters every night! (Especially ones with different voice actors)

Don't put down every quote you find in your lit tracker- focus on memorable, meaty quotes you can use in your Paper 2, because if you don't plan on using certain quotes for your paper 2, then don't worry about them! I was so so stressed over the idea of the Paper 2 because of memorizing quotes, but exam prep has helped me take it slow and just try to remember parts of quotes that are super impactful!!! So think about that when taking lit tracker notes! 

On that topic, definitely create a joint quote table with your class early on when reading your last two books (Purple Hibiscus and A Thousand Splendid Suns), which will be used for your Paper 2- collaboration with your class will help a lot in the long run! 

Outside of DP English, though, do EVERYTHING you can in your senior year: Plays, clubs, volunteer work, trips, senior sunrise/sunset, EVERYTHING!! And TAKE THOUSANDS of pictures of all that you do. You only get one senior year in your life! 

Lastly, make sure to balance all the fun and work, so senioritis doesn't fully kick in. 

Good luck, class of 2026!  ~AJ LaPlaca

My advice to the incoming seniors: Please keep up with the reading!! Every day in class, we review what we read the night before, and you do not want to be the person at your table who doesn’t know what is happening and cannot contribute to the conversation. I would also suggest filling out your lit trackers as you read because waiting until the last minute to do it all is definitely not a good idea. Procrastinating can cause you to lack some important information from the novel that you could use in an essay, or in particular, the paper 2. I would also recommend that if you decide to work with a partner on the lit tracker, make sure they are willing to put in the same amount of effort as you and that you work together to hold each other accountable. ~Nataly Atilano

I know you’ve probably heard this a hundred times already — I remember reading the same advice over and over on the blog last year — but there’s a reason it keeps getting repeated: don’t procrastinate! I promised myself I would follow that advice, but, honestly, it didn’t always happen. Senior year can be stressful — between big decisions, major tests, and the pressure of what's next — but staying on top of what you can control makes all the difference. Keeping a schedule and staying focused will make everything feel much more manageable.

Another piece of advice: remember that everything is temporary. Senior year moves by faster than you think. Try not to get caught up in stress, drama, or negativity. Focus on the things that truly matter — your grades, your future plans, and the memories you want to make. Let the small stuff go. In just one year, so much will change, and you’ll be glad you stayed true to yourself and put your energy where it mattered most. You have got this! ~Natalie Pedersen

My advice for the upcoming juniors and seniors is to manage your time wisely by finding ways to balance school, athletics, and your personal life in order to prevent burnout.  ~Ramiro Figueroa

Some advice I would give to you all is to follow the formats Mrs. Caraway provides, number one, they will make your life so much easier, but also because it is one of the easiest grades you can get. Like I know sometimes it can feel like we're doing things for no reason, but Mrs. Caraway doesn't give busy work, every assignment has value and is created to help YOU succeed. Some other advice I can give is to take it one day at a time, especially if you take multiple DP classes; there will be days that are harder than others, and there will be times when your brain turns off or gets numb. Just remember that it’s ok to take breaks because you’re not alone; there is most likely someone else who is also stressed or has the same question as you. Don’t be afraid to ask and say how you really feel about the books or work you're discussing in class. I noticed I became a much better writer, and it was easier for me to understand and track topics after I started to engage in class discussions; even if you feel like you’re wrong, your opinion is important too. Also, don't wait until the last minute to do your IO or your HL essay; I did my IO at the beginning of October, and I'm still alive. I promise you can do it. Good luck, guys! ~Alaine Dodson

It's okay to have your off-season; whether it be not knowing what you're going to do when you graduate, or what you are going to do for your IOs. What's important is to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Enjoy your last year, your last laughs, your last struggles, your last memories. 

