Romantizing School: The Beauty in the Everyday
Are you one of the teens slowly deteriorating as the school year rolls on and lacking the motivation to do anything school-related?
You're most likely bored of the never-ending cycle the school year provides, and whether it's the sophomore slump, junior jitters, or senioritis, we’ve all been there, and sometimes, even a few simple measures can turn your mindset back to becoming an academic weapon. From music, personalization, and organization to school supplies, well cover it all.
Personalization
Often, our school supplies are all too plain; your basic BIC pens and breaking mechanical pencils don't allow for a feel-good experience when you open your bag to work.
Stickers are available on Amazon and Etsy, or you can easily make them at home with printable sticker paper!
This is something few recognize as a problem; however, by personalizing your school supplies to make them fun for YOU, you'll automatically feel more drawn to utilize them!
I've always been one to collect and harbor stickers, saving them for the perfect opportunity to be used. However, I've since started personalizing all my things with stickers, such as my school laptop, notebooks, and more. This small action has changed my motivation, as I'm always excited to use my cute personalized items!
This is a collage I made using Canva!
And this doesn't just apply to stickers; if you like to draw, you can doodle on the covers of your notebooks, or you can even make a collage of all the things you love for your laptop wallpaper! Simple personalization like this does more than one can imagine, and it has truly changed my perspective of school.
2. School Supplies
School supplies are so essential! They are your identity in school and play a huge role as you use them in every class period. I upgraded my school supplies to more fun and cute options a few years ago, and I’m now excited to use them daily! Here are some of my favorites:
Zebra Mildliners
Zebra Mildliners have been the golden standard for highlighters for quite some time, and for a good reason: they're fantastic! They have many color options and palettes, and I love using them for notes and annotating.
(They also have a new product: two colors on one end of the highlighter to create a gradient!)
Find them here on Amazon.
Find them here on Amazon.
Kokuyo Campus Smart Binders
You can purchase them in bulk or singles and buy paper to refill as needed. They are literally a binder and notebook combined, as the spirals fold open for paper to be taken in and out. I purchased this pack 2 years ago and have used the same set since, and I havent needed to buy more paper thus far! I cannot recommend these enough.
Pentel Energel 0.5 Fine Needle Tip Pens in Pink
These are the best pens ever! Coming from someone who has tried a lot of pens (I mean a lot), I can say that these are the best money can buy.
Also, by purchasing the pink color, you are directly donating to breast cancer awareness, which is great.
(Let me know if anyone wants an entire post about school supplies!)
3. Planning and Organization
Growing up, I didn't believe in planners. I relied on my mind to remember various tasks and homework assignments; however, as I progressed through school and work became more tedious, this was no longer possible. However, my bag was already so heavy I didn't want to invest in a physical planner, so I turned online.
I began using Google Calendar when a teacher recommended it to me.
Google Calendar Weekly Display
I highly recommend Google Calendar, especially to anyone who wants to block out more than just assignments, and it's free! I used this from August 2022 through May 2024. It was efficient and straightforward, finally allowing me to have all my assignments in one place.
If you are someone who has tried Google Calendar and wasn't happy with the customization, I have another recommendation, Notion!
Notion is a much more versatile program, and it is not exclusive to just planning; its range far exceeds what I'm even aware of now. However, I love using it for all my assignments! They have many templates pre-made, and you can simply insert your different subjects and exracululars. I recommend Notion if you use it exclusively for assignments and not outside of school plans. I prefer Notion, as it provides the satisfaction of checking off finished work, something Google Calendar needed to include for me.
Notion school subject roster display (teacher names redacted for privacy reasons)
4. Music
Music plays a crucial role in shaping the human experience, and with music, we can be transported to worlds beyond our own. Research shows that music increases accuracy and productivity, making it a vital tool for students.
So, make playlists!
Playlists are so fun and can create a designated environment for studying. Both Spotify and Apple Music have pre-made playlists for studying and productivity. However, I highly recommend making your own playlists based on your musical preferences.
Those are only some of the many ways your school experience can be improved. Regardless of the environment your school may create, remember that you have the power to transform it and create a more positive atmosphere through your own efforts. I hope some of these tips help you, and as always, I send my love to you wherever you are.
By Blythe, with love.
