Daily Routines Around C-U

Each student’s day begins in its own way, with their alarm ringing, breakfast smells, or the quiet sound of the birds before sunrise.

Mary Johnson, sophomore at Mahomet High School, takes her time in the calm of morning.

“I rise at 6:15, eat cereal, yogurt and fruit, then often scroll through my phone for a while before getting ready and dressing up. I don’t like being pushed, and then, I try to leave by 7:15,” she said.

Junior Daniel Ortiz at Mahomet High School is also an early riser. He dives right into the swimming pool before most people even wake up!

“I’m on the swim team of my school, so we have practice at 5:30 a.m. three times a week. I usually wake up around 4:45 and honestly, it enables me to concentrate more the rest of the day. I feel positive and with energy,” he said.

Senior Marcus Rodriguez at Centennial High School breathes deeply near his grandmother.

“Before school every morning, I practice yoga with my grandma. Though

most people find it odd, it really helps with stress. She is more flexible than I am, which is so embarrassing,” he laughed.

Freshman Leah Kim at Central High School focuses more on her afternoons, spending them with art and a lot of imagination.

“Because I am in the art club and robots, I stay after school most days. I go home and paint if I lack anything. Alternatively, I spend time with my cat. My mother always has snacks ready, which is the finest aspect of the day” she said.

Though their daily routines may seem different, students share something deeper. Each of them has found a small rhythm that brings balance to their lives. Whether it’s a moment of calm, a spark of creativity, or a bite of chocolate, these habits and daily routines show that even the simplest parts of the day can make life feel a little more of your own.