Taking the time to consider your interests and aptitudes can be a great way to start figuring out what direction you would like to take in life. Acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses helps you determine which paths are promising or may require more effort. In whichever case, keep in mind that obstacles can always be overcome with hard work and dedication. With the right attitude, you will find a place where your aptitudes are useful and you feel engaged. Exploring any curiosity you may have is also a great way to take advantage of unique opportunities that may await you. Ultimately though, it is important not to get lost in this journey.

Taking a look back at your grades from middle school can be really useful. It's a great way to reflect on how far you have come both in terms of academic ability and as a person more generally. You may notice that some aspects of learning were more difficult to come to grips with while other parts seemed easier. Regardless, all of these experiences shaped the capable student you are today.

Taking on a rigorous course load can be quite demanding. As you're making decisions about how much work you want to put into each of your classes, it's important to remember that hard work and dedication usually leads to good results. It's okay to give yourself space to take a break and not become overwhelmed, but when you focus on committing aligned effort to your studies, achieving your goals will become easier and more achievable. Research shows that focus and sustained effort during times of difficulty allow us to develop resilience and higher levels of perseverance. Try breaking down challenging tasks into smaller chunks or setting specific study times throughout the week to stay ahead.