~Madison Lefler

Keep up with the readings. By keeping up with the readings you will be able to effectively participate in class discussions which makes the class more fun and engaging. ~Sharanjot Raike

My advice for next year's students would be to always keep on top of their nightly reading. This is important so you can be fully engaged in the class discussion the next day. Furthermore, being engaged in the class discussion can help you gain a better understanding of the book. I would also like to add that you should also work on your Lit Tracker as you read the book as doing that makes the Lit Tracker a lot easier. ~Amitoj Singh

Hello, new seniors and rising juniors. First of all, I would like to say how much of a blessing this class has been for me over the past 2 years as a writer and how incredible a teacher Mrs. Caraway has been. After being in the class for the last two years, my advice would be to make sure you're locked while Mrs. Caraway is speaking about the novels you will be reading. I learned so many valuable lessons and information from the words of Mrs. Caraway and the insights she would pose during our class discussions. Class discussions were one of my favorite aspects of DP English, so I would encourage you to be that person who speaks in class and progresses the conversation, as you are truly helping yourself in the long run. For me, I've noticed that the more I was involved in class discussions and practices done in class, the more I retained from the novels, and the better essays I was able to write as a result. My final advice I would give to you is to never be hesitant to ask Mrs. Caraway for help, there have been multiple times where I didn’t understand how to do a task, or was confused by a lesson, or simply structuring and piecing together my HL essay; Mrs Caraway wants to help you and is more than willing to help you with anything and her advice is noteworthy. DP English is such a good class, and the more you put into it, the more you will benefit from it. ~Torianna Sanders

   -Always stay awake in class.
     -Work on your lit tracker throughout the reading of the book
     -Watch the IB English guys before important essays
     -Arrive at class on time
     -Do the nightly reading, then, before class, use SparkNotes JUST for review!

 ~Andrew Rangel

My biggest regret in my entire High School career was procrastinating. This is the most common piece of advice, but it is the most important. I struggle a lot with this, but remember that you will have to do it, so you might as well get it done. I also recommend making the most of things. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and don't stress over things that won't last. High School will be over before you know it so enjoy the time you have. High School is only a short period of your life. ~Addie Errante

My advice for the incoming juniors and seniors is to do your lit trackers! They will help you immensely when it comes to other assignments Mrs. Caraway gives you, and gaining a deeper understanding of the book you're reading. Do it as you go along with the book, so you do not get stuck behind and have to catch up. Also, annotate your texts as you read so it is easier to find quotes for your lit trackers and essays! If you turn in your assignments on time, you will do great! Also, have fun in high school, don't take things too seriously because your time here goes by so fast, so use it wisely, making memories!  - Isabelle Turgeon

High-school is such a special time to get to play sports, preform in plays, and get to know your friends. Make sure to cherish your time with people and soak up all the memories that you can. Try new things and be kind to people. Make friends and cherish them. Study hard for your exams and try your best. ~Lancey Gerak

My advice for the upcoming seniors is to relax! Well, don’t relax too much and procrastinate, but remember to breathe and take in your senior year :) This is your last year, and there is so much fun awaiting you. Don’t overwhelm yourself by waiting til the last minute to do the work teachers give you. Procrastination is your worst enemy- don’t do it!!! Don’t stress out too much about exams- you’re going to be okay, you are more than prepared. Do all of the activities you are given because they WILL help you- that’s what they are there for. You’re going to make it! You’ll be walking that graduation stage sooner than you believe. Trust me, it goes by VERY quickly, so make sure to take in every moment, even the mundane ones- you’re going to miss it. ~ Ruthie Ault

My advice is to write the HL essay even if you are given the option to do a creative assignment. Your exams are all written. There is no creative assignment. "But what if I'm using this book for my Internal Oral?" Personally, I would write the HL essay. I used Persepolis for my IO and used my HL essay as a resource during my planning. I already had some analysis and authorial choices ready to use. In the case that you change your mind about what novel you would like to use for the IO, you also have another HL essay submission option. Can you do the creative assignment? Yes? *Personally*, I would not. ~Sebastiana Williams

One of the most important pieces of advice I would give would be to focus on this class long term. Almost everything we do is preparation for the IB exams at the end of your senior year, and you are constantly getting valuable advice from Mrs. Caraway and the class discussions. Treat all of your work as something that will help you perform well in the exam or during your IO, because it all comes back again! The earlier the better for these things, and especially for the IO, even if it seems far away now. It requires hard work, so practicing and preparing ahead of time will be much more helpful in the long run. 

