Interestingly enough, it seems that a few people in my class are actually reading this thing! Pretty cool, no? The only thing is that now there's pressure to preform...
Who cares? XD The show must always go on!
This next guide is one that I was asked to write by someone who keeps on having a problem we all know well; they're having problems summoning the motivation to get their homework done.
Well, the good news is that you, my dear reader, are not alone! homework has been the bane of many a student's existence since it really came to be. There's really a few things you have to consider, though, if you're deciding whether to complete it or not:
Point one: What subject is it? Though I'm sure that in a perfect world, we'd complete every single worksheet and reading we're assigned, sometimes it's just not an option. In that case, you've got to prioritize. If you can read Macbeth on your lunch but need extra time to do your trig, then it's best to put one before the other. If you can do the worksheet right before class starts but know the reading is going to be the main focus of the class that day, then you make sure you're set for what's most important.
Point two: How much do you need to do? If you're a math genius, then maybe you don't have to do questions 1-5, A-H. If you're a reading master, maybe you don't have to make pages upon pages of study notes in order to pass the test. It's all about knowingyour strengths and how to use them.
Point three: How important is it in the scheme of things? The sad reality of the matter is that if it's not completely mandatory, it's rather unlikely you have to really do it in the first place, UNLESS you need the extra work to improve. Don't avoid something just because you're bad at it; do less work in the areas you're good at, and get the practice in weak areas so you can improve.
But let's say you didn't do the homework that day, and it's getting checked! What do you do?
Be. Honest. If you have a halfway decent record, it's really not a big deal. Some teachers will accept it the next day, though they may be reluctant to help you if you're struggling. In that case, use your resources! Study groups, friends, or even siblings and parents can sometimes be a great help, as long as you keep them focused. Be kind, sociable, and thankful. Nobody likes feeling like a slave driver.
And if you keep forgetting to do the work in the first place? Get organized; put a reminder in your phone, or keep an agenda. If you put a system in place, you're more likely to remember what you're supposed to do. That, or try to do the work at your soonest opportunity. Procrastinating isn't enjoyable, and only builds that yucky feeling of anxiousness. It's always best to get the things that make you nervous out of the way first!
Well, that's all I'm going to offer today. It's always awesome when you have time left over when you finish tests! ;P
Thanks for reading another entry!
Terry Brooks, BAMF
Monday, 30 April 2012
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Tip #3: Being late
This is something that happens to all of us once or twice. Maybe you slept in by accident. Maybe your bus was late. Maybe the traffic gods decided to laugh at you that day and you end up stuck behind a wall of cars. Maybe you just trip on your shoelace and get trampled by all the other last minute suckers. It doesn't matter how you got to be the lone person standing in the hall while the announcements drone on and on, because at that point, you've got something written on your forehead: "Late".
It depends on what grade you're in at that point, and what the teacher is like. If you're late to class and you know it's going to get you in trouble, here's a few things you can try.
Point one: Try apologizing! If you have a decent rapport, most of the time this will fix the situation altogether. A quickly muttered "Sorry I'm late" can make the difference between a miserable class or a halfway decent one.
Point two: Pull a Solid Snake. Now, I'm not saying to sneak in the class while wearing a cardboard box, but if you're a smooth enough operator you can pull this one off. Sometimes, the teacher won't even notice that you came in. If pressed, then go back to method one; apologize and hope that is that.
... but what if it isn't? I'm going to give you a tried and true protip from a Junior... Don't. Lie. Most teachers can smell lies like you're back in ninth grade sweating in the middle of gym, and don't lie, you smelled about as good as your grandma's cabbage borscht. Nobody wants to hear an incredible epic excuse. Just tell the truth. More often then not, they'll be understanding enough about it.
But let's say you're late one day. You're late another day. Soon enough you're late so often that you're making all the girls in the room nervous (ZING!). What can you do to fix the issue?
Point one: Decide to stop cold turkey. Giving yourself leeway isn't going to help much of anyone.
Point two: Prepare in advance. It's as easy as leaving breakfast in the fridge or laying out some clothes. That extra fives minutes can really make a difference.
Point three: Get up at a reasonable hour. You should have at least half an hour to get ready before you leave the house, twenty or fifteen if everything was prepared the night before. Remember; the snooze button IS YOUR ENEMY. If you set an alarm, wake up to it, not questions asked.
Point four: Make it a habit. If you have a set routine, then you'll be more likely to stick to it. Once you move like clockwork, you need less time. Once you need less time, you can sleep more. Just make sure you don't get back into the habit of being late.
Remember; being on time makes a good impression. It's also kind of a dick move to disrupt the class because you wanted an extra five minutes in bed. Show respect, put some systems in place, and you're one step closer to having the time of your life during the next four years.
Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go browse reddit and sleep in until some ridiculous hour on Sunday.
Thanks for reading, and i hope it helps you out,
Terry Brooks, BAMF
It depends on what grade you're in at that point, and what the teacher is like. If you're late to class and you know it's going to get you in trouble, here's a few things you can try.
