For the Class of 2023, junior year is still in recent memory. Though much of last year was unusual, it still taught me about what it means to be a successful student. It’s not all about grades, even if that is the primary focus for many. As with any year of high school, the most important lessons one learns as a junior are not measured by percentages. They are intangible skills–those such as time management, recovering from failure, and what it means to work hard.

For many students, junior year means one thing: trying to get the best grades possible for college applications. Taking a full load of AP and Honors courses is worthwhile for some, but be wary if you don’t have the time or desire to put your best foot forward in every class. If you want to work a part-time job during the week, taking on the courseload of more than one AP class may not be a good idea. Simply having the motivation to succeed, however, can take you all the way to the finish line. 

The ability to focus–even when you find your mind drifting–is a crucial skill to have as a junior. But while mainly focusing on school work is certainly beneficial, don’t let it get in the way of hobbies or other passions, which are more important to your mental health. 

Many students can conquer a high-level class with extra effort, but the extra studying needed may be too much to balance with other activities. Don’t hesitate to drop a class if it seems like it will be overwhelming, but don’t drop it prematurely–wait until after the first test, so you get a realistic idea of how you will perform in it. And if you leave a period two class, know that there will always be room for you in Journalism!

After this year, most students will have their graduation requirements filled, and they will only be required to take an English class in 12th Grade. Of course, it is frustrating that you still have so little room for electives even in your third year of high school, but junior year is a great time to really focus on what subjects you would possibly enjoy as a career. That way, when it comes time to choose senior electives, you will be able to pick classes that fit your interests with a future job in mind.

Though required masks at school may already seem like a distant memory, being able to talk with our peers will never be taken for granted again. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, even if it takes extra effort. NASH is compact compared to NAI, so while finding your friends can be stressful in a packed hall, it’s nice to know that you’re never much farther than a stair climb away from any class.

When it comes to colleges, it is ideal to attend at least a few of the college presentations that visit NASH each fall. The presentations are low-pressure ways to learn about different types of universities, and it is often only with a small group of students, giving you the chance to have any question answered. Also, do not pass up on any College in High School credit offered by your classes. At $235, it is considerably cheaper than a comparable college course, and in some cases, its benefits can pay dividends.

The pressure of junior year can easily go to one’s head, especially in such a competitive environment where we are constantly bombarded by the high-flown achievements of our classmates and, for some, the pressure of our families. But even as we are subconsciously reminded that “true” NA students strive for nothing short of complete perfection, know that when you look back on your accomplishments, they mean nothing if you overlooked one simple thing: enjoying yourself in the process.