By Caroline Bryant
It’s almost time for the 2025-2026 school year, and we’re so excited to welcome learners to AoH! We can’t wait to see some familiar faces and meet new ones, too.
But, whether you’re a returning learner or starting fresh at AoH, we know that a new year can be daunting. To ease the transition, here are a few tips to help calm your mind and prepare you for success:
Create a Schedule
Balancing work, school and your personal life can be tough. It may feel overwhelming, like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done. It’s essential to build and follow a schedule that works for you. You may block off certain periods of the day to finish homework or to give yourself time to rest after a busy day at work. Using a calendar, to-do lists or task trackers are popular tools.
Regardless of how you plan your schedule, it’s important to stay consistent and not overwork yourself. Doing so allows you to build time management skills that are soft skills (non-technical, social behaviors) sought out by employers and prevent burnout to keep you motivated.
Utilize Your Resources
At AoH, we have an abundance of resources to help learners succeed at school. Our Student Support team is dedicated to helping learners understand and access these benefits, such as tutoring, childcare and housing. To find your assigned Student Support specialist, refer to the list below:
Ward 5 Daytime: Shatyra Henry, shatyra@aohdc.org
Ward 5 Evening: Coretta Edwards, coretta@aohdc.org
Ward 8 Daytime: Porsha James, porsha@aohdc.org
Ward 8 Evening: Nathaniel “Nate” Swinson, nathaniel@aohdc.org
Build Connections
Your academic journey doesn’t have to be spent alone. Alongside resources, take advantage of your connections at AoH. Ask your teachers for help. Seek aid from staff. Spend a moment to get to know your classmates— create a study group, grab lunch together before or after class.
Building a support system that confides in each other and understands what it’s like to return to school can help motivate you to finish strong.
The connections you have prior are just as important. Discuss with your family and friends what you need to be successful at school.
Stay Positive
Be proud of the challenges you overcame and how far you have come to be where you are today. Celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small, to boost your confidence.
If you feel like you’re struggling, remember why you returned to school and reflect on your goals. Student Support can help you tweak your goals by changing or breaking them down. You can also speak with an instructor for suggestions on how to improve. Adjusting your objectives can help prevent fatigue or school anxieties.
Conclusion
Putting together the puzzle pieces of a successful school year doesn’t have to be solved alone. With the help of friends, family and AoH, building time management skills, applying resources, growing your support system and maintaining a positive attitude can be achieved to view the full, beautiful picture of your academic journey.
Have a wonderful school year, AoH. You got this!