Yara: I definitely feel overwhelmed at times! Like most of my peers and myself, we are juggling more than just school. So whenever I have an AP world history test or an essay due for AP lit, I quiz myself to see what areas I need to strengthen. I’m a visual person, so I like to write down what points I need to review on post it notes and one by one, I commit them to memory.

You must have to memorize a ton of lines in addition to names, dates, and chemical formulas! Do you have any memorization tips?

I use my self-named “Why in the world” technique. Basically, I use the same technique for school and acting. I  figure out why my character is saying something, or why does a helium particle leave during Alpha decay, or what inspired the Romans conquered Carthage. When I know why an event is happening or has happened, or what motivates Zoey (my character on Blackish) it’s no longer just memorizing, because I gain a deeper understanding.

Which subject do you find toughest, and how do you prepare for it?

That’s an easy answer! AP calc takes extreme focus. For me, I find practice problems very helpful. I also try to complete the hardest problems first. If I get the hard problem correct, then I know I’ve mastered the topic.

What’s the best advice a teacher’s ever given you?

The best advice I’ve received is that it’s important not to just memorize material to get an A in class, but take the time to really learn and understand the material! It’s much more enjoyable that way 🙂

AND FINALLY, the question we always ask: pancakes or waffles?

Waffles!!!

Yara Shahidi: Team Waffles, Team STEM, Team Awesome.