Looking to the Future

With this year coming to a close and summer break just around the corner, scheduling for next school year has come rolling in.

While many students are doing their best to fight off the end-of-year burn out, thinking about what comes next can be a frightening thought.

“There are a couple of classes that I have to take, like all my core classes,” junior Leyna Gibson stated. “Then beyond that, honestly, I'm just trying to get as many off blocks as I can.”

Off blocks can help students to balance their workload and give them a break from the challenges that come with difficult classes.

“I’ve definitely considered which classes to put together and where, just because of the amount of work with each class,” junior Aiden Hohstein mentioned, “so I tried to not do two college classes in the same quarter, just so then it would be not so stressful and an overwhelming amount of work.”

That being said, lots of students still find rigorous classes to be more enticing when creating their schedules. While it can come with its struggles, there is something to be said about the reward that comes with it.

“My second semester, I've got college Calc, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, so that might suck,” Gibson continued, “but otherwise we can feel pretty good about it.”

Coming up with a schedule, whether it be your first or final time, can be an emotional rollercoaster.

“There are mixed emotions. I would say I'm excited to be done, because it has been a long journey, and I've been there since kindergarten,” Hohstein added. “I'm kind of ready for a new environment, but at the same time, it's definitely hard; because, again, I have been here since kindergarten, but I don't know if I'm ready.”

Navigating the ins and outs of creating a new routine can be challenging. Luckily for the students at JA, there are many staff in the office who are willing to help.

“It's always kind of stressful trying to fit everything in,” junior Bentley Nielsen declared. “[Ms. LeValley] helped me figure out what classes I should take and how I could balance my schedule really well.” 

Moreover, the help Ms. LeValley provides for a better structure for the upcoming year.

“I like the way that you guys get to do it, where you go in and meet with [advisors] and have a voice in what you want to take,” Mrs. Thimson shared. “Sometimes you don't always make great choices as students. Sometimes you choose classes you're maybe not interested in because your friends are in them.”

The triumphs that come with creating a new schedule can be overwhelming at times, yet the opportunities for new classes serve as an excitement to look forward to for both teachers and students alike. 

“Next year, I'm going to finally be teaching genetics. I haven't taught genetics in over 10 years, so I'm getting the chance to reteach it again, so that'll be fun,” Thimsen stated. “I always like a new year. I'm excited to teach genetics, I'm excited to always teach forensics because I love that class, and I love biology so I guess I'm excited for all of it. I like the newness of it.”