Point one: Try apologizing! If you have a decent rapport, most of the time this will fix the situation altogether. A quickly muttered "Sorry I'm late" can make the difference between a miserable class or a halfway decent one.
Point two: Pull a Solid Snake. Now, I'm not saying to sneak in the class while wearing a cardboard box, but if you're a smooth enough operator you can pull this one off. Sometimes, the teacher won't even notice that you came in. If pressed, then go back to method one; apologize and hope that is that.
... but what if it isn't? I'm going to give you a tried and true protip from a Junior... Don't. Lie. Most teachers can smell lies like you're back in ninth grade sweating in the middle of gym, and don't lie, you smelled about as good as your grandma's cabbage borscht. Nobody wants to hear an incredible epic excuse. Just tell the truth. More often then not, they'll be understanding enough about it.
But let's say you're late one day. You're late another day. Soon enough you're late so often that you're making all the girls in the room nervous (ZING!). What can you do to fix the issue?
Point one: Decide to stop cold turkey. Giving yourself leeway isn't going to help much of anyone.
Point two: Prepare in advance. It's as easy as leaving breakfast in the fridge or laying out some clothes. That extra fives minutes can really make a difference.
Point three: Get up at a reasonable hour. You should have at least half an hour to get ready before you leave the house, twenty or fifteen if everything was prepared the night before. Remember; the snooze button IS YOUR ENEMY. If you set an alarm, wake up to it, not questions asked.
Point four: Make it a habit. If you have a set routine, then you'll be more likely to stick to it. Once you move like clockwork, you need less time. Once you need less time, you can sleep more. Just make sure you don't get back into the habit of being late.
Remember; being on time makes a good impression. It's also kind of a dick move to disrupt the class because you wanted an extra five minutes in bed. Show respect, put some systems in place, and you're one step closer to having the time of your life during the next four years.
Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go browse reddit and sleep in until some ridiculous hour on Sunday.
Thanks for reading, and i hope it helps you out,
Terry Brooks, BAMF
Friday, 27 April 2012
Tip #2: On nicknames...
High school life can be difficult. One minute, you're on top of the world; the next you're left licking the dirt of the soles of the senior's feet. Proper branding can make or break you in the long run, so its important to get it right the first time.
Nicknames are something that seem to fall into your lap, but we all know the opposite. A good nickname comes from careful propegation and a lot of work on your part!
Point one; sometimes, some people are fortunate enough to have an awesome last name. And that''s alright! if you're one of those lucky people, embrace your new handle. Being called Brooks from time to time in gym isn't exactly unpleasant. Though you might not mind your first name, already having a nickname cuts down the chances of you being called something like "Fartin' Frank".
Point two; most of you aren't that lucky; either your last name is too long or too weird or too weird to pronounce. If that is the case, then you're in the danger zone. Make sure you keep your head down low and try to avoid being stuck with something embarrassing. Some people are well known enough to start going, for example, by their internet handle. If by some bad stroke of luck you get stuck with something that isn't too bad, then use it as your own!
Point three; worst case scenario, you're unfortunate enough to have an easily rhymable name and you find yourself stuck in a bit of a pickle. Maybe it WASN'T your fault that the milk from the Caf was sour and you ended up... upchucking all over chuck, but you suddenly find yourself being called "puke", "puker" or worse, "puking pete". And that sucks. But there's a few things you can do to try to fix it;
1. If you have a viable last name, start using that. if it sticks, the other nickname will fade from memory.
2. Just tell them politely to stop. Realistically, this doesn't tend to help, but it doesn't hurt either.
3. Wait for it to die out. If you don't have a big ego and tend to fly under the radar, then incidents like this tend to pass over quickly if you don't pay it any mind. What the nicknamers are looking for is a reaction. Don't give it to them and they'll give up.
and/ or 4. Tell a teacher or a parent. Assuming the group isn't violent, they'll usually knock it off after a good talking to.
But remember, high school can be horrible or underwhelming, great or mind blowing, but in the grand scheme of things its four years of your life. You have a great big one ahead of you, and eventually, the idiots grow up. when you're at your job or at home, it doesn't matter that some dickface makes fun of you a bit.
Try to keep everything in perspective. "Fartin' Frank" made a joke out of ripping a good one in the middle of class. "Puking Pete" graduated with honours last year and was elected valedictorian. Doing something drastic to change your circumstances is never a good idea, alright?
And hey, if it's good enough? Maybe your nickname will stick by you for a long, long time, like an old friend.
Thanks for reading!
Terry Brooks, BAMF
(P.S. I'm leaving all commenting and stuff on anonymous so you guys and Mr. Reading can easily throw something up there if you want to talk. Just try not to flood the section ha ha ha)
Nicknames are something that seem to fall into your lap, but we all know the opposite. A good nickname comes from careful propegation and a lot of work on your part!
