Recently, I did some investigating into the most popular and research-backed study techniques to help make this exam transition a little smoother for us all. I present the fruits of this labour through the lengthy chart below. If you want to read more about any of the following strategies in detail, check out my previous few blog posts!



Additional resources:
https://maclyonsden.com/resources/ , @wlmac.guidance , @wlmac.wellness
Just a few more days until we end this short chapter of our lives and start again in a new semester. Good luck Mac, I'll see you on the other side :)

Welcome back Lyons, to “Study, Set… Go!!,” a Metropolis mini-series where we dissect the very intimidating world of studying by simplifying study strategies. Whether you’re looking to conquer this exam season or just brush up on your skills, you’ve found just the post! We’ll be tackling some personal favourites this time around so get your favourite notebook, lots of coffee, and settle in!
Feynman Technique
The Feynman technique, named after Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman, is about confirming your understanding of the words and phrasing that you’re using. You take on the role of a teacher and try to teach the information you’re studying. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in all the big words and fancy phrasing used that we forget the actual mechanics of the content we’re studying. With the Feynman technique, you need to be able to explain the details of what you’ve learned without using complicated terminology as a crutch. Imagine that you’re explaining the concept to somebody with no prior knowledge of the subject such as a child. You try to teach the content at a highly simplified level and fill in any gaps that you find along the way.
Elaborative Interrogation
The elaborative interrogation technique is a very big name for what is really a return to our curious toddler roots in a constant barrage of “why?” Similar to the Feynman technique, asking ourselves why the things that we’re studying are actually occurring helps us to understand the words, phrases, and processes that we’re learning beyond pure semantics. With everything you learn, just ask yourself why and how things are the way that they are, and if you can’t answer that then you either don’t know the content well enough or it may be out of the scope of your curriculum.
Classical Conditioning
Yup, turns out that Pavlov’s dogs have some influence on our study habits! Behaviourist Ivan Pavlov used the sound of a bell and a bowl of food to condition several dogs to drool at just the sound of a bell. The logic of this is that the introduction of a neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus together will incite a conditioned response at later introductions of the neutral stimulus alone. We can use this knowledge to our advantage as students by introducing certain elements into our environment or routine that we’ll eventually associate with studying. This could be using a specific pencil/pen, studying in one spot every time, listening to a specific kind of music, or even consuming the same food/drink when and only when you’re studying. Over time, you’re able to slip into a state of focus much easier when doing these behaviours because you immediately associate them with studying.
Exam season brings a universal sense of anxiety to us all and the post-pandemic nature of it this year does little to alleviate that. “[It’s a] fear of the unknown I think definitely for the grade 9s, 10s, and 11s… [and there have been] so many uncertainties and pivots for the grade 12s…” Says Ms. McDowell, when asked about the expected difficulties for students this year. However, she reiterates the importance of planning out study sessions to ease yourself into the process. “It’s scary, but as long as you’ve put into place the methods that are available, that's the most important thing.” By creating study aids (cheat sheets, flow charts, summaries) and finding the techniques that work best for you, you can greatly ward off some of that stress. Of course, it’s great to build your skills and confidence with studying and exam-taking, but each of these techniques can only be effective if they’re balanced with proper eating, sleeping, socializing, and relaxing! If you’re looking for more information on achieving that balance, contact your guidance counsellor or check out some of the other resources below. Good luck Lyons, see you next sem!
P.S. Keep an eye out for our final post of the season, there just might be some extra tips to look forward to :)
Additional resources:
https://maclyonsden.com/resources/ , @wlmac.guidance , @wlmac.wellness

Mackenzie is officially in the new year and out of our winter break! Of course, the change from pyjamas and blankets hasn't taken its full effect yet.
As of now, virtual learning will continue until January 17th.
Of course, staring at a Zoom meeting is not the most exciting pass time.
Clubs have also come to a standstill, pending COVID protocols of the TDSB.
Regardless, the goings on of our school are still here to look forward to, so here's our list for this week:
Some things that happened this week:
- School started on Wednesday, January 5th (duh).
- Visual Arts Council is accepting monthly artwork this new year! The theme is "Renewal", referring to your new year's resolutions. Submit your artwork here.
- In these difficult times, the school continues to offer guidance meetings, which you can book here.
- TED Club hosted a University Student Panel today, on Friday, January 7th from 4:30-6:00 pm.
- Over the winter break, the Flounder, WLMAC's very own (questionable) news source. Find the issue here.
- Mackenzie ESports Club hosted a 4v4v4v4 Minecraft Bedwars tournament on December 27th and 28th.
- MCPT's Holiday Game Jam was held from December 27th to December 31st. Check out the games made by your fellow students here.
Some things to anticipate next week:
-The first credit rescue day is on January 12th, 2022.
- WLMAC Cybersecurity is hosting a beginner Capture-The-Flag competition from January 10 to February 4. Find out more here , and sign up to participate here.
- Business Council's Target Alpha Stock Trading Competition has begun! Good luck to all participants.

Six weeks ago we began. Six weeks after, we have crossed the finish line. Undoubtedly, this school year has thrown at us more than a handful of hurdles in itself, so it takes inspiring strength and courage to try to voluntarily (well, you don't even get volunteer hours here) take on a challenge for our health. Our first Make or Break complete, let's hear the thoughts of those who strived to make being in bed by 11 a habit:
**Do you feel as if being in bed by 11 is a steady habit? **
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I do feel that being in bed by 11 is now a steady habit because I feel that my body has just gotten used to getting sleep around the time.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “As of now I have learned that I am truly capable of maintaining a steady habit such as this one if time permitted, and have gained a bit more confidence and trust in myself as a result. However, it is still relatively new in the year with opportunities still piling on, and unfortunately I don't believe this would be sustainable for me on top of my own commitments.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Maybe not being in bed by 11 specifically, but definitely trying to prioritizing my sleep schedule. I don't think I will ever take timely bedtime as indispensable ever again, especially now that I see how productive, refreshed (un-groggy), and good I feel when I wake up earlier instead.”
