By Kellen Wang ’20, Staff Writer

This year at Newark Academy, each person is bound to learn something, whether being some form of knowledge, or something about him or herself. This being my third year here at NA, I feel like it’s safe to say that I understand the lifestyle and the student attitudes. Whether being a new student or someone who needs some tips, it is good for anybody to ask for help and advice. Though I seem to sound like I know everything and should be some “hero” to praise, it’s most likely not how I really am. I eat Chip’s Ahoy cookies and watch Giada De Laurentiis’ loud mouth on Food Network late at night, which sort of deducts my good student points. I’m not some sort of guidance counselor; I’ll just be giving you bits of advice for situations at school.

This being the first one of the year, I have recently received a question from Mr. Ashburn, where he asks:

“What are the best techniques I should use to advance my academic standing at Newark Academy?”

You see, this question is very important, because it is one of the general questions asked by many people, who have goals to reach higher in academics and in school. There are many possible answers to this question, each giving the student many opportunities.

•     Although this is a very basic answer, one of the most key factors is to be able to work to your potential, and to give every assignment your best shot. Be able to push yourself from your basic standards, and work harder than other people.
•      Find out what works best for you when studying, and be able to stay in a good learning and studying environment. Knowing and practicing this will help you work more efficiently, and to stay in a comfortable place where you can get work down even more detailed. If you decide to study next to your chainsaw buzzing phone, it most definitely wouldn’t work out very well for you.  
•      You should also be able to make good decisions, where one can benefit a greater cause. For example, during 4th period, you see your friends going outside to play football, and the horde of students on their laptops in the common room. You need to study for a test the next day, and you have no time at home to get it done. Looking at a typical child’s brain, it is most likely they would want to slack off and have fun. But which out of the 3 choices will be the most helpful to your academic standing?
•      Going back to my point before, it is essential to ask for help, whether from a teacher, parent or a student. Especially teachers, the person you are asking for help can greatly aid your academic needs, and is always willing to help someone out.