A new school year can induce anxiety, with its early mornings, new schedules, challenging homework, extracurriculars and much more. This year, give your worries over to Jesus. Focus instead on the great plans he has for you.
 

Turn your eyes from your burdens to your blessings
Amid your busy schedule, look for the good: a kind teacher, a new friend, an interesting class, or even a delicious smoothie. Let God’s blessings surprise and delight you. Recognize them as gifts and thank him.

Do your best and give God the rest
St. John Vianney was a poor student but a gifted confessor. Scruples plagued St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who wrote an enduring spiritual autobiography. Like these saints, God has given you great gifts, but not every gift. Perhaps you excel at English but earn a C- in physics. God does not ask for perfection. He looks at your effort, not your success. Take comfort in that.

Remember who you are
You are God’s beloved son or daughter. Academic accolades, team captaincies and popularity do not affect your worth. When you find yourself comparing or despairing, pray with the words God speaks about you in Isaiah 43:4: “You are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you.”

Find God in the ordinary
In a message to youth in 1964, Pope Paul VI said: “Live your faith in your daily lives, at home and in school; and show true Christian love to your schoolmates … Be patient and understanding, pray for each other, help each other; obey the voice of your conscience, and strive for Christian unity with all.” At the dinner table, ask everyone how they can embody these words this year.

You are never alone
Jesus walks with you amid trial and transition. When you feel lonely or defeated, pray: “Jesus, I trust in you.” He will be with you always.