I would also emphasize being on top of your reading and your lit tracker. Be engaged with the work, and practice being able to make clear analyses and note authorial choices. That, and Mrs. Caraway’s feedback, will definitely improve the focus of your writing. It can be stressful and you might feel unmotivated at times, but remember that these days fly by fast, and to stay present and enjoy these last couple years of high school with your friends. Good luck! ~Meg Thelin

1. Don't wait until the last minute to do anything if you can help it. Trust, I know how easy it is to push that assignment to the side and do it "later". However it is so much more rewarding and relieving knowing that you did the assignment and it's out the way. 

2. If you find yourself struggling with anything, DON'T be afraid to ask for help. It is the teacher's job to assist you as best they can. You should want your success as much as they do. Don't let yourself fall behind and remain confused because you're too scared. Take comfort in knowing that you don't have to go about your academic journey by yourself. 

3. GO TO BED. It is not fun or cute to stay up late every night doing whatever. Sleep and the lack of it can make or break how well you do at school. Now I understand not everyone can get a whole 8 hrs every night, but the earlier the better. Prioritize your sleep because you can't get the assignments done if you feel like a zombie. 

4. Be involved in school. Don't wait until senior year to take high school seriously. Be thinking about the future ahead and at least have an idea of what you want to do and where you want to go after college. ~Genesis Augustine

Advice for the juniors: Stay on top of the blog, AI won’t help you, and get used to writing with your hand. ~Tony Smoots 

Junior year will be scary, and it is a time FULL of change, so embrace it. Become your own person, and you will gain so many new friends while also probably losing some. Senior year is slam-packed with stress and work. You will get the same workload as junior year but with everything for college stacked on top of it. Be ready to spend a lot of time doing college stuff. Dedicate the first three to four months of school to your IAs and IO, as well as applying for colleges (it takes a while) and scholarships! At the beginning of your second semester senior year, PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR COLLEGE DEADLINES!! Check for payments, and set calendar reminders for when housing/class enrollments start so you get the best of the best!! Enjoy your high school years, they're coming to an end faster than you think. Protect your peace, you owe it to yourself to keep going. Good luck, everyone :) I will miss you guys (please be nice to Caraway while I'm gone). ~Sarah Nichols

1. 
   Remind yourself that your “best” is not going to look the same every single day. On the days you feel a rush of motivation, I would use that time wisely to get ahead on your school work! By utilizing your time in an efficient manner (doing things ahead of time), you reduce pressure on yourself on the weeks where it’s really hard mentally and emotionally! 
2. Not everything is going to happen the way you expect it to, so don’t waste ANY time. There is ALWAYS something you can be doing to help yourself perform well on the IB exams. For this class, you are actively working toward scoring well on your final HL essay, IO, paper 1, and paper 2. Remind yourself constantly that that is what you are working toward, so when you do assignments (ex, lit tracker), focus on the elements that will be useful in those exams. I think that being very familiar with the literary devices (and collecting quotes on the different literary devices, like specific ones such as juxtaposition, imagery, extended metaphor, etc…) of your texts (particularly Purple Hibiscus and A Thousand Splendid Suns) would be helpful for paper 2 prep. Furthermore, I think having a solid understanding of the different conventions of the different text types will lead to a deeper analysis of the text for your paper 1 (because you have such a strong understanding of the features you’re analyzing).
3. Your lit tracker is your best friend for paper 2 (and IO), but only if you let it! I would highly recommend ensuring that you have LOTS of quotes (with a proper analysis) to make it easy for pairing the quotes in a comparative analysis (aka paper 2).
4. Please be present during class discussions and pay attention in class! There is so much useful information and amazing insight from Mrs. Caraway AND your peers! Do not underestimate your intelligence and the power of collaboration! Share your ideas and synthesize new ones together. Do not be embarrassed to share your opinions and thoughts. School is a place where learning is encouraged :)
5. This piece of advice is entirely opinion-based. I know that you will be busy with college applications, but I PROMISE you do not want to do your IO (or any of your internal assignments honestly) in the second semester. I highly recommend you attempt to complete your IO in the first semester. ~Earl Young