Do you intend on continuing to sleep by 11? If so, how strictly will you follow your routines? If not, will you return to your prior routine or come back with some modifications inspired by this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I hope to continue sleeping by 11 because I think it's a great habit to maintain, although I may not stick to it as strictly as I have been doing. I'll generally stick to my current routines because they're pretty efficient and saves me time.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I think I will only continue to sleep by 11 (or earlier) on days where work is light, though I also don't believe I will fully revert back to my old routine. Previously, I would stay up late and procrastinate until I find the right motivation to finish my work, though now from this challenge, I know sleeping early and waking up early is more efficient for me to get work done. Also with this modified sleep schedule, my eating times have changed and actually work better with my schedule!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I'm going to adjust to 11-11:30 as a limit instead, since 11 is a bit too squishy considering factors other than my personal life, like what works better for my "colleagues" and family. I will allow exceptions such as the once-in-a-long-while family nights.”
Do you think this challenge was worth taking?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I think this challenge was really worth taking! As a result of this challenge I was able to create routines that work for me and are efficient, I was able to get adequate sleep, and I feel more energetic in the mornings."
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “This challenge was absolutely worth taking, I'm glad I joined! I learned a lot about myself and this was definitely the right push I needed to make these changes."
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Oh yes (and I hope, fingers crossed, worth spreading too). I'm scared to imagine what my school year would be by now if I didn't have one thing, and this at that, set in place.”
What was the most fulfilling part/lesson-learned/memory you have of taking this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "The most fulfilling part of taking this challenge was the fact that I was able to complete it. Sticking to this six week challenge, I'm just incredibly proud of myself for pushing forward and overall makes me feel great about myself as I have accomplished something I put my mind to.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “This challenge allowed me to feel like I had some sort of control over my life, rather than feeling dragged along as I had always felt before this. My favourite memory was that time I had a thought in the middle of class where I realized I hadn't slept during any of my lessons in two weeks! Sleeping in class has always made me feel mad at myself, though I know I can't control it most of the time, so actually having an immediate improvement made me feel a lot better.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Going from dragging my sister into bed to having her drag me into bed on time. Progress at its finest:)”
What was the most dreadful part/lesson-learned/memory you have of taking this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "There wasn't anything incredibly dreadful that took place during this challenge, however, I do remember the many times I have felt the dread of not being able to get in bed on time. During those times, specifically near the beginning of the challenge, I found myself still up doing work at 10:45 pm and only left with 15 minutes to get ready and get into bed, barely getting in on time. Through those close encounters, I really learned the value of having a good routine.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “The most dreadful part for me was really those nights filled with insomnia in week 1 and weeks 4/5. In the first week it was a result of the drastic change coming on all of a sudden, though in weeks 4 & 5, it was more insomnia as a result of my mind racing over all the tasks I had to complete.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Suffering an extra hour of no sleep in the morning for wasting an hour on Discord the night before. This should happen regardless of when I sleep, but with a schedule, the consequences are clearer and more dreadful.”
How realistic do you think a 6 week time window is to settle a habit like this?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "I think a 6 week time window is just the right amount of time to settle a habit like this. Additionally, 6 weeks is not too little where you may not feel any impacts of the challenge and is not too long where you may no longer feel any additional benefits. It really is that perfect in between.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “It honestly depends on how a person adapts to change overall, and I find it personally realistic. This is because I was already planning on making changes during the least busy time in my school year. A habit as significant as this also has an impact on other habits, and if a person were to attempt this challenge with additional habits to fix, I believe it would be too much to handle in only 6 weeks.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Surprisingly realistic. More than the habit, the mentality and the value of the habit have sunk into me. ”
How do you feel knowing that where there was once 6-7 participants, there are now only 3 and you are one of those three?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "Knowing that I was one of the three remaining participants makes me feel proud of not only myself but also the others who have kept up and persevered through the challenge. ”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I'm just glad a few participants stuck around until the end because I want more people outside this challenge to know it is possible to improve their health as well. I also understand the others who couldn't continue had work to do, I just hope they catch up on sleep eventually :)”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I'm pretty proud of us three. Especially the other two. (they had no obligation). And I'm appreciative of everyone who tried too.”
Have you witnessed or undergone any major or minor changes in yourself, your life, or your environment over the course of this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "There hasn't been any major changes in my life but I do feel that there have been some minor ones. Over the course of this challenge, I feel that I've gained more energy throughout my day and I feel generally happier. I think that it has also made me a bit more organized and has given me more structure through the day. As for negative changes, the quality of my sleep is not always the best due to anxiety around school, but this does happen ever time school starts up again from the summer break. I must say however, that the be positive changes I've undergone over the course of this challenge far outweighs the negative changes.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “My work environment at home has actually gotten a bit tidier, as I had gotten advice from a friend in the middle of the challenge that really helped me. The "might as well" mindset (as they called it) helped me maximize my productivity and organization when dealing with limited time. I've become more focused on my tasks, as well as better at prioritizing and balancing what I want to do vs what I have to do. I remember back in grade 9, I was unsettled by having a routine and felt restricted, though after the wild grade 10/pandemic year, settling back into a routine has given me much less stress and I feel more appreciate of it.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Inside me: I no longer complain about lack of sleep, and I'm motivated and productive. Outside me: My parents (especially my mom) used to worry so much about me sleeping "late" and deteriorating my health. Now, they're just so happy and pleased with my routines and this support, and knowing I'm not burdening them so much anymore, makes me feel happier too.”
