Commentary: Advice for those heading back to school this fall

The new school year has begun, and it’s time to give my grandson (or anyone else who will listen) my yearly pep talk. Or as he calls it, the “Talk from Hell.”

As I begin my pearls of wisdom, he rolls his eyes.

“Can you give me the short version?” he pleads.

“OK, I promise not to include the part about my three-mile walk to school,” I say to placate him.

So, here’s the abbreviated version:

First of all, begin your day with a nutritious breakfast. Contrary to popular belief, two doughnuts do not meet the criteria. When you come off your sugar high at 9 a.m., you’ll know what I mean.

Go to school with the right attitude. Be prepared to learn with a passion. A good education is the key to a more successful and intellectually stimulating life. You may even get a job when you graduate.

Be prepared. If you leave your books or assignments at home, don’t blame your mother. You are in charge of your backpack. She is in charge of everything else.

Strive for good grades, and don’t blame your teachers if you don’t get them.

No, teachers were not put on this earth to make your life miserable. It’s your job to understand what is being taught. Ask them for help, if necessary. If the problem is higher math, don’t even think about asking your parents. There’s no point in making everyone miserable.

Try a new extracurricular activity. Sports? Debate club? School newspaper? If you don’t get in, try again next year. New challenges keep you sharp and inspired. Even I listen to my own advice on this one.

Work smart. This means you need to stay focused, organized and on top of things. Working smarter is better than working longer.

Make new friends. You never know who will enrich your life or let you into theirs. Don’t drop your old friends in the process.

Finally, remember that when it comes to homework, no excuses are acceptable, especially the following ones:

It’s history homework, and I don’t like to dwell on the past.

I have a solar-powered calculator, and it was cloudy out.

My parents didn’t have time to do it.

By this time my grandson tuned me out. He was nodding at each pause, for effect.

“OK, enough torture,” I said. “Any tip that you want to give me?”

“Yes, Grandma,” he said. “Always stick to the short version.”

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TERRI GOLDSTEIN lives on Newport Coast.