As we round the corner into the final stretch of the semester, I’ve noticed a strange phenomenon. You all know what I’m talking about—the grand October Slump. It’s like you’ve collectively decided that maybe doing the bare minimum is good enough. And hey, I get it. Fall activities are in full swing, Halloween is just around the corner, and you’re probably thinking about how to make the most of those weekends. But let me tell you, this is not the time to let your grades slip into the abyss.
Here’s what usually happens: you start slacking off. That’s right, I see you scrolling your phones under the desk, thinking I don’t notice. I notice. I also notice that homework has suddenly become optional in your mind. This time of year, many of you seem to cross your fingers and hope that extra credit will be your savior, or that teachers (like me) will magically bump you up from a C- to an A+ just because we feel so generous.
Let me be real with you: that’s not happening.
Here’s the thing—you’re not just coasting through a semester, you’re coasting through life, hoping that someone else will pick up the slack. But success doesn’t work that way. The students who are still showing up, still taking notes, and still doing the homework (you know who you are) have figured it out. They’ve learned how to play the game. They understand that the habits they build now—consistency, discipline, working hard even when they don’t feel like it—will pay off not just in grades, but in life. Comfort and ease don’t just show up one day; you earn them.
So, here’s my wish for you: Stop waiting for miracles. Start working. Use this last part of the semester to show yourself your capabilities. Don’t settle for mediocrity when you could be building momentum for the future. There’s a world out there waiting for you after high school—don’t face it with half-done homework and a shrug. Face it with confidence, knowing you gave it your all.
Now, go finish that essay you’ve been putting off. Remember, the only thing standing between you and greatness is effort (and maybe a couple of unfinished assignments).
Wishing you the best of luck (but mostly hard work),
Mrs. Labry, your biggest fan (and occasional nag)
Evelyn Gomez • Oct 20, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Reading through this had made me think and even gave me the motivation that I’ve Been needing. I struggle with homework and I do have it as an option but reading through every paragraph also had me noticing that I only have one life and I cannot just do half done work. I need to put for it to be noticed as hard work.