The start of the new year also marks the start of the second semester. It is a time for students to reflect on the previous year and plan for the year ahead. The start of a new semester is often considered a blank slate for students. It gives them the opportunity to start fresh, employ new habits, set goals, try different things and ultimately strive to improve themselves everyday. 

Taking away lessons from the past semester is a step for many students looking ahead to the following semester. Sophomore Sameea Patel learned to prioritize harder classes to not overwork herself. 

“I think it was really important for me to realize that I didn’t need to work for countless hours every night just for grades,” Sameea Patel said. 

According to Patel, it is equally important to work hard in order to be successful and  look for moments to slow down and rest. Students balance school work with personal well-being and health. 

For freshman Ketan Shah, he learned the importance of asking his teachers for help by going in before or after school. According to Shah, his goals for the upcoming semester include being more efficient with his time so he has more free time. He plans on achieving this by using his weekdays more efficiently and finding small opportunities to get tasks done. 

While the start of a new semester can bring stress, students choose to stay motivated by looking forward to future events. The annual winter formal, dubbed “SnowCo,” brings students an opportunity to socialize with friends in an event featuring a DJ, movie, caricature artists and a snow globe photo booth. Additionally, students take their minds off of school by participating in their after school activities such as the upcoming spring sports or plays. 

For junior Shayla Patel, it is the anticipation of taking the SAT in the spring. 

“I never want to worry about that test again,” Shayla Patel said.  

Meanwhile, for seniors, the countdown is on for graduation. Senior Joy Shen’s goal is to avoid senioritis. Senioritis can be characterized by a lack of motivation or performance in one’s last year of high school. According to Shen, she aims to combat this by continuing to complete homework and find motivation. 

As the Red Devils aim to set the tone for the second semester and 2024, many students agree that negative mindsets are out and self care and positivity are in.