Rising Juniors and Seniors, the time is now to get your life in order, because you can’t afford to waste your time and not get things done for Mrs. Caraway’s class.  It is vital to read and annotate the books as to generate proper understanding.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help, though she may seem a tad frightening the way she commands the room, Mrs. Caraway will always answer any of your question and support you in this journey to the fullest extent of her abilities.  Remember you will make mistakes but in the words of Thomas Wayne (in the best live-action Batman film): “Why do we fall, Bruce? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” ~Moses Gerak

The single greatest piece of advice I can provide when it comes to not only senior year, but progressing in life in general, would be to keep the ball rolling. Momentum is probably the most important factor of your mental state that you can employ in every aspect of your life. The idea is that in order to get to somewhere you want to be—an end goal, a state of mind, etc., you need to take the first step towards whatever it is. Because the first step will always be the hardest. And that doesn’t just mean taking the first step and stopping there. Otherwise that would just be the ONLY step you took. You need to be thrust onto the path of success before you can even begin to travel on it. And more importantly, you should find enjoyment and/or engagement in the journey itself. The individual steps towards your target are just as necessary (if not more so) as the target itself. Above all else, I hope you realize that you’re really only one step away from achieving whatever you deem as success. You are a person entirely capable of getting what you want and chasing self-actualization.  Life is worth living, to the fullest, off the wall.  “The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy." ~Albert Camus (Post by Noah Sadek)

My advice for senior year is to take it all in. Be focused on your studies and prep for the paper 2 from day one. Senior year is much easier than junior year, but you must stay focused. Have fun and try not to think about the bad, only about the good. Time goes much faster than you think! ~Lucien DeSantiago

My advice is to be on time and if you know you are the kind of person who is a night owl to work around that rather than brute force waking up at the last possible moment. ~Luka Roncada

My tip is to make sure you understand what is being talked about. DP English is different from other classes; it is no longer feasible to get perfect scores just by reading the novel, you will actually have to understand what is going on below the surface. Make sure you understand what an authorial choice is and that you are analyzing those. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you on assignments, and that you can sufficiently complete the assignments. A lot of things from junior year affect your score on the IB test. HL essays are part of your score; lit trackers affect your ability to do the IA and paper 2. Everything matters; complete your work with that in mind. ~Matteo Padilla

The most important piece of advice for next year is that future students need to remember to take care of themselves outside of school. Spend some time outside, detox, or hang out with some friends to relax from the stress of the school year. I promise it'll help you focus on your studies even more- breaks are exceptionally important to retain focus and memory (what you need for classes). Specifically, I put this into practice by doing the reading for the night outside; I've even written one of my essays outside. It's genuinely so important that as upcoming students, you take care of yourself, trust me, you do not want to fall asleep in Mrs. Caraway's class! ~Reed Miller

Work on your lit tracker with a partner, and make sure to complete it thoroughly, because it will really help when studying for the paper 2! Also, make sure you stay caught up with the reading and participate in the class discussions because it helps you come up with ideas you wouldn't have thought of otherwise. ~Zoe Hinchcliff

My advice to incoming juniors and rising seniors is not to be afraid to do the things you want to do. Sometimes you have the urge and opportunity to do something great, but turn down the idea of it because you’re afraid to fail, get embarrassed by the idea of it, and fear takes over. But, I’m here to tell you not to let those negative feelings take over you and take the opportunities that you get, as well as do the things that you want to do. If any negative feelings start to sink in a little bit, it is okay, but do not let them take over you. Do the things that you want to do because if not, you might just be missing out on some of the greatest moments in your life and wish that you could have taken that leap of faith. So, DO IT! - Jazmin Zaragoza