Point one; sometimes, some people are fortunate enough to have an awesome last name. And that''s alright! if you're one of those lucky people, embrace your new handle. Being called Brooks from time to time in gym isn't exactly unpleasant. Though you might not mind your first name, already having a nickname cuts down the chances of you being called something like "Fartin' Frank".
Point two; most of you aren't that lucky; either your last name is too long or too weird or too weird to pronounce. If that is the case, then you're in the danger zone. Make sure you keep your head down low and try to avoid being stuck with something embarrassing. Some people are well known enough to start going, for example, by their internet handle. If by some bad stroke of luck you get stuck with something that isn't too bad, then use it as your own!
Point three; worst case scenario, you're unfortunate enough to have an easily rhymable name and you find yourself stuck in a bit of a pickle. Maybe it WASN'T your fault that the milk from the Caf was sour and you ended up... upchucking all over chuck, but you suddenly find yourself being called "puke", "puker" or worse, "puking pete". And that sucks. But there's a few things you can do to try to fix it;
1. If you have a viable last name, start using that. if it sticks, the other nickname will fade from memory.
2. Just tell them politely to stop. Realistically, this doesn't tend to help, but it doesn't hurt either.
3. Wait for it to die out. If you don't have a big ego and tend to fly under the radar, then incidents like this tend to pass over quickly if you don't pay it any mind. What the nicknamers are looking for is a reaction. Don't give it to them and they'll give up.
and/ or 4. Tell a teacher or a parent. Assuming the group isn't violent, they'll usually knock it off after a good talking to.
But remember, high school can be horrible or underwhelming, great or mind blowing, but in the grand scheme of things its four years of your life. You have a great big one ahead of you, and eventually, the idiots grow up. when you're at your job or at home, it doesn't matter that some dickface makes fun of you a bit.
Try to keep everything in perspective. "Fartin' Frank" made a joke out of ripping a good one in the middle of class. "Puking Pete" graduated with honours last year and was elected valedictorian. Doing something drastic to change your circumstances is never a good idea, alright?
And hey, if it's good enough? Maybe your nickname will stick by you for a long, long time, like an old friend.
Thanks for reading!
Terry Brooks, BAMF
(P.S. I'm leaving all commenting and stuff on anonymous so you guys and Mr. Reading can easily throw something up there if you want to talk. Just try not to flood the section ha ha ha)
Tip #1: Write what you know
Some wise guy once said that writers weave world that nobody else can. He then proceeded to tell a story that was about as conventional as conventional can be. He made a million bucks anyways, because he stuck the story in space. Now he probably swims in caviar while the rest of us suckers bust our butts trying to make do.
But consider where that broseph came from; a time of sci-fi and war and hero's journeys. He only wrote what he saw around him. And from that, we got classics such as Darth Vader! Han Solo! Yoda!
So maybe I made the quote up, but the tip still stands.
Take this blog, for example! While everyone was sweating in Writer's craft about writing their ongoing piece for their ISU, i decided to ask if it would be cool if I wrote a blog. And Mr. Reading said it would be no problem, as long as I kept it up daily. Thanks, man! ;P
Which takes us back to tip one. (Tip 1...?) When in doubt, you calm down. Take a minute and figure out what's going on.
Tip one can apply in almost any situation. Since I have no idea where to really take this, then I'll just write an introduction to who I am! See, my name is Terry, and I like to make lists. I get along well with my parents. I have a job (more about that later) and I have a few good friends and I'm looking forward to senior year. I also do fairly well in school, which is why I think there's nobody else that's more qualified to shout at the internet how to do stuff!
That's all I can really offer for now, though. I guess I'll make another entry when I get home.
(I want my completion mark for today, Mr. Reading. I sure as heck earned it!)
Thanks for reading, if anyone's there,
Terry Brooks, BAMF
But consider where that broseph came from; a time of sci-fi and war and hero's journeys. He only wrote what he saw around him. And from that, we got classics such as Darth Vader! Han Solo! Yoda!
So maybe I made the quote up, but the tip still stands.
Take this blog, for example! While everyone was sweating in Writer's craft about writing their ongoing piece for their ISU, i decided to ask if it would be cool if I wrote a blog. And Mr. Reading said it would be no problem, as long as I kept it up daily. Thanks, man! ;P
Which takes us back to tip one. (Tip 1...?) When in doubt, you calm down. Take a minute and figure out what's going on.
Tip one can apply in almost any situation. Since I have no idea where to really take this, then I'll just write an introduction to who I am! See, my name is Terry, and I like to make lists. I get along well with my parents. I have a job (more about that later) and I have a few good friends and I'm looking forward to senior year. I also do fairly well in school, which is why I think there's nobody else that's more qualified to shout at the internet how to do stuff!
That's all I can really offer for now, though. I guess I'll make another entry when I get home.
(I want my completion mark for today, Mr. Reading. I sure as heck earned it!)
Thanks for reading, if anyone's there,
Terry Brooks, BAMF
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