New Semester, New Standard: How I’m Showing Up This Fall
By Trinity Barnette
I personally begin my semester August 25th, and I can’t lie — I’m excited. A new school means a new chance to redefine myself, set higher standards, and start fresh. After everything I’ve rebranded in my life, this semester feels like my official reset button.
My Back-to-School Essentials
These are the things I swear by to keep me organized, motivated, and on top of my classes:
Five Star Notebooks – sturdy enough to survive a semester in my bag.
Sooez Accordion File Organizer – because I refuse to lose another syllabus.
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils – smooth writing + refillable lead.
My MacBook Pro (14-inch, Nov 2024) – literally my entire college brain.
Sticky Notes – for quick reminders and “don’t forget” tabs in textbooks.
Labels for notebooks – color-coded = chaos controlled.
Notion – my digital headquarters (I even built a whole UC dashboard to track assignments, deadlines, and grades).
Preparing for the Semester
Do a syllabus sweep: Before classes even start, I scan every syllabus and put all deadlines into my Notion dashboard + calendar.
Stock up early: I buy all my supplies and set up my backpack before the first day so I’m not running around stressed.
Set your study vibe: Whether it’s candles, a playlist, or your favorite hoodie, create an environment where your brain feels safe and focused.
Clean + organize your desk: You focus way better when your area is clutter-free. Start the semester with a neat space, and you’ll thank yourself later when midterms hit.
Prioritizing & Mastering Time Management
Block time, don’t “find” time. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen.
Use the 50/10 rule. 50 minutes of focus, 10 minutes of reset.
Weekly resets. Every Sunday night I reset my space and my schedule so I walk into Monday with clarity, not chaos.
How to Take Notes That Actually Work
Don’t write down everything the professor says — highlight the concepts.
After class, re-type or reorganize notes (active recall > passive scribbles).
Use sticky notes or margins for your own thoughts/questions.
How to Stay on Track All Semester
Check in weekly. Ask yourself: “Am I ahead, behind, or on track?”
Office hours = free help. Don’t wait until midterms to see your professor.
Accountability partners. Study with friends who actually want to study.
How to Have a Productive Semester
Discipline over motivation. You won’t always feel like it — do it anyway.
Celebrate small wins. Finished an essay? Treat yourself.
Balance = survival. Work hard, but don’t forget to live a little.
A Note to My Fellow Students
Before I close this out, I want to congratulate every single one of my fellow college students on starting your semester — especially my fellow Criminal Justice majors. This path isn’t easy, but it’s powerful, and I’m so proud of all of us choosing to show up for our future. We’re in this together.
For Those Who Aren’t in School
Not everyone reading this is in college right now, but you still play a huge role. If you’ve got a friend, partner, or family member in school, here are some small ways to support them:
Respect their time. When they say they’re busy studying, let them have that space.
Check in without pressure. A simple “good luck on your test” text means more than you know.
Celebrate milestones. Finished a tough paper? Passed an exam? Be their hype person.
Offer balance. Sometimes the best support is pulling them out for coffee or a walk to reset.
Because at the end of the day, this college journey is about more than just grades — it’s about having a support system that keeps you grounded while you chase your goals.
