Back to school. The three most terrifying words in the English language (at least for teens.)

After weeks of paradise, it can be hard to ditch the summer fun and return to months of homework, tests and projects ... not to mention the frantic rush to finish the assigned summer homework, buy your supplies and mentally prepare yourself for the traumatizing times to come.

Sometimes, we ask ourselves, “Why bother?”

Teens, such as myself, are often lazy and unmotivated for their return to school. After the freedom of summer, many of us don’t see why we should look forward to going back. But we need to get back on track before school starts, to be prepared to sink or swim.

Think of your first-ever day of school. For me, it started with a picture in front of the spiffy yellow school bus, new clothes and an overly large backpack peeking out from behind me.

After the bumpy bus ride, I was led into a classroom. I was a bit nervous, but then found an oasis of colors, toys and fun awaiting me. It didn’t take long for me to start begging to go back.

NOW? I’ve pushed the snooze button so many times, my classmates are probably halfway through first period. I grab what I can reach and hustle out of the door. Hungry? Hey, that’s what vending machines are for!

How can teens motivate themselves to start school on track? Adjust your sleep time. Study with a friend. Make specific goals.

As a teenager, summer means freedom. Staying up late is not an option, it’s a way of life. Yet sleep is underrated, especially as school approaches. As for alarm clocks? I don’t think I’ve used mine once so far. But maybe we should put them on before school starts, start going to bed and getting up a little earlier each day.

By the time school starts, you should be on your regular sleep schedule, which helps with quicker thought processing and test taking. Getting enough sleep does affect how well you do in school.

Like many students I start studying the night of my exam. With only a few hours to cover a seemingly impossible amount of material, I soon lose stamina and find myself staring out the window, wishing for a snow day, no matter the season. When I wake from my fantasy, I cover the remaining material as quickly as I can.

I discovered that working alone can be a given excuse to goof off. Studying with a partner or in a group is a great way to increase motivation and start school on track.

When you’re part of a team, you feel obliged to do your share of the work. You’ll stay focused and retain information better.

Starting school is an opportunity to set new goals. Any goal can be obtained if planned. Let’s face it: teens want to do well! I mean, no one wants to fail!

But “I want to do better” is not much of a goal. We need to be specific. “I want to join Student Council.” “I want to get a ‘B’ on the algebraic expressions math test.” “I want to make the soccer team.” If you want to achieve something, set a goal and go for it!

We all know that life can get overwhelming. And sometimes, it IS easier to fail than to give it all you’ve got. Failure is the best motivation. But why go there?

According to Crotty, 40 percent of teens lack motivation. Don’t be a statistic. Start the school year off on the right foot. Find out what motivates you!

Maria Proulx, a St. Bernard student, lives in Ledyard.