Student burnout is another important topic. We all experience stress, that is a given in today’s world full of activity. The work we, as students, are given can often be overwhelming, and potentially given without regard to what other classwork and extracurricular activities we partake in. On top of that, the work may also feel like it doesn’t really benefit you, but is rather just a form of busy work. It is understood that there are standards that must be met as a requirement, however, I feel that there are different ways students can be taught. With this heavy weight placed on our shoulders, it is important that we, as students, find ways to manage our stress and avoid burnout.
First and foremost, what should one do when they are dealing with a burnout? Avoidance of burnout to begin with is the key, but it’s more than likely to occur at one point or another in your life, so you might as well learn about it earlier on. What personally helps me when I deal with burnout is listing the tasks I have, then seeing what it takes in terms of time and objective to do them. Then, I do something to distract myself and reset, like going for a run, walking, or visiting my barn animals. If you don’t have barn animals, you can always take a few minutes to be with your pets, and if you don’t have pets, maybe siblings, and if not siblings, then friends and family! Taking each assignment or task one at a time is crucial to avoiding or recovering from burnout. Trying to get it all done at once can sometimes be easy and fast, but other times, it is the last thing you want to do. Try setting a specific time each day devoted to schoolwork and trying your best to focus and reduce the amount of homework you will have each day while at school. Another big thing to remember is that there are people here to help you and that we all share similar struggles, so there is no need to worry! - Susie Have you ever wanted to try creating something new, but been deterred by the fact you won’t be an expert immediately? While this might be hard to swallow, the simple fact is: what does that matter? In times of stress, and times of hurt, creation can help a person cope with feelings and get energy out. What does it matter if it looks beautiful? What does it matter if it is done with precision and detail? The benefits of allowing yourself to be, and simply create for the sake of it, are much more important.
I particularly do not have perfect steady hands, and yet I still draw. I do not always communicate my thoughts into words perfectly, and yet I still write. I didn’t always know how to book bind, and have always hated having to cut things out or measure things. Despite that, I have fallen in love with bookbinding. So who cares if you’re good at a particular thing? To explore something new, to enjoy a craft without the worry of it being perfect, that is freeing. To give yourself that peace, that freedom, it is essential to keeping a happy mind. Art is not just about the development of skills or creating something for other people. Art is also about fulfilling yourself, of giving yourself a place to express what you need to. So don’t be afraid of trying out painting, woodcarving, or papercraft. It will be a new experience to try, and that can be wonderful! You can always decide you don’t want to keep trying it out if you hate it. But you will never know until you try, and you can never develop the skills that frustrate you if you let it go so soon. Do not get yourself caught up in your art being good enough, too different, or not different enough. Let yourself find joy and peace in art, and try something out this week! (This article is a part of a series of pieces I will be writing about creation! Stay tuned for more about creating, and even some fun ideas to try yourself!) -Harold Hello my name is Greg and this is an album review. This is a review of the brand new album by French indie pop rock band Phoenix. This is the band’s 7th studio album and first since 2017. This album was recorded in a studio at the Louvre in Paris in 2020.
Getting to the actual review, I would say I enjoyed this album. I discovered this band recently through their 2009 breakthrough album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. This album has a similar feel to that album, so if, like me, you enjoyed that album you will likely enjoy this one. The songs have a very fun light feel to them. I would say the biggest difference between this and the albums Phoenix previously made is some more electronic elements, which might be due to contributions from Thomas Bangalter who was formerly part of the electronic dance duo Daft Punk. My least favorite song on the album was probably the title song, “Alpha Zulu.” I think the vocal inflections on the chorus are a little weird and can get annoying on repeated listens. My favorite song on the album is probably “Artefact” which has an instantly memorable chorus and some fun use of the electronic elements. Overall this is a very enjoyable album that I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes this genre of music. I'm planning on doing more of these reviews in the future. If you have any albums, new or old you think I should review, email them to me through my school email ([email protected]) and I might review it. That’s the end of the review, thanks for reading! -Greg |
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