Sitting in class, with a number two pencil anxiously tapping the desk in anticipation, you catch a glimpse of your scantron in the corner of your eye as your teacher releases it from the pile gripped in their hands. It’s a moment engraved in students’ minds, but there are millions of moments leading up to that single one.
As soon as teachers announce the focus of their exams, it’s go time for students to plan out their studying methods and schedules, often with a specific location in mind. The unique location of their choice typically stems from their individuality as a student, including preferences in learning styles, comfort, background noise, and much else that can be personalized. As PPCHS wraps up the 2023-2024 school year’s midterm week, students reflect on the moments—rather, the places—that brought them to the grade they desired.
“My favorite study spot is definitely my room. I’ve tried experimenting with different places, but always find myself focusing more in the comfort of my own home. Studying in my room gives me freedom to be in control of all the surrounding factors, for example the temperature, lighting or sounds of the room! Since it’s my most commonly used study spot, it’s easy for me to get acclimated quickly when I know there’s something I have to focus on.” -Lauren Castillo, Senior
“I like to study in my kitchen counter because anytime I need to get water I get distracted, so I just stay in the kitchen and get water and snacks when I need to.” -Giada Porven, Sophomore
“My favorite study spot is probably my kitchen table because I have food at an arm’s reach and plenty of light that hits my papers.” -Samuel Londono, Junior
“My bed is my favorite place to study because I feel relaxed when I’m on my bed, and it helps me focus.” -Sarah Ituralde, Junior
Whether with a sweet treat in hand, a coffee on the table, the serene sounds of nature in the surroundings, or simply in an isolated room at home, students each have their own places in mind when they settle down to study, each of them personally aiding in what they believe is necessary to ace their exams.
