Junior Laura Borstein said that throughout her time at Archer, she has learned to become a better student by developing skills such as time management and organization. She emphasized that these tools have supported her growth both academically and socially.
The Oracle sat down with Borstein to discuss her anticipation around becoming a senior.
What do you think impacted your first year at Archer, maybe a specific moment?
Laura Borstein [LB]: Being a part of the orchestra gave me a sturdy community. As friendships shift, being a part of something makes it a lot easier not to have the rug pulled from under you. Now, being in Power Hour makes things easier, especially when friendships are changing in middle school and even the beginning of high school.
How did you feel that you’ve changed over time at Archer?
[LB]: I think at any school, when you’re in middle school and freshman year, you eventually become very aware of things that you should do and shouldn’t do. I think the drama flourishes, especially in middle school and at the beginning of high school. It becomes very clear when you do something wrong, when you’re being a good friend and when you’re being a bad friend. I think having that knowledge, I’ve also become better at managing my time. I think at the beginning of my experience at Archer I was really concerned about my social relationships, and obviously I am now too. But I think less drama also plays a role in that. I don’t have to worry so much about that. I also have better time management skills.
Would you specify the time management skills you’re talking about?
[LB]: If I have a weekend where I don’t want to do work, I will organize all the work I have to do based on what I’m doing, and I’ll stick to that. There’s this method that I learned about where you do work for half an hour, and then you get a five-minute break, and then it just goes on. I think I will try to find something to look forward to. Even if it’s just something small, like hanging out with my friends on a Saturday, I don’t want to have to do work. I also don’t want to work in my free time.
What do you feel apprehensive about in terms of going into 12th grade?
[LB]: I feel apprehensive about choosing what colleges to apply to, and overall, I’m not that worried about the applications. Maybe I should be more worried, but I think it’s about choosing what’s right for me. I am a little bit worried about the possibility of more competition in the grade, and how that’s going to play out. Personally, I don’t like it, but it’s not a big issue for me. I ignore that, but we’ll see if it becomes more prevalent.
What do you think that ninth graders can do to optimize having not only a rich social life in high school, but also a school life?
[LB]: I think a lot of people have the problem of sacrificing their entire social life for doing so much work. And then other people have the problem of, you know, [academics in] ninth grade. [Many people think] grades don’t matter if you apply to a UC — which is not true. Balance is key. Don’t swing the pendulum too hard. If you recognize that you need to be spending more time in this class, there is always something you can do to lift your grade: Email a teacher or talk to someone. At the same time, don’t devote yourself to work. You’re going to burn out.
What advice do you have for people entering high school?
[LB]: Be nice to everyone. Seriously, don’t talk badly about people. It’s always going to come back to you. It’s a small school. Also, balance your time and make friendships that you want — your friendships are going to last. It’s important to have a social life, because that’s what keeps you from burning out.
