In this time of uncertainty and stress, high schoolers need a semblance of normalcy. I know because I’m one of them. 

I see three steps to take in order to work towards that lofty goal: developing routines, staying productive and giving service.

Without a required schedule now that schools are being closed, many high schoolers are living the lifestyle of falling asleep in between 1-3 a.m. and waking up whenever suits their fancy. Productivity is bound to drop. According to studies, early risers are more proactive than night owls. All the free time that is accumulating for high schoolers could likely cause them to grow restless and bored, which is never a good thing.

As school kicks off on the online format, it is critical that students don’t start from behind by procrastinating their work. Two weeks of school should not and cannot be summed up in a three-hour frenzy that teenagers are prone to do. By following the guidelines teachers set, even by following them loosely, students will simultaneously relieve some restlessness and drastically reduce the amount of stress felt at the end of those two weeks. 

By chipping away at the workload, students will embody the age-old saying, “you eat an elephant one bite at a time.” 

Parents should also take note: You must understand that teens have been thrown around with a wild whiplash. We’ve gone from enjoying spring sports, activities and trips to having all of those things being canceled, having social interactions with friends being limited and being required to spend a massive amount of time with family. With all of the things we were looking forward to being canceled, it is understandable that we will be in a bad mood and not want to be productive in any way, shape or form.

Parents should, however, lead their kids to doing things that will allow them to progress through this time of trouble without becoming negative or nagging. We’re teens; it’s inevitable that our brains will shut off. Well-meaning parents could hurt the productivity of their teens if they badger them too much. 

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Finally, it does not matter how much homework students have to do; they are going to have down time. One of the best ways to fill that time is to serve those who need it most. 

The most at-risk group of people in this pandemic is the elderly. They are also the people who need the most help. Now more than ever they need the aid of able-bodied young people. They may want to stay inside to minimize risk, but their gardens and lawns suffer.

Take this pandemic and change it into an opportunity to spend time growing personally and helping a fellow traveler on this earth. The test of character doesn’t come when things are going well; it comes when things are going horribly. Take this time to grow your character and turn the negative into a positive.

Will Matheson is a student at American Fork High School.

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