Exceeding in school isn’t just about being smart or having perfect circumstances – it’s about making the most of what you have and building habits that set you up for success. Coming from a background with challenges, I didn’t have a head start or an easy path. Taking ownership of your learning, finding a system that works for you, building relationships with teachers, turning setbacks into motivation, balancing school with self-care, focusing on what you can control, setting goals, celebrating wins and finding your “why” – these strategies can help build a strong foundation. I want to share what has worked for me.
One of the first things I learned was that no one is going to care about your success as much as you do. Taking ownership means deciding that your education is your responsibility. Start by staying curious. If something doesn’t make sense, ask questions, even if it feels awkward. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification, extra help, or advice. Showing initiative not only helps you learn but also builds rapport with your teachers. Stay after class, send emails, or use online resources like Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, or even free ebooks. Owning your education means being proactive, not waiting for someone else to hand you answers.
Additionally, not everyone studies the same way; what’s important is finding a system that helps you retain information and stay organized. For me, I relied heavily on to-do lists. Writing down every assignment and breaking larger projects into smaller tasks kept me from feeling overwhelmed. Experiment with different techniques:
- Flashcards for memorization
- Mind maps to connect big ideas
- Study groups to learn from peers
- Consistency
- Make studying a habit, not a last-minute scramble before a test
Let’s be real: Failing or falling behind can feel like the end of the world. But setbacks don’t define you. Instead of giving up, seek out new ways to learn. If you get a bad grade, don’t dwell on it, but use it as a chance to grow. Also, pay attention to your physical and mental needs. Burnout is real. It’s tempting to think you have to sacrifice sleep, meals or downtime to succeed, but that’s not sustainable. Taking care of yourself isn’t lazy; it’s essential. Sleep, nutrition, exercise and rest: these are wellness factors that can reduce stress and boost concentration.
One of the hardest lessons I learned was letting go of things I couldn’t change. I couldn’t control the curriculum, my home life or other people’s opinions of me. But I could control how hard I worked, how I managed my time, and how I treated others. When you focus on what you can control, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.
Having clear goals gives you something to work toward. Write down your goals and keep them visible.
Equally important is celebrating your progress. Take a moment to acknowledge your effort.
Exceeding in school isn’t just about grades; it’s about building a foundation for your future. For me, my “why” was creating a life that looked nothing like the one I grew up in, being a person I have not seen before. I wanted freedom, stability and opportunities, and I knew education was my way to get there. Believe in yourself, stay focused and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward success.