Make the most of the new school year

Israel Finegold

I am sure that most of you enjoyed your summer, camping, traveling or participating in other fun activities. After a long year of taking classes, summer is a great time to renew ourselves: A break from academic routine really helps refresh students and get them ready for the next school year. The  start of a school year gives students a clean slate for new academic challenges at their schools or universities. And a clean slate isn’t just about academics – it also gives students an opportunity to make new friends and social circles. 

A new school year is exciting for every student but particularly for those beginning their final year of high school or college. I, myself, will be starting my senior year of college this fall, and I know it will be my best academic year ever because it will be my final push toward my ultimate goal of graduating and obtaining my diploma. I know that once I have my diploma in hand, I will feel that all the work of my entire school experience was worth it, and I will be proud of the great education I received here in Providence. 

Every year, students make mistakes, but that’s part of the process: If you learn from your mistakes, you’ll grow as scholars and individuals. Some students struggle in school and give up because they’ve failed in some way or they’ve lost their confidence. However, they have not taken into account that they can actually grow from their past failures.

When I was in high school, my rabbi discussed with our class the differences between “threats” and “challenges.” School is perceived as a threat by some students, causing them to lose confidence. These students often lose their battles. However, if a student views the “threat” as a challenge, then he or she will be more likely to search for strategies that will ultimately help them win their battles and succeed in school.

Some students who fail in school do so because they feel anxious and overwhelmed. They need to learn the life lesson that there is always a way to grow, no matter what the circumstances. 

An analogy I often use to reinforce this idea is that of editing a paper. Like editing, learning is a process that requires revisions, corrections and using one’s critical eye. This is a process that leads to intellectual and creative growth. Ultimately, the critiques we make of ourselves and our work help us become better, more self-aware individuals. Our success as adults is often defined by our ability to view ourselves candidly and make the necessary revisions.

Some students do not understand how critical an education is for their careers and lives. Pursuing an education demonstrates to employers and society that the individual cares about their work and future. Employers perceive students with this work ethic as job candidates who are driven and motivated enough to face real-life and professional challenges.

Most colleges offer summer courses to accelerate the process of earning credits. But even these motivated summer students need a break from coursework. Even just a few weeks of free time helps provide a fresh outlook on a new semester.

Personally, I have been taking summer classes at Providence College, and although I won’t have the traditional student summer vacation, I will take a short break before the coming semester begins.

To all my fellow students: I hope you have a great school year, enjoy your studies and learn a lot. Remember to take full advantage of the school experience: Face your errors and correct them so you can build the groundwork for strong and meaningful careers and lives.

ISRAEL FINEGOLD is The Jewish Voice summer intern.