April 8, 2025
By Ioanna Hantzaras
Staff Writer
How do some of the school’s busiest students juggle Advanced Placement classes, extracurriculars and sports while still finding time to do homework and study? For three of LHS’ scholars, it’s all about discipline, strategy and a little bit of music.
Senior Chelsea Cardo takes a total of five AP, dual enrollment and honors classes. Cardo, who is also part of various extracurricular activities and clubs, said she uses a planner to stay organized.
“I can keep track of when assignments are due and when I have tests so that I’m aware of what I am responsible for,” Cardo said.
She said that during rehearsals for the school musical, she used downtime to complete some of her homework assignments.
“If I’m not doing anything, I’d rather get [my homework] done than worry about doing extra work [later],” Cardo said.
When preparing for AP tests, which she began taking her sophomore year, Cardo said she starts studying about a month before the exams.
“[I do] a lot of practice questions and practice tests… and review all my notes,” Cardo said. “Repeating my notes out loud helps me memorize them. Vocalizing information demonstrates an understanding of the material.”
Cardo said she enjoys listening to instrumental jazz music while she studies and keeps her phone away to avoid getting distracted.
FACT BOX BY IOANNA HANTZARAS Using productive study techniques can improve students’ chances of excelling in their classes.
“[It] creates a calm atmosphere in which I can fully focus on my objectives,” Cardo said.
Similarly, junior Evangelise Amaya said she listens to classical music as she studies.
“With music, I’m able to do a lot more without losing concentration. I find that it also motivates me to keep going and keep writing,” Amaya said.
She said she often asks her teachers for extensions on assignments, especially during the height of swim season in the winter, when she falls behind in her schoolwork.
“It’s important to do well in school because it is a reflection of who you are. You are in school for the majority of your day. Your grades reflect how well you pay attention and use your resources.”
“Most of my teachers are understanding and don’t mind,” Amaya said. “It’s very surprising the amount of teachers who are willing to work with you.”
Amaya said she does not try to avoid burnout. Instead, she puts in her best effort regardless of the circumstances.
“I usually experience burnout at least twice a year,” Amaya said. “I power through and keep trying to finish strong.”
Amaya said students should take their academics seriously.
“It’s important to do well in school because it is a reflection of who you are. You are in school for the majority of your day. Your grades reflect how well you pay attention and use your resources,” Amaya said.
Junior Daniel Bojilov is enrolled in AP European History and AP Language and Composition in addition to being on the varsity basketball team and playing in an off-season league.
“In AP Euro, there are a lot of slides and notes to study, and even if I wouldn’t have homework, I would catch up over the weekend to understand the material and fully process it,” Bojilov said.
He said AP classes require dedication.
“If you had a test [in a non-advanced class], you would study for 20 minutes and be fine, but now you have to sit down and comprehend the terminology,” Bojilov said.
He said he strives to be disciplined when he gets home from school.
“I’ll be so tired, [but] I know that if I lay down on my bed, it’s over,” Bojilov said. “I try to keep my energy up, not lay down, not go on my phone as much because it would draw me in and try to get on the Chromebook and [work at my] desk as much as possible.”
Bojilov said students’ academic efforts pay off in the long run.
“You’re not going to get better if you don’t put in the work,” Bojilov said. “You’ve got to suffer to gain success.”
