This is partly exactly what it looks like, but it's first hand experience. If this helps even one worried kid, I'll be happy. As it is, I wish somebody had told me this one year ago. So while this may seem I'm talking directly to you, the stressed and worried little student staring at my page (just humour me and pretend there is one of those), I'm sort of talking to myself, too. This is just one of those things that you need to see written down to get anywhere near believing it.
Here's the secret. Try to work hard.
It really isn't as easy as it sounds, I know that, trust me. I've always been a good student, sure, and so have people around me, but stuff starts building up, and you need to try to keep on top of it. Especially if you have other things going on in your life, too.
However, here comes the part your parents aren't going to agree with.
Follow your heart. If you want to take a break and watch a TV series, go for it. If reading high school AUs to feel like your favourite characters are going through the same issues as you, hell, I can point you to some rec lists.
If you want a night out, or to curl up with your favourite book or movie alone or with friends, please, do that. If it's a bad day, and you're really not up to doing any work, and there isn't a pressing deadline, take the time out. You'll feel better about it later.
Also, make sure you have a kick-ass music collection to hand if you need it. Some people prefer to work in silence, and if that's you, fine, whatever helps, but if you want motivating music, try out your favourite soundtracks, things like Pirates of the Carribean, or Iron Man. Or music you know so well it's a comfort.
Whatever helps.
My dad told me to step down the obsessions, because that was all I spoke about at home, but you know what? That's what helps me. I watch Supernatural, Superhero movies, Doctor Who, fucking Star Trek, and I take inspiration.
Right now, it helps for me to climb into my Science Blue Trek uniform, at my desk, to do my school work. Because let's me honest, you couldn't get onto the Enterprise without a lot of hard work, and everybody who owns one of those uniforms is important, gets their work done.
Of course, maybe what you prefer is reading the Harry Potter books, watching the films, pretending you're just a few steps away from Hogwarts, if you can get through this. Or you're on some muggle-exchange program. I get into habits sometimes of keeping my copy of Quidditch Through The Ages near my pillow, reading through it to remind me that world is right there.
Hell, watch Glee and pretend you're in the same school, that they're all your friends. Anything at all.
It helps me to pretend I'm working towards Starfleet, that I'll shape up and ship out out as soon as I get through this year. But try explaining that to somebody that doesn't understand how you love things, and then problems arise.
This doesn't just apply to this part of life, though. I guess it works on all levels. Do whatever helps, whatever makes you happy, because your work will suffer if you aren't happy. One of my best friends pretends he's on Shore Leave until the Enterprise is back up and running, to get him through his job.
I've got a hard year ahead of me, year 13 is tougher than year 12, and right now all I have to do is plan a 2 minute talk about a book I read and read through a blog I'm going to use for coursework, but sooner or later I'm going to have to really knuckle down, and so are you.
So good luck. You do you. You'll be just fine. You're doing great. And there's always someone nearby that sympathises with you.
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