Homecoming week is both one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking weeks of the year. The themed dress-up days, the homecoming game, the pep rally, and of course, the dance all bring a sense of fun and excitement to the school. However, this week also makes it insanely difficult to focus on academics. I think the trick is finding that balance between enjoying all the festivities and not letting your grades or rhythm slip.
Dress-Up Days
Who doesn’t love showing off their excitement toward homecoming with the themed dress-up days (especially through this week’s VS theme)? Whether it is “Country VS Country Club” or “Bikers VS Surfers,” every year, the themes give us a chance to get creative and have fun. But with the excitement, it’s easy to not prioritize things like homework or studying. The key is to plan. If you know you’re going to be dressing up the next day, spend time putting together an outfit ahead of time and to schedule your work around that. Staying organized will help you avoid that last-minute panic of not having either your schoolwork or your outfit done.
Pep Rally
The pep rally is a perfect way to get hyped for the game and show some school pride. However, just like planning those outfits, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about your responsibilities. Although the pep rally is optional, you should not deprive yourself of the fun that comes with it by skipping it and spending the advisory period studying instead. Do your work before the pep rally and then use the event as a reward or even, a mental break for staying on top of your classes.
Homecoming Game
For many (including myself) the homecoming game is the highlight of the week. But between planning for the game and getting ready for the night out with friends, it’s incredibly easy to lose track of your assignments. Again, it’s all about planning. If you know you have a really important test after the game, make sure you plan. That way, you can fully enjoy the game and the post-game activities in peace without stressing about what’s due the next day.
Homecoming Dance
And finally, for Saturday’s event itself: the homecoming dance. Whether you are attending the dance or jus hanging out with friends, it will definitely be hard to concentrate on academics. But what I’m doing to ensure I have the most stress-free night is to remember to stay grounded and get my homework done the night before no matter how hard it might be.
Remember, homecoming only comes once a year, and with a little bit of focus, you can make the most of it and not lose track of everything you’ve worked so hard on until now!
