by Sophia Chen ’20, Staff Writer

We need a healthy dose of advice right now during these stressful times. While we can learn a lot about history, science and English in our rigorous classes, we need to look beyond the classroom to know how we can apply what we learn in class to our everyday lives. It is so easy to get wrapped up in schoolwork that we don’t see that school is only one facet of our lives.

One thing I’ve learned is to not be afraid to reach out to other people for advice! It is extremely difficult to figure out how to navigate our surroundings and go about our day, but luckily, we have a whole community of people at NA who have a lot to say.

Here are a few pearls of wisdom NA students and faculty have to offer:

1. Ms. Galvin says, “Know that you have more power than you realize.”

Ms. Galvin makes a key point that we shouldn’t doubt or restrict ourselves. We have so many opportunities available to us at NA and outside of NA that we can take advantage of. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and have fun!

Speaking of having putting yourself out there and having fun, while I was walking out of the cafeteria through the Physics hallway, I came across Mr. Bitler and the Panasonic Team. When I walked into their room, they were busily working on their robot for the Panasonic Competition. What an opportunity to ask them for advice, since they are innovative and dynamic problem solvers! When I asked if they had any had any advice they would like to share, Mr. Bitler offered some really inspiring advice.

2. Mr. Bitler said, “Embrace life as a great adventure.”

Especially when it seems like we are overloaded with work, it’s important to step back and understand that high school is only a small moment of our lives that we have to overcome. It’s all part of this “great adventure”. Everything we do and experience is a learning moment and we shouldn’t live life too cautiously. Open your minds to the unexpected!

3. Dr. Hobson offers some valuable advice from his uncle, a professor of philosophy at Villanova: “Take each day one step at a time. If you worry too much about the future, it is easy to become paralyzed.”

As we have more commitments and work to complete, our daily lives becomes a juggling act where we are trying to fit everything into twenty-four hours. However, we shouldn’t let school overwhelm us and have stress bring us down.

Embrace your passions and do what you love! NA students offer some helpful thoughts on how to have fun in high school.

4. Elliott Zornitsky ‘18 says: “NA can obviously be a very stressful place, and it’s often easy to allow stress and the desire to get good grades to become all-encompassing. That said, if we each take a step back and look around––at our friends, at the interesting things we do and learn in class, at the great bonds we make during sports practices––it’ll be easier to pin down those bright spots in our day amidst the clouds of stress and anxiety.”

5. Ryan Gajarawala ‘18, the upper school president, says, “Make sure to take time off, relax, and destress. Your health is your most important priority!”

6. Ariel Hsieh ‘19 says, “Do what you like! Take the time to enjoy at least something you love to do, and it will help you achieve so much more elsewhere. We often think that school requires us to continuously do work laboriously, but slowing down and doing something you love will allow you to approach everything in a more positive light.”

7. Abbey Zhu ‘18 says, “Pursue your interests in classes and clubs! Do what you love and high school will be a lot more enjoyable. Also, do not be afraid to ask teachers questions! They’re here to help you and make you a better student and person.”

8. Drew Flanagan ‘19 says, “There are so many opportunities available at NA. However, instead of overburdening yourself, you should focus on things that you really love.”

9. Christine Pan ‘18 says, “I know that academically, competition is almost inevitable, but sometimes it can get to a point where it’s unhealthy and it’s hurting you more than helping you succeed. I think it’s really important to remember not to compare yourself to others and focus on yourself.”

10. Albert Anwar ‘18 says, “Never give up on your dreams.”

Everyone contributes something special and unique to our school community. We truly live in a community where people care for each other and support each other. If you really open your ears and listen to the insightful comments your teachers and peers make on an everyday basis, you can learn a lot about yourself and others! I hope this advice helps you on your journey through high school and has opened your mind to the insightful thoughts that NA students have.