How are other commitments, habits, and practices going on for you right now in relation (or not) to this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "Commitments and habits have been going pretty well and this challenge has aided with that. The creation of routines, a result of this challenge, has helped me keep up with commitments I have as well as helping me keep up with habits as they ensure that I do what needs to be done.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Uhhhh I actually had gotten more commitments starting at the very end of this challenge so that's fun :') It's been very hectic and I haven't gone out much, so it's getting pretty difficult honestly.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “It's hard to commit to things, honestly, but the difficulty has nothing to do with this challenge because if anything, I'm more productive. It's definitely easier, though, to bounce back into exercise and diet routines when I'm not depressed over (belief of) lack of sleep.”
How would you feel about participating in another "make or break" sometime in the future?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "I would gladly participate in another "make or break" in the future as it grants an opportunity to create good habits and the weekly check-ins would help keep me on track.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “This challenge helped me get to know my boundaries much better and I always strive to keep improving myself, so I would love to join another!!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I would love to!”
Anything else you'd like to add?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "I just want to say to the other remaining participants that I know that at times the challenge may have been hard but I just wanted to say that you both did an amazing job and go us!!
Side note: To those who may be thinking of trying this challenge on their own, I say go for it! It's an incredible habit to create and the benefits of it are great.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “IF YOU'RE GOING TO START ATTEMPTING THIS ON YOUR OWN NOW OR ARE TRYING ALREADY, I BELIEVE IN YOU AND YOU GOT THIS!!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Nah, these were too many questions already. (why did I do this to myself and the other two?)”
Which best describes you right now?

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, happy)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, happy)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, happy)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

Five weeks into a six week challenge, we are closer than ever to reaching the finish line. It's clear those left are going to make it, but the question is whether they intend to hold on to this habit when prying eyes are gone. Let's hear our final three participants' thoughts:
**With 5 weeks done, do you feel as if being in bed by 11 will be a steady habit in a week? **
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I think that in a week being in bed by 11 will continue to be a steady habit as I've already gotten used to doing so.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “The past 5 weeks have proven my old self wrong in showing that I can be productive and maintain a proper sleep schedule at the same time! I now have no good reason to ruin this habit after I (hopefully) finish this challenge.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Yes! Or at least the feeling that not sleeping by 11 is terrible will be ingrained into my mentality completely.”
Are you looking forward to being done with the officialties of this challenge?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Honestly, I am looking forward a bit to being done with the officialties of this challenge as it does cause a bit of pressure that has me worried at times.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “No, I kind of like having that feeling of being grounded in discipline and having rules to follow when everything else in life can get disorganized from time to time. I have also grown a liking to the weekly check-ins because I haven't journaled or given time for myself to reflect the same way I have the last few weeks in a long time.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Hmm... I'm not sure. I fear the officialties is what kept me so committed to this, but I'm always learning new things about myself.”
Are there any noticeable changes between benefits and drawbacks (from this challenge) observed in the first week and now?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “In the first week I wasn't able to notice any benefits as I just started the challenge, however, 5 weeks in I've been feeling less groggy in the mornings with more energy. As for drawbacks there were none for the first week and still none up until now.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “HAHAHA the benefits of getting enough sleep don't exist anymore for me :'). I miss them, they actually gave me such a surprising amount of clarity! Now after week 5, I actually feel much more sleep-deprived (as I should on <6 hours). I honestly think that's a good thing. Previously, I had grown used to the numbness of constantly being tired, but now I am more in tune with my body and can physically feel it when it tells me to take better care of myself. Buuuut on the other hand... I have started drinking coffee (very, very weak coffee) only for feeling less groggy in the early mornings and the sake of keeping peak focus from caffeine (I literally count the hours before tests). Let's just hope I don't develop a dependency on it, what can go wrong?"
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Maybe. I still face the challenge of dragging my sister off her computer and into bed on time. The benefits remain the same in essence but are increasing in magnitude. I'm getting less energized but that's because I'm sleeping less hours. However, my good habit/routine practices are back in, and I know for a fact that I wouldn't have had the energy or mindfulness to bounce back into wellness if I wasn't organized and committed to one good habit: sleeping by 11.”
Has (keeping up with) this challenge contributed to more or less stress for you?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "It has contributed a bit of stress as workload for my courses has increased and I find myself spending more time on homework meaning that I'm working later into the night. This makes my night routine a bit more rushed than previous weeks causing a bit of stress as I need to ensure that I'm in bed by 11.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “More stress, but unlike the usual challenges life throws my way, it's a good stress that keeps me in check and I would like it to stay (surprisingly).”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Overall, less stress. Knowing I am keeping up with one healthy commitment that is my own decision actually alleviates stress because that means that even if I flunk my physics quests or struggle over getting relative acute angles, at least I've got my sleep routine together. At least I'm not a complete failure:')”
How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 6?
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "So close to finishing the challenge, I'm excited for the final week!”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “ONE MORE WEEK LET'S GOOOO (but I'm still hoping to keep going after this). I'm really excited to finally complete this challenge!!!!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Never been better:)”
Which best describes you right now?

Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 2 (woozy, dizzy)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 5 (sunglasses, chilling)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 10 (popcorn, vibing)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

I used to think habits took a month to stabilize. After 4 weeks of sleeping by 11, however, it’s clear 6 weeks is a better estimate. Challenges are still prevalent as ever, if not more as we dig past the orientation first month of the school year. It would be nice to say our participants are equally determined, but a look at their reflections reveals that 2 more weeks isn’t going to be easy. Much has changed, and much more can change:
As of now, how do you feel about your decision to try this challenge? (were your expectations realistic, idealistic, do you have any regrets)
Keren (Grade 10): “I think my expectations weren’t realistic, because I didn’t take into account something that could happen out of the blue that would cause me not to go to bed at 11.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I don't regret my decision about trying this challenge and I'm glad to have accepted it. As for my expectations, I feel that they were pretty realistic although the challenge has proven to be more difficult than I had initially thought.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “My expectations were somewhat realistic, as I realized that the ultimate goal of fixing my sleep schedule entirely would take a while to achieve. I did reach a few small victories though, and because of that I don't really have regrets!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I feel pretty good. I'm just glad I made this "official" because it really motivates me to take it seriously. I guess it really fits into what you call a SMART goal (throwback to Grade 9 Gym!) because it's so easy to measure and assess yourself. It's also lasting exactly 6 weeks, but as of now, I've decided I'm gonna keep going with this even after. My expectations were actually pretty realistic. I've found it's absolutely possible to sleep by 11 if I put my mind to it, and it's paid off. I still doze off at at least one random point during the day, but at least I'm not looking for every opportunity to nap like I used to. I'm performing better academically too.”
If you hadn't taken this challenge, what noticeable difference in your life (routines, efficiency, productivity, and performance) do you think might exist?
Keren (Grade 10): “Lower performance because of the lack of sleep, I also think I’d have a longer bedtime routine and a shorter morning routine.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I think that I would be more tired throughout the day because my sleep schedule would be very inconsistent. My routines and efficiency wouldn't have changed that much because I liked having routines even before partaking in this challenge and having them efficient.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I definitely would've been stuck in a severe spiral of feelings of self-hatred, I had always felt sluggish and out of control when it came to managing my day-to-day life. I wasn't working efficiently at all because I kept thinking, "I can keep working as long as I stay up". It was a total mess of pulling all-nighters and not getting any work done because of the constant lack of concentration. I also had no sense of routine anymore, not even for meal times! Sleep deprivation made me hungrier on some days than others, and I would snack randomly. However, I think the largest difference and most important to me would be how I dealt with the shock of returning to school. I believe I would've more feelings of being overwhelmed and panicked in my previous state, which would've been absolutely terrifying to handle.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I guess I would be a lot less efficient and productive, and my work and results would be much weaker in quality. I'm generally a bit on the stressed side right now, but I'm sure it would be worse if I were failing Functions because I couldn't pay attention.”
**What is keeping up to date with your social life like? Are there any sacrifices (even asides from social life, like regular exercise or practicing a particular hobby) that you have had to make? **
Keren (Grade 10): “I haven’t noticed any sacrifices I’ve had to make. However I did not go to bed at 11 on Thursday but it wasn’t a choice or a sacrifice that could have been made.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Keeping up to date with my social life hasn't been a problem as this challenge hasn't impacted it. I haven't been able to practice some of my hobbies, however, I don't think it is a result of this challenge but rather because of school and everything that comes with it such as homework and studying.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Honestly, one of my friend groups is nocturnal I swear. It's more difficult because I can't have long conversations with some of them anymore on voice calls, which I used to do even during all-nighters. I also can't join in online activities they do for that long, as they usually start pretty late. I've deleted Instagram as well, as sleep deprivation made me easily rely on instant gratification to deal with stress. I haven't really looked at posts sent to me anymore, I've just been checking for messages from time to time. I've sacrificed being able to go to my apartment gym regularly, though I've been more physically active at school anyways. As for hobbies, I've actually gained some rather than lose any! I've gotten back into playing my old instruments (I'm not good at all but I really enjoy it for coping with stress).”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “It's hard! Luckily I have friends who are very empathetic, relatable, and understanding, but it is hard. In particular, a lot of entertaining conversations occur at night around 9pm and 10pm when I should be studying so I can get in bed in time, and it's very hard to pull myself out of those. Well, actually, I haven't been recently, and the consequence has been more stress as I cram-study.
My exercise routine is also going down the drain. I used to be able to squeeze in a few sessions every day consistently, even if that meant a midnight yoga practice. As of now, I haven't run or worked out or trained in over 2 weeks. I feel terrible about it, but it's just so hard to balance all the work, priorities, etc, and still get in bed on time. The moment I get out of bed, I can't exercise because I have to jump right into studying and other work. However, I guess at the end of the day, my entire social life could be the end sacrifice I make to keep my fitness up...”
Is this getting more natural or more difficult? (do you think it will keep getting more natural or more difficult)
Keren (Grade 10): “Much more natural. At first, I wasn’t necessarily tired at 11, but now I definitely always am.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I feel that it's getting a bit more natural and will continue to be so.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Getting more natural, as I've figured out a routine!! I find this one really works well for me so far.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “It's definitely becoming more natural, but it's also getting more difficult in the sense that I'm realizing how much I will slowly lose if I keep trying to make this habit while not changing other bad ones like spending away too much time on Discord. I can no longer stay up past 11:30 (I get suuuper tired), I'm used to waking up in the dark and cold, and I can't imagine not feeling guilty for staying up later than 11. Still, I'm also realizing I'm doomed if I don't fix other habits in correspondence.”
How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 5?
