Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

by Bethanie, 8th Grade

Summer is almost here, but not quite. There are still a few weeks left of school and we need to finish strong. Finishing strong is important, but not just because it shows on your report card; if we start the habit of slacking off now in our school work, later in life, when we have careers, jobs, and families, that damaging pattern will continue. Good work habits will show up in our personal lives, too. When we have tough decisions to make and hard work to do, we will have established lifelong habits that help us make the right choices and finish what we start.

My grandfather, Arnie Ziegler, has been a school district Superintendent in Northern California for more than 30 years. Since I have had struggles with my grades this school year, I asked him some questions that would help me, and hopefully you, to finish the school year strong.

Q: How can those of us who’ve struggled in school finish strong?

A: A strong education is so important in terms of your future livelihood. College graduates make more money than those who don’t attend. If you’ve struggled with a class or a certain subject, don’t ever give up, just keep striving to do better. Talk to your teachers; let them know where you need help. Sometimes students forget that teachers are there to help you succeed, not just to hand out a grade. Your teachers may have specific ideas on how to be more successful.

Q: What do you think is the most important school year?

A: Each year is extremely important. What you do in our senior year is fortified by what you do in your freshman year. It’s important to look at each year as a building bock to the next. Establishing great study habits, getting your work completed and turned in on time and staying on top of the material you are expected to know is essential no matter what grade you are in. If you don’t have great study habits, work on that. And remember, just because you don’t have a “homework assignment” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t study. Taking time each night to review class notes, practice vocabulary or read your text will help you stay on top of the material you’re learning and make test preparation less stressful.

Q: Has there ever been a time in your academic career when you have slacked off, and it’s cost you?

A: Yes. My first year in college, I failed my classes and had to drop out and go find work. But, a year later, I went back to school, determined to get good grades. I went on to complete my B.A. degree and teach elementary school. I went back to school later and earned a Master’s degree. After that, I was hired to be the Principal of a school. Several years later, I became a Superintendent of a small school district in California. Looking back, my life could have taken a completely different course, but I’m very thankful that I went back to school and completed my education.

Your academic success depends on you. It’s your choice (and mine!). Some of us may be doing great; others of us may be struggling. But, school’s not over yet, so don’t waste another minute. Start now and decide to finish strong!