If you’re a college student, you should be getting ready for the upcoming semester. You look over the syllabus provided in your classes and start your plan for success. If you’re a parent, you start to ensure your child has all the materials required to start the school year right.
For some people, resuming for school after the holiday is their favorite. For others, the dread of going back to school is real. But, not to worry! There are a number of saints who’ve got your back and will assist you to survive the next academic year. Here are 6 saints all students should become familiar with.
If you’re struggling to get through the semester or academic year
Bl. Pier Giorgio struggled with school in his entire life. He had to repeat an entire school year and had to really work at passing his courses. Since he knew his academic weaknesses, he ensured that he put as much effort into his studies as he could, even neglecting social outings with his friends. He died at the young age of 24, two exams short of his degree. If you find yourself not doing well in your academics, Bl. Pier Giorgio is the saint for you!
If you dislike school and/or have to deal with bullies… St. Therese of Lisieux
Poor St. Therese. She really did not like school. In fact, she said that “the five years (1881 – 1886) I spent [at Benedictine Abbey school of Notre-Dame du Pre] were the saddest of my life.” Not only did she deeply dislike school, she was also bullied as a child due to jealousy. St. Therese was younger than some of her peers and, despite her hatred of school, received high grades. This incurred a lot of jealousy and the bullying started. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t delay to call on the Little Flower for assistance.
If you have major test anxiety… St. Joseph of Cupertino
St. Joseph was a poor student and barely made it out of seminary, as a result, of his poor grades. Legend has it that he asked to know the answer to the exam question that he needed to known to “graduate” from seminary. Miraculously, he passed the exam and was able to get ordained as a result. Now, don’t think that if you don’t study you can just request for his intercession so that you’ll pass. Study as best as you can. If you have major test anxiety, as St. Joseph to pray so you have clarity of mind and will be able to recall what you’ve studied for the exam.
If writing isn’t your strong suit and you have a major essay or research paper due… St. Francis de Sales
Writer’s block doesn’t discriminate. Even those of us who love writing don’t always find the words to write. If you find yourself in this circumstance and have a big essay or research paper due soon, why not plead with the patron saint of writers and journalists for a little assistance? Sure, you won’t have your paper automatically done (it doesn’t work that way) but St. Francis can intercede to ensure you get that little bit of inspiration required to begin.
If you’re on a deadline and/or doing homework and there’s a computer, printer, or internet glitch… St. Isidore of Seville
We’ve all been there before. It’s the morning something major is due. You’re printing out the physical copy when disaster strikes. It could be a major paper jam you don’t have time to fix or maybe you ran out of ink and can’t run out to purchase a new cartridge. Probably your assignment is due online and your internet suddenly fails you. How about those blue screens we all dislike seeing? Whatever technological obstacle is thrown your way, say a quick prayer to the unofficial patron saint of the internet to lend you a hand.
If “Procrastination” is your middle name… St. Expeditus
You will not find a single student who has not procrastinated at some point in their academic career. Oftentimes it’s not completely our faults — a sudden illness or emergency comes up, making it hard for us to do something with enough time. Oftentimes, though, we prioritize other things ahead of the academic and then we’re crunched for time. When this occurs, St. Expeditus is your friends. His name says it all — you need speedy assistance.