Keren (Grade 10): ““Not so good.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "I feel good moving on with this challenge for week 5.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Now that I know how to have a sustainable routine and manage a decent workload, I'm feeling a bit more confident now! Let's do thisssss”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I can do this! I can do this... I. Can. Do. This.”
Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 7 (eyebags, weary)
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, content)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 10 (popcorn, vibing)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 1 (angry, determined)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

As we find ourselves at the halfway point of our first “Make or Break,” our participants have not only divided experience and perspective-wise. What was once seven is now four. Let’s see how these troopers are doing:
What changes have you noticed in your routine (sleep, morning, work)?
Keren (Grade 10): “I find myself rushing in a way to get to bed by 11:00. I stop doing my homework around 10:40 or so and quickly shower before going to bed.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I've noticed that my routines overall have become more efficient as I have gotten used to the new routines I've set for myself and they cause less stress, especially in the mornings, because they ensure that I don't forget to do anything important.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “A huge change I've noticed about the way I sleep is the lack of needing to use sleep methods. Previously I would need to fall asleep watching calming videos or listening to music, but now I can go directly to bed and fall asleep on command without any assistance. This also means I can be awake enough to put my alarm on the table before falling asleep, which actually makes it more audible for me in the morning - I've noticed my bed muffles the vibrations. I've also achieved my goal of regularly being productive in mornings, meaning I am fully awake when arriving to my first class of the day. Rather than panicking and frying my nerves when learning new concepts, I can actually slowly work through it and figure them out myself!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I've gotten a lot less productive at night, and a lot more during the day. I don't know if it's my general (changing) attitude or particular circumstances, but I spend most of my hours right up until 10:30 doing easy note-taking, or dare I admit it, SOCIALIZING. I make up for it in the early morning when I ensure I have at least an hour to be at least 80% full engine productive. I'm also relying on my TTC transit time to do quick 5-10 minute tasks.”
What changes have you noticed in your energy levels and performance?
Keren (Grade 10): “I have noticed that the effect of getting a little more sleep than before and being less tired has stopped. Lower energy levels throughout the day with spikes of high energy.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Lately I've been feeling less groggy in the mornings and felt ready to get up and get my day started once I've woken up.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Waking up early has given me enough time to eat breakfast everyday, and because I'm still not hungry around lunch time from breakfast, I try to maximize my productivity then. When I become hungry, it is perfect timing afterschool, which means I don't have a large energy crash anymore. Without the 3-hour afternoon naps, I can now sleep peacefully at night.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I'm feeling well energized throughout the entire day! I no longer fall asleep in class except for a few short moments:) I don't know if, again, this is due to "particular" changes in my personal life, or if it's due to this challenge. However, it was an interesting and welcome shift. I feel like although I'm still sleeping and getting up at the same time, for the same amount of time, I'm feeling much better over time. I feel fully refreshed and ready to go all hours of the day. I'm surprised if this really is proof of the quality of my sleep improving so fast and so soon, and it is exciting. Not only am I sleeping early and not only does that make me feel inclined to be productive, I'm actually in the right state of mind to be productive and happy now:)”
How do you feel when you talk to or think about people who sleep regularly by 11?
Keren (Grade 10): “I think if myself as a person that goes to sleep at 11, since I’ve been doing it for three weeks. I think if an efficient person who can get everything thing done quickly and get a lot of sleep, or someone who goes to sleep early to wake up at like 5am.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Talking to others who sleep regularly by 11, I feel encouraged to continue with the challenge as they seem more energized during their day and I really want to experience that as well.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “When I talk to people who sleep regularly by 11, I think they seem very put-together. I used to aspire to have their ability to find and stick to a schedule that works for them. They always seem to find leisure time to do fun activities I wanted to try.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I'm wowed by their consistency and accountability for their health. I wonder how they feel... do their bodies and minds feel as fresh and able as mine? Do they actively, subtly, or not appreciate it if they can? Why did they start or why do they keep sleeping by 11? Were they simply forced into it, or is it just a routine they've gotten used to?”
How do you feel when you talk to or think about people who (can) sleep later or have an irregular sleep schedule?
Keren (Grade 10): “Very disorganized, and maybe having to do things at the last minute.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Thinking about those who sleep later or have an irregular sleep schedule, I feel that they'd feel tired during their day and possibly have less focus in class because they are so fatigued.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “They feel very relatable, as if they know exactly what struggles I have. I had many friends that I would be open and vulnerable to very late at night, or work together past midnight (before this challenge). I get the impression they sacrifice some of their happiness in order to balance leisure and work time with an active social life, however they seem like they can finish their work easily under pressure (which I could not do). It also gives me the sense that they aren't feeling the healthiest mentally.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Oh they're missing out. Whenever someone mentions not getting enough sleep, or having slept late, I wish I could just tell them to do this challenge with me. It's not that I want to be a mom, but I really do think, especially after I'm noticing the quality of my sleep improving now, that making it a habit of getting in bed by 11 is worth it.”
How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 4?
Keren (Grade 10): “Pretty confident. I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): "Heading into week 4 of this challenge I'm feeling pretty good and am hopeful to see new benefits arise.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I think it's starting to become more sustainable for me, I've found a good balance between productivity and procrastination. I can feel myself getting into the routine, both mentally and physically. I used to pull all-nighters somewhat often, though now my circadian rhythm has definitely shifted as I can't seem to stay awake past 11:30 pm-12 am.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Week 4! Wow, time sure does fly:) I feel great, definitely excited to see if this excellent quality of sleep holds up.”
Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 5 (sunglasses)
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, content)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, content)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 4 (blushing, content)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

The first two weeks are without argument among the most eventful, dramatic ones of the school year… and they’re even more so when you’re trying to forge a new habit. Here are the thoughts of our “Make or Break” series participants two weeks into sleeping by 11:
Is this challenge getting easier, harder to keep up with, or the same?
Keren (Grade 10): “I think it has stayed the same. Completed homework before bed hasn’t been possible, but I’ve been able to finish it in the morning.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “Harder!”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “This challenge is becoming somewhat easier because I feel more tired from the day and I end up sleeping earlier because of this.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “This challenge is getting much harder to keep up with, in order to finish my increasing workload I find myself needing to wake up very early in the mornings, which was one of my biggest difficulties before I had started trying to build this habit.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I find that it's getting harder, not necessarily because of the challenges I complained about last week, but mostly because I'm getting lazier and lazier. I only start wrapping up my studies for bed around 10:50, whereas I used to be so adamant about being in bed by 10:30 so I could read with my sister. I guess I might be losing a bit of momentum.”
Are the benefits of this challenge increasing, decreasing, or the same in effectiveness and magnitude?
Keren (Grade 10): “They have stayed the same.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “When I get in bed by 11 I notice a big difference in my energy levels and well-being! It makes me want to go to bed by 11.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “The benefits of this challenge have stayed the same as I haven't noticed any new benefits, nor have I lost the benefit of having a bit more energy as a result of having time allocated for sleeping.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I would say the benefits of this challenge remained the same in effectiveness and magnitude overall, however, I believe some benefits are decreasing while others are increasing when focusing on them individually. In the previous week, I was feeling the positive effects of having long sleep times, such as less sleepiness in class and irritability. This week I had felt the benefits of enjoying the early morning, such as being able to wake up much earlier than I ever thought possible for myself, as well as getting my day started with a boost of productivity.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “They're about the same. I'm still glad I'm doing this though. I don't struggle to get out of bed in the morning, I still run long-distance some mornings (the days aren't consistent, but the times a week still are), and I'm more attentive in class than I was in previous school years. Like, I actually find myself learning in class now, rather than suffering and going home to suffer again as I attempt to teach myself late into the night.”
Are there any drawbacks in this challenge that you're noticing incrementing, decrementing, or remaining in magnitude?
Keren (Grade 10): “Finishing homework has become more of a challenge.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “As more of my extracurriculars start-up, I have less time to do my homework which makes me go to bed later (or not do it).”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “There haven’t been any noticeable drawbacks in this challenge so far.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “A major drawback I've noticed incrementing after Week 2 is, as predicted from Week 1, a somewhat low productivity rate that is not quite matching the increasing workload. Another drawback that had taken me by surprise is the energy crash that occurs after school - I find myself accidentally taking a nap (which personally always lasts for 3 hours, no more and no less), which wastes the perfect time in my daily schedule for schoolwork and causes insomnia late at night.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I've never noticed drawbacks and that fact remains the same for me.”
How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 3?
Keren (Grade 10): “A little nervous…”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “Hoping to do better than this week!”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I feel positive moving on with this challenge because I feel that I am getting used to my new schedule.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Week 3 might be the toughest of this challenge yet, as there are many upcoming tests and quizzes that I need to prepare for. I believe this might be the "make or break" week, where other habits that change my daily schedule have to be solidified or I will fall behind and would be forced to leave the challenge. ”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Very determined to be more disciplined and less lazy about getting in bed on time and ensuring I follow the other habits I was trying to pair (bedtime reading, morning long-distance running). I also have to make my morning routine MUCH more efficient. I think waking up early falsely gives me the impression I have time to dilly dally but really, that "extra" time should be designated for intense (or light) studying I couldn't do the night before.”
Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 9 (no expression, deadset)
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): Option 5 (sunglasses)
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 7 (weary, eyebags)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 3 (crying, sobs)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 1 (angry, determined)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

One week after the challenge began, we find ourselves once again with our “Make or Break” series participants for an update on their status. Let’s see how they’re doing:
Have you come across any challenges? How are you approaching them?
Keren (Grade 10): “I don’t think I have yet, the homework challenge has not been much of an issue since it’s only the first week of school. However, I did have to do homework one morning. I actually didn’t mind, because I found that I was much more productive and had a good nights rest, where as I am burnt out trying to finish my homework at around 9-12pm.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “I tend to start getting ready to go to bed at 11:00-11:20, so after I'm done my nightly routine, I get to bed at 11:40, but then fall asleep at 12. It's a challenge to get to sleep sooner, but I feel that the extra 30 min shouldn't make a big difference.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I have a lot of extracurriculars after school which makes it hard to complete my homework before 10:30. To approach this challenge I’m trying to do my homework faster and more efficiently.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I've had some trouble adjusting to a schedule with school as it is drastically different than my routine/schedule from summer. To approach this challenge, I've been trying to keep my current schedule generally consistent to hopefully adjust faster.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Before I started this challenge, I was sleeping much later (around 1-2am). I had not well adjusted to sleeping early, and I had experienced insomnia in the first half of the week because of it. Now that I have gotten used to sleeping by 11, it has become slightly easier everyday. Another challenge I face is an increasing workload that wasn't present in the first week, and I am currently in the process of rearranging my schedule during the day to be able to get enough sleep and stay productive.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I sleep with my grade 6 sister (she has her own room, but we enjoy each other’s company). As of now, I can easily manage myself and be in bed by 11. It takes considerable effort to force my sister to do the same. Sometimes that means shutting down the wifi in the house which gets me an earful of “You’re the worst sister in the world!”s and “I hate you”s but we reconcile eventually. Then, there’s the issue of us talking in bed about life. Honestly, I enjoy these conversations we have because they’re either super funny or super philosophical. They are too exciting and long, though, for one trying to fall asleep though at 11. I guess we’ll try to shorten them a little bit, as well as maybe climb into bed by at least 10:30 to comply.”
