It’s finally that time of year where stress is at its peak. And there’s one particular reason we, the seniors, have in common: Senior Paper.

No matter whether you have Senior English or AP Literature & Composition, your limits and capabilities are tested this semester. And although it may seem extremely daunting and scary, here are some tips to ensure your success for your time semester here at La Joya Community High School.

• Be aware of time. Be sure to be pay attention to all your deadlines and know what’s coming up next. Constantly knowing what’s due in the near future will help you become better prepared. Owning a planner or making a calendar for yourself are major advantages.
• Networking this semester is extremely important. Turn to reliable peers to edit and look over your essay before seeking approval from a teacher or TA. Talk to your classmates on how you can improve your writing and do not fear criticism as it will only make you a better writer and heightens your chances of getting your paper approved. And be open to edit other people’s paper as they might need your assistance as much as you need theirs.
• Take advantage of your resources. As reliable as Google is, it is not your best friend in this case. Seek academic sources outside of what’s easily available. LJ’s EBSCOhost may not always have what you’re looking for, so here’s some other sources you can use with your teacher’s permission
  • If you are an EMCC Dual Enrollment student through AP Literature & Composition, use EMCC’s Literary Database and other academic-based databases.
  • If you are an Avondale Public Library member, you can use the Avondale Public Library Database.
  • Google Scholar
• Do not procrastinate. As it is easier said than done by quite the margin, now is not the time to catch a bad case of senioritis. It is not worth it. Doing things early and staying on top of things cannot hurt you. Find motivation within yourself, within your friends and family, or within your teachers.
• NHS is offering Peer Tutoring after school on Wednesdays in Rm. 822. NHS members and Mr. West will be in the computer helping with whatever you may need help on whether that’s senior paper or algebra homework. Utilize this tool for any extra help you may need.

As much as no one like doing a lengthy essay, or staying up all night looking for notable literary criticisms, senior year is coming to a close end and this is one of the last and final things you have to do before walking across that stage. Do not let an English paper prevent you from one of the biggest moments of your life. You can do this, Lobos!