The school year is well underway and scholars are asking for tips on how to succeed this year. We spoke with PSP mentors and asked them to share study and time management tips for a successful school year. We spoke with Mr. Morris from El Monte and Mrs. Quinonez from Ukiah. They both agree that if you are struggling with any subject you should reach out for help because there’s always someone willing to help.

Read their full Q & A’s below.

Mr. Morris is a teacher at South El Monte High School. He mentors four scholars and is the volunteer site coordinator for the school. He shared back-to-school tips with us in a Q&A.

Q: What study tips do you have for scholars this year?

A: Learn how to take notes well and you can ask your mentors for help with this. This will transfer to college as well because every professor teaches in different styles. Find a quiet place to study at home or at school to be able to focus. Don’t get in the habit of studying while listening to music because you won’t be able to listen to music in all settings.

Q: What tips do you have for scholars to practice good time management skills?

A: Don’t overextend yourself with too many commitments. Prioritize your academics above your extracurricular activities. Talk to your coach if if you’re doing sports about your concerns if you’re struggling. Use a planner or agenda to keep track of when things are due. Write deadlines down! Create a study plan for yourself so that you can have time to do everything that you want to do.

Q: What were your favorite and least favorite subjects while in school? How did you manage to study for your least favorite subject in school?

A: My favorite subject was English and social sciences. My least favorite subject was math and I asked the teacher for help. He wasn’t the most helpful so I worked with a friend to figure it out.

Mrs. Quinonez is a reading specialist at Yokayo Elementary School. She mentors one PSP scholar. She shared some back-to-school tips for this school year.

Q: What study tips do you have for scholars this year?

A: Map out deadlines and due dates because some students don’t realize how quickly time passes. As soon a you get deadlines map out important dates to remember. Set up a study routine for yourself and dedicate at least 20 minutes to focus on the different areas of study that you have. Create study groups during lunch a couple times a week. High school scholars should check in with their guidance counselor especially freshman introduce yourself so that they know who you are.

Q: What tips do you have for scholars to practice good time management skills?

A: For myself I get to school half an hour early to get ready. I recommend getting to school early so you can focus on finishing extra work because after school there’s usually jobs or sports. Devote time in the morning so that you’re not in a rush in the afternoon. Meet with your mentor once or twice every two weeks to reflect on your tasks and set a plan to accomplish them.

Q: What were your favorite and least favorite subjects while in school? How did you manage to study for your least favorite subject in school?

A: My favorite subject was history. My least favorite subject was math. When I was in school it took a while to realize that I wasn’t the only one that struggled. We spoke to our teacher and created a “lunch bunch” where a group of students would study during lunch and the teacher would come in and the students discussed.