With the start of a new school year, many students have high hopes for success. However, achieving excellence is not just wishing for it.

Counselor Joyce Hall said, “To reach success students need to take incremental steps such as goal setting, use of an organizer, time management, consulting with others and confidence.”

Goal setting is important because it provides motivation to continue to work hard. Being successful in reaching a goal is not easy. Students need to hold themselves accountable to stay on task to do so.

Junior Erica Freitas said, “Managing time and placing importance on one’s academics is key, such as focusing on studies before social media.”

The use of a planner to schedule daily routines will help students organize and lessen  procrastination.

Hall said, “Another important step to reaching success is to ask questions. It helps to consult with mentors or a support system so that they can help guide you in the right direction.”

Senior Noel Kenny said, “This year I am really motivated to work hard so that I can get into colleges of my choice. Everything I am doing here is for the last time so I’m trying to make the best out of it.”

Starting the school year optimistically is also important.

College counselor, Randall Fong, said, “Starting with a positive and confident attitude will increase the chance of having success, but overall working hard and balancing studies and extracurricular activities will make students successful.”