When I started year 12, I heard stories of my friends in the years above who’s only focus during their final year of school was their marks and trying to get the best ATAR that they could. While this motivation can be positive, it can quickly lead to burnout and loss of motivation if you have nothing to focus on outside of school work.

Making time for hobbies and other activities outside of studying is vital in being able to stay consistent in your study habits throughout the year and actually being able to make it to those important HSC exams. Catching up with friends every weekend, taking breaks to watch tv or going outside can make all the difference throughout the year. These little moments can provide motivation to keep on going and give you something to look forward to in those difficult study sessions.

Throughout year 12 I made sure to have many of these moments to stop throughout the week. I would make time to exercise and train in my sport, including travelling to the UK to compete, and made sure to always make time to see my friends. Although this took time out of my studying, it made the time that I did have more productive as I knew what I had to get done and was able to put my head down and complete it.

Just remember that Year 12 is more than just your atar, it’s the experiences and memories with your friends and others that you will remember more than the time spent studying. So make sure to take time away from your desk to do the things that you enjoy the most because it will make the year a positive memory that you can look back on in the future.

Maddie Manins