Bye bye hols, hello books

Chiedza Matenga
HOW time flies, it’s back to school already. Yes, the holiday is over and next Tuesday it is back to the serious and final third term.
Whether you are happy or sad, it’s back to books and by doing this, prove to your parents and guardians that you are ready for the next level.For the exam sitting candidates, third term is all about revision.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s back to school time again. Though the holiday was too long, I managed to balance fun and books. Well, I make sure I pass my exams,” said a Form Three student from Hillcrest College.

Five thirty is the new time to wake up now.
“Gone are the days when we used to wake up at 9am! It’s back to school now. I am lucky that I’m a day scholar, so 5.30am is okay for me. The third term means that what we learnt during the whole year is to be tested,” said Tyrone Sibanda (13).

For those who visited relatives especially in the rural areas, they enjoyed their time well, bonding with them.
“I will remember this long holiday very well. No ploughing but learning different cultural and lifestyle experiences, courtesy of Sekuru Joe,” said Tanatswa Makisi from Dzivarasekwa.

Some had to spend their days buried in books especially those who had to study for their exams due in November.
Some had to be in school for extra lessons to come out with the best results.

“While the rest had a good rest, relaxed and hanging out with colleagues and hommies, a good four weeks of rest and for the boarders it was good to have been home. I always see that these guys (boarders) get more attention than day scholars. Somehow most favours are awarded to them simply because they do not spend three months at home. It’s not fair,” explained Precious (17) from the Avenues.

But hey, it’s also good to have them back because they also need a breather and a little update on the fashion scene.
Delightful as their holidays may have been, we have to get back to school and focus. We have played well enough and must now work.  School days are the best of your life, thus say the elders.

The third term is comprised of everything that has been learnt throughout the years. The results of this term prove how we have been doing and if we need any improvements.

For the sitting candidates, it is better to study at night as we are entering the summer season and it can be very hot during the day.  Have a timetable for all subjects and focus on the subject you think is a challenge with a little more effort.  Extend the study time for that subject.

Form study groups, they help you understand more especially if you have a particular subject you don’t  understand  and your colleagues can come to your assistance.  Be reminded that it is easy to be distracted in study groups especially after holidays as some may want to share on their holiday activities.  There is plenty of time to discuss all that after the exams.  Stay focused.

There are those who understand more by writing the important stuff down. If that’s you, don’t give up, it helps and is easier to remember that during the exams. Keep your focus, don’t get distracted.

Sorry guys, the days of barbecues, pool parties and lazy mornings flew by and suddenly school is staring you in the face.
Well, Cool Lifestyle always has some tips to share on back to school.

Tip #1: Be confident. Have confidence in everything you are doing. Start liking school, by the way. If you present yourself well, you will already fully establish the inner you and confidence.

Tip #2: Set your alarm (and actually get up).  Face it, when you only give yourself five minutes to get out the door, you’re not exactly going to be looking or feeling your best.  Give yourself time to get cleaned up, have your uniform picked out the night before and bag packed.

Tip #3: Eat breakfast everyday. No exceptions.  Guys who eat a good breakfast feel more alert and focused while skipping breakfast leaves you famished by lunch, meaning you’ll be tempted to eat more than you would otherwise. Don’t forget to carry your lunch box and don’t overdo it like you going to open a food outlet. Just a snack-lunch will do.

Tip #4: Make time to move. Classes and friends – we get it, school keeps you busy. No matter how much stuff is competing for your attention, don’t forget to keep up the rocking exercise habits you created over the summer.

Tip #5: Kick peer pressure to the curb.  It’s all around you, telling you what to wear, what to say, what to eat, what to weigh. Sometimes it feels as though the pressure won’t stop until everyone in your class looks and acts exactly the same. Well, guess what guys, you don’t have to be cookie-cutter. Books first and no stress much.

Tip #6:  Don’t be a mean girl. Yes girls, ditch the drama – and no, we’re not talking about the after school activity. We’re talking about the mean rumours, the secret insults, the pranks, the snubbing. Know your purpose at school.

If you just follow the six golden back to school tips, you guaranteed to have a wonderful term.