Seniors’ Secrets to a Successful School Year at Lab

Senior graduation day (Pinterest)

Ever wonder what the upperclassmen have learned in their four years here? We asked some seniors to share their top tips on everything from clubs to classes and even cheaper lunch options.

Connecting to School:

The students we spoke with said it’s important to get involved within your school community. “Join as many clubs as you can in the beginning of the year to find what you’re passionate about, and I promise by the end of the year you will be spending time doing something you actually really love,” says Norah Nakatani. Being open to talking to new people is helpful too. Norah suggests to “try and connect with everyone because you never know who could be your new best friend.”

Handling Your Workload:

The best way to stay on top of your homework but still have time for your activities is to get ahead of your assignments, the seniors explained. Ellie Berman recommends, “Start to work on bigger projects as early as possible.” If homework is given over the weekend, “it’s a good idea to tackle the assignments Friday after school so you can be free the rest of the weekend,” Nakatani suggests. You could even get the work done before you leave for the day. “Staying after fourth period in the teacher’s room during lunch can sometimes be a good option,” notes Gracyn Stein.

Balancing your schoolwork and outside activities is definitely a struggle for many, but if you put time into getting organized, it won’t be so difficult. “I recommend having a calendar for monthly events. Break it up by week, and update it. Google Calendar is definitely a helpful tool,” says Zohara Weiner. “It is super important to prioritize friendships and self-care, especially in high school.”

Building Relationships with Teachers:

If you really want to connect with your teachers, it helps to talk with them about more than just class. “I think the teachers at Lab are very special. They truly want to get to know their students on a personal level. I think just talking to them about their lives, or even why they love to be a teacher, is a crucial part of getting to know them,” says Weiner. Stein agrees. “I got to know the teachers better when I stopped worrying about what they thought about me and started joking around with them,” she says. One good time to do this is after school, adds Nakatani. “Go to office hours because it not only helps you a ton but also helps you connect with your teachers. Be friendly and try to start conversations with them.” Taking actions like these will not only help you create better relationships with teachers but could also make your experience at Lab more meaningful.

Taking Advantage of the NeighborhoodThe area around Lab has a lot to offer. Berman loves hanging out and studying at Chelsea Market, specifically the outdoor seating and Think Coffee. “Both have great food and an atmosphere conducive to studying,” she explains. When it comes to out lunch, you don’t have to spend a lot either. “My favorite cheap lunch is an egg and cheese on a bagel from the deli,” she says. “It’s reliably good.”

So, what’s the bottom line? If you’re struggling to settle into life at Lab, these tips from seniors will help you feel more comfortable and engaged in your classroom and beyond.

Join These Clubs!

Here are some senior favorites:

Design Club: “We had a fashion show last year that was really popular and have a lot of upcoming projects like turning the school into a winter wonderland, making the teachers their own Barbie posters and collaging with a ton of different clubs.” –Norah Nakatani

The Swamp: “The Swamp is truly my baby and I’m so proud of it. One of the special things about Lab is how easy it is to become a leader just by being committed and passionate about a subject.” – Zohara Weiner

Sports teams or LTC: “They are both great ways to get to know people from all grades.” – Ellie Berman