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Creating a School Life Balance

Writer's picture: Rowan McBennettRowan McBennett
GRIND: Freshman Kamiliah Miza- Miles Paulson feels the crunch of first semester. Many students struggle with handling six academic classes as well as making time for themselves.
GRIND: Freshman Kamiliah Miza- Miles Paulson feels the crunch of first semester. Many students struggle with handling six academic classes as well as making time for themselves.
CHILL: Freshman Leif McBennett plays tennis to unwind. Finding the right balance between schoolwork and recreation is a delicate balancing act.
CHILL: Freshman Leif McBennett plays tennis to unwind. Finding the right balance between schoolwork and recreation is a delicate balancing act.

In our busy world, finding a balance between school and life is becoming increasingly challenging. Both commuting students and athletes face unique challenges because of travel to and from Vashon. Jane Howsmon, senior, wrestles with the dual challenge.

“During volleyball and lacrosse season, we’ll have really late games, or sometimes they’ll be far away,” Howsmon commented.

Vashon competes with teams as far away as Port Townsend, which compounds the time commitment for athletes. Many seniors like Howsmon have the added challenge of applying to college at the same time they’re trying to maintain their grades.

 “College applications have been a priority. It’s hard to balance schoolwork every day and college applications,” Howsmon remarked.

Teachers also struggle to grade all the work that students generate. 

“As a history teacher, there is always so much to do and so much to grade. I always have a pile of essays, and not letting how big the pile is change what I do is a struggle,” Heather Miller, a social studies teacher, explained.

Nic Warmenhoven, a math teacher, concurs that it’s challenging to draw boundaries. 

“Teaching is an infinite job. There is always more that can be done… you’ve got to go ‘oh that’s enough,’” Warmenhoven described.

These teachers offered helpful hacks for achieving a greater equilibrium.

“I try to keep as much of my schoolwork at school as possible. This involves coming a little bit early in the morning to get my work done before the school day starts so that I have time to spend with my family in the evening at home. I take advantage of my commute as well,” Miller explained.

However, many students find it challenging to work in the jam-packed and noisy cabin. 

“I never do work on the ferry. It’s so hard,” an anonymous senior commented.

Warmenhoven developed the habit of studying in the library at college and recommended establishing a study zone.

“That segregation of spaces really helped me go…I’m here to do work. I’m going to get the work done. I think students who are trying to level up in their work habits might create some separation for themselves that they have to adhere to,” Warmenhoven advised.

Some students designate the high school as their study zone.  

“I feel like I have a pretty good balance of friends and doing my schoolwork...I try to do my schoolwork at school,” the anonymous senior explained.

Studying in a designated area might also help students feel free when they’re not in that area. Both Miller and Howsmon also emphasized the importance of organization for stress reduction. 

“The more you can plan and be organized, the better off you will be. If you plan out what you need to do and can keep a schedule or routine, that will help your work life balance as opposed to procrastinating a lot of things till the end,” Miller suggested.

The anonymous senior agreed that procrastination is detrimental to school life balance.

“I try to make sure that I get stuff turned in on time. If I don’t, and someone asks me to hang out, sometimes I won’t because I know I need to do something,” the senior described. 

Howsmon also strives to stay organized to reduce her stress.

“I use a weekly planner so it shows all the days. I write any assignments that are due, any projects that we’re working on, any meetings we have. I put in my games and any other events that I have,” Howsomon explained. 

Sometimes accessing outside help with schoolwork can create a better balance. 

“I have a tutor, so that really helps me maintain my schoolwork,” the anonymous senior explained. 

For students looking for extra assistance, the Vashon Library offers free tutoring on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30pm. National Honor Society also offers tutoring in the VHS library on Tuesdays and Thursdays during homeroom. There are always four students on hand–one for each core subject.

Warmenhoven pointed out that some students prioritize their lives at the expense of their schoolwork. 

“For some students,  good school life balance is to get a little more schoolwork in your life,” Warmenhoven remarked. 

All agreed that the keys to maintaining a healthy school life balance are staying organized, creating a study zone, and avoiding procrastination.

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