Woodgrove’s Class of 2025 is full of accomplished students. However, being able to excel in anything takes nothing short of the finest time management skills. Some seniors seem to have found their perfect balance, allowing them to maximize both learning and fun.

Izzy Jewell, a Virginia Thespian Officer who is deeply involved in theater, is a huge advocate for using a planner. She shared, “I try to add as much detail as I can and have specific times for everything.”

This year’s Student Council Vice President, Rory Schriver, also loves her agenda. “It helps me complete tasks and manage homework so that I have enough time to do it,” Schriver stated.

A busy student and artist, Kristian Holland sometimes struggles to find time to draw. However, he has found that blocking out time when he is not stressed has led to the creation of some of the works that he has had the most fun making. “Don’t be afraid to just make a piece. Having that constant pressure of making things really good is really scary so just be loose with it,” Holland advised.

“Try to get involved… It makes school so much more fun!” Schriver suggested. She joined Woodgrove’s student council when she was just a freshman. By the time she was a sophomore, she was voted into her first leadership position. “It just starts by showing up!”

“Just jump in! [Theater] is such a welcoming community,” Jewell encouraged, with the same outlook as Schriver. “Nobody’s really gonna be looking at you. No one’s gonna be judging you. Even if they do, they’re not worth your time. Just go for it.”

“It’s better to go out and do the things that you want to do instead of hiding and pretending you’re someone that you’re not just to get the recognition from people who don’t really care about you,” Holland agreed. “Anyone can start art. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience.”

This year, Schriver decided to try something new: run cross country. “I’ve tried five different sports. I’ve been completely new at some of them and it’s just so worth it…If you have a slight interest in doing it, do it…It’s never too late to try those things!”

“[High school has taught me] to have fun and just stay in the moment… I’ve enjoyed myself all of high school, which has been such a huge blessing,” Schriver expressed.

No matter what grade you are in, finding your footing amidst chaos can be a difficult puzzle to solve. According to the Class of 2025, appreciating the simple things seems to be a universal solution.