Lots to weigh in planning a schedule

When it seems students are just settling into their second-semester classes and getting back into their routine of homework and studying, another wrench is thrown into the system: next year's schedule.

Recently we were told to fill out an enrollment card with classes we hope to take next year. This meant that night after night many students would be looking through student handbooks, talking to their parents and doing some soul searching to try to figure out what classes they want to take next year.

It may seem simple, just write down what you want to take, but first you need to know what credits you need to graduate high school or get into your preferred college -- assuming you have one. Then you need to figure out what type of careers you're interested in and which college prep classes help with those careers and college majors.

It can get a little stressful when you're thinking about what you want to do when you grow up, what college you should go to, what should you major in and what classes should you take in high school to get to that point.

From my experience, if you just slow down, everything goes better. The counselors aren't lying to us when they say people change their minds on their chosen career. I've even heard people in college say they don't know what they want to do yet. So slow down, take your time.

I first looked at what credits I needed to graduate and made sure that I picked a class from those categories. Then I looked into what I want to do when I'm older. I then briefly looked into colleges and modeled my schedule to fit some schools' requirements. Looking into colleges can be overwhelming and stressful, but many students don't actually start applying until the middle of their junior year, so as sophomores we've got plenty of time. But a little bit at a time keeps you less stressed and overwhelmed.

But don't forget -- as everyone says -- this is supposed to be the best time of our life. Add in classes you enjoy.

Voila! At last, I have completed my schedule for next year.

And now that that's done it's time to return to the normal routine of school, finally.

Carlie Cattron is a sophomore trying to find her way through the halls of Jackson High School and documenting it in a monthly column.