I thought about this subject so many times, and for this entire week. As a student, education is very important to me for obvious reasons. You're taught that after your schooling, you will get a job or obtain a career in whatever field you study. The ideal student is someone who comes to class every day, takes challenging courses, is engaged and sits in the first row, studies every day, socializes with their classmates about the class, and uses a planner to keep track of everything.
As perfectionistic as this might be, I must admit that I have a social life, too. I like to hang out with my friends, go out, and adventure. I also have a part-time job, plus I have responsibilities as a club member and an active fellow. In addition to that, I am an artist who interviews people on a weekly basis, and I have to keep a presence on social media.
Sadly, yet admirably, there are people just like me. And we all have the same conflict; keeping up and juggling all of these things that matter to us, all while maintaining our grades. So here are five ways to tell if you're a good student, and how you might change the way you do things. I must add, not all of these may pertain to everyone. Each person is different and has a way of doing things.
1) TIME MANAGEMENT - I know! You're already aware of this, but I would like to make a statement about this one. Even though you have all of the things you do in check, it's nice to add some time for yourself. As a good student, you're aware of your busy schedule. You know how to manage time for your classes, homework, work, and your social life. But throw in a little "you" time.
2) AM I MISSING ANYTHING? - Have you ever had the feeling you're missing something, and it turns out you had an assignment that was due? When you're a good student, you know when assignments are due and when the next exam is. Planners are really helpful, and so is writing on yourself with a Sharpie.
3) I'M TOTALLY PREPARED - You know you're an OK student when you're prepared for that pop quiz or even having an extra pen for the person sitting in front of you. It's not much, but when your professor congratulates you for knowing when the War of 1812 occurred, you sure do feel great for the rest of day. (I have to admit, I bragged about something like this for a while. It's really a confidence boost.)
4) CLEAN NOTES - Can you read your notes? Several students found it easier to study for an exam when their notes were organized and free of scribbles. If you're one of those students who just needs to doodle, designate a couple of sheets in the back of your book to draw. This way your notes are clean and that C+ is turned into a B-!
5) I HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY - It didn't take me until college to realize just how important my health is to my education. Sleep is definitely needed, along with food, to keep away sinus infections and the common cold. Without these minor, but tremendously major drawbacks, you can have the energy to keep up with your daily schedule and social life. Without fatigue, you can concentrate in classes. Without hunger, you can have a functional brain. And without a cold, you can actually attend your classes.
These are very predictable and common strategies for being a good student. If you already attend to these needs, you're already on the right track. If you're not, it doesn't make you a terrible student! As someone who has trouble going to sleep on time and remembering to eat, I can be a terrific student. Just simple things like remembering to do your work, and making sure you're ready for the next class, puts you ahead of everyone else. Students who have several other responsibilities on the side do find it harder to maintain a good GPA and attend to their friends, as well as go to work and follow through with their duties in the extracurricular activities they participate in.
As I said before, these criteria do not match with everyone; it's something that I discovered and put to a test for the several years I've attended school. But you can try it out, and do whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable to say that you're a GOOD student!
