A Change in Timing

BY NOAH HERNANDEZ

In December of 2018, the current Current seniors who have been to Loma Linda Academy HS students LLA since their freshman year have took their finals in December for the experienced taking finals before and first time. Previously, finals had been after Christmas break. Both Isabelle held in January after winter vacation. Gultom (12) and Tomorrow Xu For two years, finals have been held in (12) prefer to take their finals before December, but this school year, they are Christmas break. “I would like to spend being held in January again. my Christmas break stress-free and finals to after Christmas. Christmas break. enjoy it to the fullest, but now I would have to spend my break studying and preparing for it,” Gultom said.

I would like to spend my Christmas break Due to the coronavirus, the school year started a week after it normally I would have to has in the past. This event set teachers and students behind schedule. In order spend my break to get the schedule back on track, the administration has decided to push back studying and Since students started in class laterthan planned because of the preparing for it. distance learning training teachers had at the start of the year. -Isabelle Gultom When school started started later In regards to his sentiment about the than planned, “we felt the difference change in dates for finals, Xu said, “I between both semester was too great,” think that’s a burden on students as said Iveth Valenzuela, the Loma Linda we have to study and need to prepare Academy high school Principal. So in for the final during Christmas vacation order to even out the two semesters, which creates pressure during holiday first semester finals will begin after time.” stress-free ... now Graphic Credits: Pixabay.com 4

Gultom agreed with Xu, emphasizing that her birthday coincides with that time period. She explained that “it would have been great to celebrate my birthday with having no more finals,” instead of going into the break needing to prepare for her final exams.

Since Gultom and Xu have had the experience of taking finals before and after Christmas vacation, their advice on studying comes from a wider perspective. Xu advises students to complete their work on time and to ask questions. He reminds students that teachers have office hours, and this time should be utilized to clarify anything not understood. Gultom takes a few hours from each day just to review concepts and notes. This is a simple and effective method, and for extra clarification, she refers to educational videos on the topic.

This shift in dates would be an adjustment for many students. To help ease students during finals season, Hans Figueroa, the Loma Linda Academy high school Vice Principal, advises students to ask questions, review the material, begin studying early, organize virtual study groups, be well-rested, create and stick to a study schedule, and to prioritize their time. Heidi Elssmann, the Physics teacher, tells students to “Take 15-30 minutes per day to review during break. If they do that, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Finals season is coming upon LLA students quickly. So sleep well, study sufficiently, ask questions, take notes, and take care of your mental health.