By Isla ’29
Harvard-Westlake is a great place. It allows you to try so many new things and truly discover your passions as both a student and a person. However, balancing all your classes, especially honors classes, can be challenging. This year, I’m taking Honors Biology, one of the hardest classes at the middle school. Yes, it can be difficult, but over the past two months, I’ve learned a few things that have really helped me succeed.
- Use Your Free Periods
It can be hard to find the motivation to go to the library and study during your free time – especially when you could be hanging out with friends. However, this is one of the simplest ways to lighten your workload for when you get home, particularly if you have practice or other commitments after school. Even spending 20–30 minutes reviewing notes or finishing small assignments can make a big difference later in the day. - Meet With Your Teachers
Having a good relationship with your teachers is key to having a positive experience in a class. They should be people you feel comfortable asking questions to, and they truly do want the best for you. Meeting with your teachers regularly – not just before tests – is a great way to strengthen that relationship and deepen your understanding of the material. - Understand the Material as It’s Being Taught – Not Right Before the Test
I’ll admit, this is something I’ve struggled with in the past. Sometimes we learn something in class, and I don’t fully get it at first, so I wait until the week of the test to really figure it out. But that approach adds so much unnecessary stress and prevents me from truly engaging with the content. Taking time each night to review what you learned that day helps everything make more sense and builds confidence.
Everyone learns differently, and these are just the strategies that have worked best for me and my classmates. Balancing honors classes isn’t about being perfect—it’s about managing your time, staying curious, and asking for help when you need it. With the right mindset and habits, it’s possible to not only handle challenging classes but actually enjoy them.
