INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These may include other people, noise, television, music, your phone, and the Internet.  Temporarily block websites that you know might distract you, such as social media websites and apps. Some people prefer to use earplugs to block or reduce out any ambient noise. Let others around you know that you have to work on an assignment and would appreciate not being disturbed. Call off anything you'd plan to do otherwise. Explain that you have a last minute essay to finish. Be persistent if people try to pull you away from your work: "I'd go out if I could, but I have to finish this essay. Maybe tomorrow?" Wherever you are working to write the essay, make sure it is clear of clutter and is comfortable. Just don't take things too far. You're trying to make your workspace conducive to writing, but if you find yourself trying to deep clean your entire house before you write your essay, you're probably just procrastinating. This includes any textbooks, notes, articles, research, etc., as well as your computer and/or writing utensils. If you have any other things that help you write, like snacks or coffee, have those easily available as well. You'll need to stay energized and comfortable throughout the writing process. Once you have everything you need to start writing, take a moment to focus before you begin. Breathe in, and try to focus your mind on the essay you are about to write. Motivate yourself by thinking about how you are now ready to tackle the task of writing, rather than stressing about how you don't have enough time: "I can do this. I've got everything I need in front of me. I just need to focus for X amount of time, and then I'll be through with this essay." Pulling an "all nighter" is not recommended when trying to write an essay, as it can leave you exhausted and your work seeming unfocused. If you are in a situation where you have to do this, however, a few guidelines will help you to do the best you can:  Save caffeine for when you really need it. Try to avoid having too much early on in the process, because caffeine will eventually cause you to mentally "crash." Don't get too comfortable. Write in a place that means "work" to you, such as a desk, study room, or library. Try not to get in your pajamas or lie in bed. You'll want to keep your mind on writing, not drifting off to sleep. Get some exercise now and then. Get up from your work to walk around for a few minutes, or do a few pushups, etc. once in a while while working on your essay. A little bit of exercise will help keep you energized and stay focused. Get plenty of sleep the next day. You will need to recover from your lack of sleep.

SUMMARY: Remove or minimize distractions in your workspace. Prepare your workspace for writing. Gather whatever materials you will need to write the essay. Take a deep breath. Work extra hard to focus if you're planning on writing late into the night.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Knowing why you want to drop out can help you decide whether it is really the best path and can help you decide what to do.  Some common reasons for dropping out are:  A lack of intellectual stimulation.  If you find high school to be too easy and you are bored, you may be tempted to drop out and start college or vocational training early. Feeling unprepared and behind.  If you feel as though high school is too difficult, you have missed too much content to ever catch up, or no one will support you, you may be tempted to leave high school and give up on your education. Having other responsibilities. If you are unexpectedly becoming a parent, have an ailing family member, or have to work to support your family, you may feel that dropping out of high school is your only option so that you have time to work. See your guidance counselor or a teacher that you trust and tell them your situation.  There may be a solution to your complaint that does not involve dropping out:  If you are experiencing a lack of intellectual stimulation, you may be able to take more challenging classes.  Some schools that do not offer advanced-level courses on-site may have relationships with colleges or with online-based institutions.  You may even be able to dual-enroll and complete an Associate's Degree and your high school diploma at the same time. If you are feeling unprepared and behind, you might have to work really hard to catch up if you are behind. The good news is that there are likely educators at your school that will work with you and help you, particularly if they know that you are considering dropping out.  Ask about credit recovery, offer classroom labor (like cleaning or organizing) in exchange for tutoring, and find out what work can be made up. If you have other responsibilities, talk to your guidance counselor about them.  You may be able to do a work program that earns both money and school credit.  Your counselor may also know of financial resources that could help you financially while keeping you in school.  Remember that a high school graduate's lifetime income is 50%-100% higher than someone who drops out, so dropping out may not be the best long-term solution for your family. If someone else—a parent, a friend, or a significant other—is pressuring you to drop out, tell them to stop.  This is a decision that only you can make.  This decision could have a long-ranging impact on your life, so you need to feel confident in your convictions.

SUMMARY:
Assess the reason you want to drop out. Ask about other options first. Do not drop out for someone else.