Ozzy Wagenseil, ‘22

October 2019

So. You got yourself into Bard. Not a bad choice if you want to go to a high school. We have many opportunities for everyone here, as well as an amazing early college program. However, you can’t walk through these doors expecting the work to be a breeze. Bard is a place where you have to try your hardest and be a determined, diligent student. But, luckily, you are reading this. This list will go over every single necessity for being the best student at Bard. 

• Set multiple alarms: Especially if you get little sleep (which is going to happen to everyone when you go to this school). You need those alarms in order to get your tired butt out of bed and to start getting ready for school.

• Get some coffee: Okay, so maybe those multiple alarms did not really help you that much, and you are walking out of the house like a drunken buffoon. Just go to the nearest deli or Starbucks, get yourself a refreshing coffee so that caffeine wakes you up, and feel like you actually did have a good night's sleep. 

• ALWAYS have your student Metrocard: Okay, this is a big rule. This is your lord and savior, which makes you feel special compared to those adults who actually have to pay to go to their destination. But seriously, it’s very useful for when you are going to school, whether that be by bus or by train. And it will be such a pain if you happen to lose this or else you will have to pay with real money. A very dreadful thought, indeed.

• Get to school on time: No, it does not make you cool if you show up after 9:00 every day. This makes you look very irresponsible in front of the teachers as well as your classmates, and can even affect your grade. In fact, you should be trying to head out to school for at least 10 minutes before your first class starts. This maybe could give you enough time to put some stuff away in your locker and maybe even do some last-minute homework if you want. You can even grab some quick snacks at the cafeteria too!

• USE YOUR FREE PERIODS: Be productive! This can include doing your homework, writing essays, etc... However, you can use some of your free periods if you really want to be able to hang out with friends if you have a light day, not including that much work. But just note, do what is necessary so you won’t procrastinate.

• Talk to your teachers: Talking to your teachers is an important necessity if you want to show you care about your classes. You can ask for help with work or if you simply need them to look over your most recent draft and see what you should improve on. While this can already help with your work, coming in to talk with your teacher shows them that you want your work to be as best as it possibly can be. That makes a good impression on your teachers, which you’re going to need. Good luck. 

• Use your environment: Even if it is small, this school has a list of resources you can use. You have a library if you need a place to study or check out a book. You have a computer lab where you can write your essays and fix your lab reports. And even outside of school, you need something to eat, there are many delis and shops where you can grab a quick bite to eat (the 1 dollar pizza is very, very good).

• Make friends: You are not going through this struggle alone. BHSEC’s student population is very diverse, and everyone has their many interests and personalities. Chances are, you are likely to find someone with those same interests as you. Making friends can help you ensure you stay on track at school. This can include helping you study for a test, doing assignments together, among other things. It will make you feel glad you chose this school.

And finally… 

GET SLEEP: Seriously. Keep in mind that sleep is more important than doing your work. Sure, it’s okay to stay up late at times, but don’t do it every single night. If you do, you will always wake up very drowsy and tired for school. Make sure that sleep is the number one thing you strive for because it will greatly benefit you.