I’ll call you a liar if you say you’ve never fallen asleep in class.

I’m very studious and I strive for the greatest grades I can possibly earn, but even I sleep in class. I had times during the day in high school where I was surprised if I stayed awake.

It wasn’t a huge issue if I fell asleep–the classes weren’t that intensive.

But if high school is normal mode, welcome to hard mode.

In this level, all information—lectures and textbooks—are free game. Sleeping is not an option, so through trial and error, I’ve developed survive-the-need-to-sleep-while-the-teacher-drones-on tactics.

I will admit this first one is a tad odd, but it shows to what great lengths I go to stay awake; I open my eyes wide and stare at the teacher. I force myself to make eye contact.

This way, they know I’m not sleeping and may feel slightly enthusiastic that someone is paying attention, which may have the effect of making them not drone. I feel slightly better because their time isn’t being completely wasted, so then I’m more motivated to stay awake to make their day better. I am here for you.

While I have staring contests with the professors, I erratically highlight my notes: BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, PINK and ORANGE.

This is slightly for organization, but also so I’m forced to think about what I’m writing. If I don’t, I stop paying attention to the topic, and the page kind of goes fuzzy, and then with a jolt the paper becomes clear, and it’s obvious I’ve been in auto-pilot taking “notes” (aka chicken scratch that not even a doctor could read). I’ve learned my lesson, so I highlight.

In the end, even though my paper seems to be barfing neon rainbows, I remember more of the lecture.

The next technique I use to combat nodding off is to sit in the most unobtrusive yet uncomfortable position I can find, while being front and center in the classroom. This may mean I’m sitting up straight like a meerkat watching the professor, or I sit on my foot until all I feel is pin and needles. Either way, I’m awake though the entire class.

My main and most trusted tactic is breakfast with a nice hearty dose of caffeine.

Before I go to class, I make myself eat healthy, non-sugary foods and a lot of coffee (about three cups worth).

This gives me an energy boost for about two hours after eating. Through a jittery caffeinated mindset, I’m able to remember more, enjoy my day, and, in general, feel better.

I bring some fruit (and more coffee) with me to my next classes to keep the drowsiness at bay. Since I’m not hungry, I’m not distracted by a gnawing hunger, which let’s me focus on information.

With this strategy, hard mode is slowly feeling more like an achievement than a challenge. Now, I’m looking forward to elite.