Organization/Procrastination

 Organization can be a struggle for many teens who are overwhelmed with endless responsibilities and outside activities. However, a method I recommended might help the stress go down. 
A planner, whether it be online or paperback organizer, you will NEED a planner. For each day labeled write down the classes for the entire week. This way you won't be furiously jotting down random test dates with no class labeled next to them. Throughout the day when you are given future tests/quizzes/projects for later in the week, write it down! And write down to study all that week for the test. That way, you will not be struggling to memorize the information the night before and you feel more confident and prepared to conquer the test/quiz/project. Also, practices and important events after school and on the weekends can be recorded in your planner as well so you don't forget. 
For me, this organizer is vital everyday so I don't forget anything. It hasn't failed me, and will continue to be a necessity during school to keep me on top of my grades and outside activities. 
 However, there is a whole different story with "lolly-gaggers" or 'procrastinators'. Procrastination not only displays your effort, but it also shows in your overall time in the paper or project. Sometimes those people get lucky and make a good grade, other times they fail miserably. To prepare and make effort in anything will cause success no matter how small. One way you can avoid procrastinating is getting it all done in school. That way you are free the whole rest of the day. Another way would be to "divide and conquer". If it's a major project you can set dates and get a certain amount finished by that time. Or even with studying for a big final; you can set a timer for thirty minutes to study for a subject, then take a five minute break, and move on to another subject for another thirty minutes. 
  So don't wait till the last minute to start! Your grades are on the line! If you feel you are slowly starting not to care about your grades, (which is what many of us do), remember this is just a step toward your future goals for college or your dream job. High School is not forever and it certainly isn't like the real world, however, high school teaches and prepares us for the people and education we will eventually meet. So don't give up! And get your work over with so you don't have to worry about it later.