I don’t give myself very many breaks. I often stay up ridiculously late to get my homework done, and part of the reason I’ve been able to remain sane so far in this school year is because of my seventh period TA with Ms. Cooke.

The definition of a TA varies from teacher to teacher. For some, it’s an actual job; I, however, am incredibly thankful that most of the time I can actually be doing my own work.

In a schedule as chock full of APs and extra-curriculars as mine, this period is sometimes the only opportunity I might have for days to be working without worrying about not finishing until 2 or 3 AM. It’s a moment of respite so that I can mentally and emotionally prepare myself for Honors Physics the next period, as well as a relief when the night prior I can look ahead and think, “I might be able to get this work done in seventh period. I can go to bed now.”

I am immensely grateful that Ms. Cooke understands how stressed out a lot of Liberty students and I are about school. Days where I spend the entire period helping out are rare, and if I have a really pressing issue to worry about, she is always willing to let me study that day. That class is a place where I feel able to unload, and sometimes to rant a bit. I often won’t be the only one doing so.

I have yet to feel the need to take a “mental health day” off in order to recover, and I definitely owe some of it to Ms. Cooke and that one period of relative relaxation. It’s a stress-relieving necessity through week after week of insanity, and every minute is appreciated. Thank you!