The Trojan Times editorial staff is thrilled to kick-off the 2025-26 school year
This year, The Trojan Times welcomes a new group of aspiring writers onto the editorial board! With new classes, teachers, and course materials, it is important to practice productivity and good study skills. To kick off the 2025-2026 year, each editor has prepared a productivity tip for freshmen and other students. Here’s what they have to say:
“If you can’t focus, try changing your surroundings or going for a walk. The change might be able to kick you out of your unproductive state and going outside can clear your head. I usually go to Starbucks, but only because I can easily walk to it. But anywhere is fine!” –Carina Ahn (‘28)
“A brain food I use to get work done is a tall glass of chocolate milk.” –Abhay Gosalia (‘28)
“I feel that I’m most productive when I’m listening to music that I love!” –Skylar Rostolsky (‘28)
“Keep a list of any assignments you have to complete and order it by urgency! Update it directly after any class with new assignments you’ve been given. The Schoology calendar is cluttered, so having your own personalized and prioritized list will make your workload more manageable.” –Arlind Saro (‘28)
“I love listening to music whenever I do work.” –Bela Shah (‘28)
“Find a study buddy who can keep you accountable!” –Virginia Spellman (‘28)
“Scribble on a piece of paper while reading. It helps me retain the information!” –Ashley Aguilar (‘27)
“My favorite productivity tip is color coding everything, whether it be highlighters, sticky notes, or pens. It helps me feel more organized and adds some fun to studying.” –Audrey Rocco (‘27)
“To be able to fully concentrate on getting the work done, it is best to put away anything that can distract you.” –Anastasiia Zeleniak (‘27)
“Do not study on your bed! Find a quiet place whether it be your desk, your kitchen table, or a comfy living room chair and make that your place where you study and do homework. You will be more likely to stay focused and not fall asleep!” –Lily Carey (‘26)
“Go to Starbucks and drink a matcha!” –Anna Ippolito (‘26)
“Use headphones with noise cancellation and listen to instrumental versions of songs you like.” –Mia Kamppari (‘26)
“Reward yourself by taking breaks! I like to do focused work for a good hour, then do an activity, like playing guitar or crocheting. Never work to the point of losing your mind, especially if it’s late at night and you know your work won’t be efficient.” –Sophia Kim (‘26)
“In order to have sufficient energy and a brain that can absorb and process new material, make sure you get enough rest! Don’t underestimate the power of sleep; poor sleep habits can hinder your productivity and lead to a cycle of taking longer to complete tasks, having poorer memory retention, and feeling like a zombie.” –Petra Lee (‘26)
“The best way for me to be productive is to read before I work. Even if it’s something simple or stupid, it’s a spark that gets my brain to start working in a productive mode. It starts a momentum that I can capitalize on and get good work done with.” –Connor Pilong (‘26)