Amanda Rolley was asked several questions relating to her sophomore year and what she would suggest doing differently for her junior year in high school. By acknowledging the struggles and strengths of her sophomore year, she better prepares herself for this next upcoming year in high school.
Reflecting on the challenging aspects of her sophomore year, she highlighted Honors Algebra 2 to be her most challenging class. With the class consisting of tests carrying almost 60% of your grade, it made it necessary to remain focused in and out of class. Due to this class requiring consistent studying and strong focus in class, it made it difficult to maintain a high grade point average.
Rolley reflects on the challenging aspects of her sophomore year.
“It required a lot of studying and focus in class,” says Rolley.
A good aspect of her school year that she was not expecting was her involvement in sports. As she progresses in high school, Rolley finds it easier to get more involved in school activities. The familiarity of high school truly does impact how much she and even other students may get involved with school.
The student identified unexpected positive changes within sophomore year.
“I was not expecting to do bowling and get more involved in school activities. I feel like as you progress through high school, you find more opportunities to get involved,” says Amanda.
In relation to the progressive familiarity Rolley has with the high school, she suggests saving the more difficult classes for your junior and senior year of high school. This allows students to have more perspective on what classes are offered in the high school and what each student learns to be capable of learning. This will ensure that each student understands their limits and capabilities.
She explains the importance of knowing your academic limitations when taking challenging classes.
“By junior year, you have more experience and will help you have a better understanding of what classes you can handle,” says Rolley.
Ironically, how sophomore year is stereotypically viewed as Rolley agrees that this year has been an academic setback for herself. She is hopeful that junior year will be better than sophomore year. She anticipates junior year to be better because she will feel more comfortable with the teachers she may have again and what to expect for another oncoming year in the high school.
The student explains her hopefulness for junior year to be better than her sophomore year.
“I hope it is better because there were a lot of academic setbacks this year,” says Rolley.
Some advice that she would give to upcoming sophomores would be to have good attendance to ensure that they are receiving the proper amount of class time to not put setbacks on their education. Along with the importance of attendance, it is equally important to remain focused in class. Being present in class is not the only thing needed to achieve success; you have to actively work towards the goals you have set in place for yourself.
Rolley shares helpful advice to upcoming sophomores.
“Some advice I would give to upcoming sophomores would be to have good attendance and pay attention in class,” she says.
