Back to school tips with Modern Day Chic!

  Today's post is something a bit different. The lovely Chantel from Modern Day Chic had been looking for collaboration opportunities and I just had to get in touch. Together we have a handful of tips for back-to-school, amongst the influx of similarly-themed posts. Just click here to read her tips! We understand you may have heard some of these before, and we feel as if there is no harm in reinforcing/sharing them.) As we have both recently started Year 11, we strive to take school more seriously. I can't deny that it's been more than overwhelming. But school can get you places, even if it not necessarily the only way to your desired path. It may be seen as a chore or more than tedious, yet you can have it under your wing with certain approaches. Hopefully these tips may be of help, especially if you're experiencing the back-to-school season too!

Find your motivation, and remember it. What motivates you? Where do you want to go? These are the big questions, I admit, but you should simply be doing subjects you enjoy. That's already a factor for natural motivation. Compared to previous years, I find myself more willed to work hard in my classes. Why? Because I decided to take classes that appeal to me. Don't feel obliged to take the subjects everyone else is taking, nor the ones you detest.
If you're ever left reeling and questioning your very presence in school, think long-term motivation. Where could your determined input in school take you? Could it kickstart your dream career or add to the possibility of that life you wish to lead? When I went to Melbourne, it kicked some perspective right in me and gave me an idea of what direction I want to go in. To even remotely make it in a vast city like Melbourne would be a dream, and I know that good grades would be handy.

Make use of the school resources available to you. Get your books from the library! Lighten your carry-on load with lockers! Listen to your teachers! I cannot stress this enough. In the classroom, I myself may find some difficulty in keeping focused myself, but I try not to take for granted the amount of effort teachers invest into their classes. Most teachers are doing their job not just for monetary gain, but because they genuinely are passionate about teaching. Learn to appreciate your teachers rather than scorn at them, as it only makes it easier both relations-wise and study-wise.

Take initiative - for yourself, because no one else will. It only makes things easier for yourself. Writing things down and compiling a list always helps me. (Oh, where would I be if I didn't have a planner to aid me the organisation of work? Nowhere, basically.) Let's say if you missed a slide, asking your teacher for the Powerpoint would be beneficial. You could complete your notes, and revise on it later. If you're starting a new chapter/unit of a course, read up the basis and terms of it prior to classtime. And ask questions! Ask as many as you like, really. Don't be shy or worry about potentially looking lost, there is nothing wrong with learning or correcting your wrongs.

Be tech-savvy. You should most definitely use technology to your advantage. It's a huge part of our lives, so why not let that tool serve you for school? (That rhymed.) For example, if I've one too many heavy textbooks to take home, I'll snap a quick photo of the questions from my math book and set an alarm to refer to it for completion. Personally, I also think video summaries are excellent with refreshing your memory. Being an audio and visual learner, I enjoy the medium of such videos. It's a great choice when you want a less stressful study technique; all you have to do is listen. I wholeheartedly recommend CrashCourse, School of Life and other educational Youtubers.
Another good way to study is through flashcards. I just started using the app Quizlet, and it's been immensely helpful thus far. Whether I'm on the way to school or simply waiting for something, I can pull out my phone and flick through my digital flashcards. Technology is also great for taking on quizzes - gradually, under a timeframe if you'd like! - and searching for your curriculum resources.

Surround yourself with positive influences. By that, I mean your physical and social surroundings. When I say this, I refer to perhaps music or an inviting study set-up, and friends whom have good study habits. Do you study well with silence, or noise? With friends or by yourself? If you absolutely know that you get distracted studying with friends, then be honest with yourself and avoid doing so. Coming from a school that takes academia very seriously, I can say that most of the population know how to prioritise study. Last year during exam time I was extremely surprised to see peers dedicated to switching off online, spending hours writing notes and keeping a one-track mind - all for their own self-study. It made me question my own laziness and hence I definitely noticed an increase in my work ethic. Heck yeah, talk about peer improvement.

  On that last note, take a break! Don't be too hard on yourself. Everything is good in moderation. By letting school dominate your life, you can often lose sight of yourself and what you enjoy. So sit back, get rested or get outside (or inside) and do what you love.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON BLOGLOVIN // GFC // INSTAGRAM // SOUNDCLOUD // SPOTIFY