Have you noticed any changes in your behaviour or performance throughout the day? (mood, energy) Are they mostly positive or negative?
Keren (Grade 10): “I’m definitely have a much more positive attitude and more energetic in the morning, however, I still find my self tired in the afternoon since I’m still getting used to full school days after not having them for over a year.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “MUCH more energetic and focused.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “Not at the moment, but I home to encounter some soon!”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I haven't noticed any significant changes as of yet, however, I do think that had I not joined the study, my energy levels would be lower because of getting less sleep.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I've noticed that I feel much more energetic and happy with more sleep. I used to feel very weighed down and heavy, but I have felt lighter on my feet recently and feel motivated to be active when I have time. Another change that I found significant is not feeling exhausted in classes to the point where I fall asleep, and therefore have not ruined my regular sleep schedule from taking naps. Overall, the changes have already shown to be positive.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I can't really tell for my general mood or behaviour around others. I'm the kind of person who tries to be positive but also goes loopy or gets irritated for no reason without realizing. I think I'm the same person. I do feel more organized and motivated to not procrastinate though, and my study/work habits have definitely improved in efficiency.”
Have you initiated any changes in your routine?
Keren (Grade 10): “I make sure to shower earlier, at least getting in the shower at 10pm so I’m not rushing to get into bed. Since I’m going to sleep at 11, I have found that I wake up a little earlier and faster, which gives me time to sit on the balcony (if the weather is not to cold) and finish some homework or read. This is something I really like, because it starts my day off right (not on my phone as much in the morning) and gives me time to read which I didn’t have time for before.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Not since the beginning of the experiement.”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I put my phone outside of my bedroom every night.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I have started to get ready for bed at a consistent time that is earlier than which I normally get ready for bed.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “A change I have tried to implement so far is trying to do all my regular homework before dinner and saving the time afterwards for doing whatever I wanted, such as working on clubs, reading, or playing the ukulele. This advice was given to me by a friend that sleeps early on a regular basis and isn't part of this challenge!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I've started running long distance some mornings and plan to make it a routine for certain days of the week, which I would have never had the energy to do before... heck I could barely even wake up in time before, much less consider doing some exercise.”
How do you feel moving on with this challenge for Week 2?
Keren (Grade 10): “I feel pretty confident and satisfied with the benefits of choosing to do this challenge.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Good!”
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): “I want to keep going!”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I feel a bit uneasy as I know that my workload will start to get heavier and my routine may have to change to adjust to it.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I can see the workload severely increasing just from the first week, so I believe it will be difficult to balance this challenge and remain productive enough. I had definitely seen the benefits from the first week already though, and I have just as much incentive as the first week to see this challenge through!!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Good! I'm excited for what's in store, and as of now, I still think I got this in the bag. I'm definitely not stopping any time soon.”
Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 5 (sunglasses)
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): Option 5 (sunglasses)
Alexandra Miller (Grade 11): Option 6 (geeky)
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 3 (cry)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 4 (happy, blushing)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 4 (happy, blushing)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9

Too often, high schoolers find themselves caught up in a vicious cycle of procrastination, time-wasting, speed-running, late to no sleep, and poor results. At this point, we’re well aware of the importance of sleep, but we’ve trained our brains too long into casting it outside. That is why, as we begin a fresh school year, five other brave soldiers and I are challenging ourselves to be in bed by 11, ready to sleep, for six weeks straight. Typically, it’s believed that a habit takes six weeks to break or make. Let’s see if we can make a habit of sleeping by 11, and maybe other ones might be built or shattered in the process.
Here are the pre-start thoughts of our first “Make or Break” series participants, taken September 8, 2021:
Why did you choose to take part in this challenge?
Keren (Grade 10): “I thought it would be a great way to keep a consistent sleep schedule during the beginning of the school year. Coming back from vacation I want to get my jet lag under control as fast as possible. I know that sleeps important and I want to improve mine. I want to be able to wake up early without feeling too tired.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Over the summer, I've read about the importance of habit building and sleep (Why We Sleep Book by Matthew Walker), and I felt very inspired after reading those books. They helped me stop sleeping at 2-3 am and helped me sleep consistently at 12-1 am. I thought that this challenge was perfect and thought it could further help me achieve an even better sleep time.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I chose to take part in this challenge so that I could use it as an opportunity to start creating better habits and improve time management skills.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Often I have trouble concentrating and my thoughts feel jumbled when I'm sleep deprived. A problem I usually face is wanting to enjoy the morning by waking up early, but it's difficult for me to sleep earlier and I constantly end up with a lack of sleep. I feel much more productive in the early mornings and would like to make that a habit. Another issue I face is that I'm a heavy sleeper, and sleep deprivation really just exacerbates the situation. Multiple alarms can go off and I would completely miss them (this previously included a carbon monoxide alarm), or if I do catch them I'd turn off the alarms and "sleep for another 5 minutes". I believe having a solid reason to get to bed earlier rather than "just because I want to" will make me more determined to see this challenge to the end.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I've tried committing to improving my sleep habits many times before, and only one time, did I come close to sleeping at a good time (before 11)... for about three nights before I fell back into my regular routine. The thing is, no matter how busy or unbusy my schedule is, I always fail to prioritize my sleep, which I really should. I feel as if participating in a publicly updated and open challenge like this will force me into this habit, especially if I'm keeping it up for six weeks. It's a measurable goal, at least in my opinion.”