This is not academic advice, as I am sure you’re all academically gifted; go to the high school events and stay involved. If you are fortunate enough, as I was, to have close friends from different schools, attend as many events as possible. This is the last year of your high school experience, so I encourage you to do what you can: go to the parties, cheer in the student sections, actually dance at the dances, and give in to nostalgia. No offense to Odyssey, but the experience here is quite atypical, and I empathize with those who find it difficult to appreciate the recreational events here. Even still, there are ways to savor your senior year, even if that means finding appreciation elsewhere than Odyssey. You have the rest of your life to be anything other than a high school student--I hope--so use this as your victory lap.  Also, don’t wait until the deadline to apply to your colleges! Apply Early Action to your dream school. Early Action is non-binding, whereas Early Decision is, and you’ll have a much better opportunity to get accepted. Be present for your time here! ~Preston Baer

To the rising seniors: I know this class is tough, but it’s worth it! All I can say to you guys is, stay on top of your Lit Trackers, practice writing, and think about the texts given to you in both years. Speak up in class and don’t stress too much. You’ll learn a lot if you stay with Mrs. Caraway!  ~Kaitlyn Lopez-Rendon

My biggest piece of advice is not to procrastinate. I know so many people have heard this o cuntless times before but sticking to a schedule and treating it almost like a game to have as many on-time assignments as possible will help you so much. Whether it's a lit tracker your brain keeps telling you is due weeks away or a blog assignment, the fulfillment of staying on time and being able to share your ideas in a class discussion, or getting rapid feedback on a tough HL essay, makes all the difference. Most importantly, have fun, enjoy every day to the fullest, and always give 100% effort, as choosing to learn and understand your need for growth can truly lead you so far in life. ~Ela Chachulski

Enjoy your time, but don't slack off!! Be grateful for the opportunities you get and the people you meet, remember your goals: If you want better grades, study. If you want to pursue higher education, put the work in now to make it easier later. Life goes on no matter what you do. Don't be afraid of work, responsibility, big assignments, big personal goals, it'll only be that much better when you get to the finish line :) ~Anya Robinson

Whether you are taking full DP or just a few courses, it's definitely going to get overwhelming really fast, especially since it is your senior year and you will be juggling a lot personally and academically. But it's very important not to let yourself get burnt out. You should definitely reserve at least one day every weekend to either go out with friends, do something that you really enjoy, or relax at home. As much as possible, always try to get your work done during school!!! Even if you're really tired or it's that time of year where senioritis is hitting hard, I promise it will definitely pay off if you try and get everything done before school ends because it will really take a lot off your plate. If you have independent studies, always prioritize at least getting your daily reading done for english!! And really put effort into the lit trackers, as it will help you when the time for your exams comes. You don't have to put a lot of stuff in there every time you read, but one thing that really helped me, if I couldn't get anything into my lit tracker one night, was to add to it the next day during class discussions. It REALLY helps. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to Mrs. Caraway! She gives really great advice when it comes to outlining essays, and you'll definitely leave her class with amazing writing and analysis skills! But most importantly, don't forget to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being before anything else. :) ~Therese Millan

The biggest piece of advice I would give as a senior would be to relax. The past two years I had been stressing over the test and constantly thinking about them. I was always worried about school, and I never got time to just have fun when this should be the time you’re having the most fun! You spend two whole years in class studying and practicing for these tests, and that’s all you need. Once you finish the year, you will realize it was easier than you thought. 

~Leinani Flores

Okay!  Now, it's time for YOU to reflect!  What words of advice and wisdom really resonate with you?  Which do you find most challenging or compelling?  Respond below!  Be sure to sign off with your name in your response!