BSM students have noticed many changes between the first and second semesters. Some of these changes are considerable, but there are some that are barely noticeable at all. There are several different opinions on what semester students liked better and it often varies from student to student. So what are those reasons? Which semester is the better one?
Beginning with the first semester, students who liked the beginning of the year often say that their workload was less and the pressure from finals, especially AP exams, decreased as well. At the very start, teachers will spend more time getting to know their students, and not much work is done until later. At the same time going over the curriculum is tedious but it is good information. “I like the first semester because there’s more school activities like homecoming and sports games and just a lot more of BSM coming together in the first semester.” sophomore Harper Stevenson-Shimek said.
An argument could be made that at the end of the year, teachers will decrease the workload and spend more time reviewing and having work days. This varies between teachers and even classes as some may be rushing to finish everything before finals, thus having an increased workload. AP exams can be stressful and is one reason why some students prefer the first semester.
In terms of motivation, some students feel less motivated after the first semester is over as the end is in sight. Students just want it to be summer already and schoolwork can be a bit of a drag. Teachers try their best to keep material engaging for students, however, students may have grown too comfortable in their classes and think it’s right to begin slacking off and not paying attention during lessons. “I put a lot more time into my work in the first semester. I wanted to get a good start off to the year, and now that I see that the end of the year is coming up so quickly, I feel like I’m in a slump,” sophomore Ava Edwards said.
I put a lot more time into my work in the first semester. I wanted to get a good start off to the year, and now that I see that the end of the year is coming up so quickly, I feel like I’m in a slump.”
— Ava Edwards
Sports also change depending on the semester. The first-semester students could be very active while in the second semester nothing is going on, and vice versa. This can affect motivation in students or cause them to be behind on work for their classes, which can alter grades. Students notice changes in their grades depending on the semester: it is different for every student and trying to choose one semester over the other is harder as everyone has their own opinions and reasons.