Anonymous (Grade 12): “I know a lot of my lack of sleep comes from procrastination because I know I can always stay up late to complete work. I usually set a hard limit to go to sleep around 2 or 3 am anyway so if I can just make that earlier, I'm hoping to improve my sleep schedule and work ethic.”
What do you hope to gain from these six weeks? (goals, desires, dreams)
Keren (Grade 10): “A good sleep schedule, and a way to create new habits.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “I hope that after these 6 weeks, I can go to school without dozing off in class (which happened a lot last year) and I can have more effective retention of class material.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “I hope that I'll be able to gain better sleep and I hope to be able to create a sustainable work schedule by learning to section off time properly with the goal of getting in bed and sleeping by 11.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I'm hoping that developing this habit will result in other lifestyle changes as well, such as efficient time management, being able to trust my self-discipline, and being more focused in my everyday work. Even if I don't succeed, I'm still interested in seeing if this motivates other people to work on self-improvement!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I hope to build the habit of consistently sleeping at a good time. I want to get used to dropping whatever I'm doing and sleeping without worrying because I'll just wake up the next morning refreshed and ready to continue. I hope to develop a consistent clear mind so I perform better in all aspects of my life, including school and family responsibilities (maybe I'll stop being so irritable). I want to get better at managing my time, and hopefully, as I'm forced to realize what's most important, I can also drop other bad habits of mine like wasting time procrastinating or scrolling pointlessly through social media, Webtoons, etc. Beyond myself, though, I hope that this challenge can help motivate other people to also develop healthier and more consistent sleep routines:)”
Anonymous (Grade 12): “Getting more sleep, less procrastination, better focus”
What challenges can you see yourself facing?
Keren (Grade 10): “Having homework, and not having time to finish it. Since I have extracurricular activities, and usually only get home by 9, that doesn’t give me a lot of time to do homework. [I also fear] just not being tired before 11 in general, having a hard time falling asleep”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “The first week would be difficult since I would have to solely rely on willpower rather than habits.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Challenges I can see myself facing is workload, procrastination, and getting over previous sleep habits, specifically the times I was used to sleeping at.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Some challenges I can definitely see happening result from wasting time during the day and pushing all my work to be done in the night time. I see myself spending time watching random YouTube videos, checking messages, having too many "breaks" in the daytime, then rushing my work starting at 10 pm. Often I also want to help others but never save enough time to work on my own projects unfortunately. This might lead to pulling all-nighters just to meet deadlines.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Struggling to let go of my obsession with games, and then struggling to finish an assignment. Having trouble sleeping at night because I couldn't finish the assignment and I'm stressed the time I set out in the morning won't be enough.”
Anonymous (Grade 12): “Too much work/due dates piling up, not being able to sleep at an earlier time even if I get in bed because of current sleep schedule.”
Are you making plans to help you overcome challenges? If so, please specify.
Keren (Grade 10): “Homework challenge: Being efficient and managing the time that I have, waking up early instead of staying up late to finish it.”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “I'll set an alarm to remind me to start getting ready to go to sleep.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “To overcome potential challenges I'm aiming to start any work given right away/finish it as early as possible and create a general schedule that I can follow to help me stay on track.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “I'm going to stick to using site blockers for social media platforms and stop using electronics right before sleeping. I will also use a to-do list but will try not to spend too much time organizing it as to stay time efficient. Doing activities that make me feel determined and productive such as exercising or doing tough activities earlier will hopefully stop me from laying around and waiting to start them too late in the day.”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “I'm mentally preparing myself for one, letting go of and living without the things I don't need, and two, for the prospect of dropping my pencil and then figuring out a steady time to wake up. If I have to sleep at 10:30 and wake up at 12:30 to keep up with this challenge, then so be it. Once my timetable gets stabilized and I figure out what each class looks like, I'll organize a rough schedule/map of my day and each course study slots.”
Anonymous (Grade 12): “Not drinking caffeine drinks after 8 pm, planning to work on projects early.”
How do you feel right now about starting school with this goal in mind?
Keren (Grade 10): “I feel a little more prepared for something that I didn’t really think about (sleep schedule) before starting this challenge”
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): “Motivated.”
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): “Starting school with this goal in mind makes me feel somewhat less nervous as it gives me a bit more structure to follow for the beginning of the year.”
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): “Honestly, I'm feeling more pressure because this has been a habit I've wanted to include since middle school and haven't been too successful with. Heading into Grade 11, I would like to focus more on responsibilities rather than kicking bad habits for the entire year. Getting started earlier on pushing these bad habits out are higher on my priority for the first few weeks of school, so I'm excited to get started!”
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): “Super excited. I got this.”
Anonymous (Grade 12): “Good but might not be able to meet this goal throughout the six weeks depending on my workload. Also might affect my ability to stay up late when I actually need to.”
Which best describes you right now?

Keren (Grade 10): Option 4 (happy, blushing)
Alisa Wu (Grade 11): Option 4 (happy, blushing)
Ayesha Rivera (Grade 11): Option 3 (cry)
Julianne Ho (Grade 11): Option 2 (dizzy)
Misheel Batkhuu (Grade 11): Option 6 (geeky)
Anonymous (Grade 12): Option 4 (happy, blushing)
If you would like to make any suggestions for our next "Make or Break" series, we would love to hear your suggestions! Send them in through here: https://forms.gle/9XwhusCA63ueVxCm9