In college we are all busy: from clubs, classes, sports and service hours. Many students often feel overwhelmed with all that is demanded of them. It leads to many frustrated tweets, venting sessions with friends, angry memes and let’s face it: a bottle of wine. There are many times that I wish I had more time, but reflecting on my semester so far, I am satisfied with the path I have chosen.
I’m busy. I know that sounds presumptuous to say but truly I am. I take 18 credits worth of classes, work three jobs totaling thirty hours a week and pledging to a fraternity. I understand what stress can do to a person. It sometimes makes me feel hopeless. I will never dig my way out of the hole I am in. I sometimes see my personal relationships suffer, as my friends and girlfriend would prefer to see me more often, and I them. The sleepless nights are also not the best for my complexion, or overall health in general. This is not a lifestyle that I prefer.
The holiday season does not help much. Student's minds are drifting off towards cookies and presents and the glow of a warm fire at home all while final exams loom in the distance. This is often seen as the busiest time of the year. As we get closer to the end of the year it seems as if we are literally running out of time.
However, being busy provides one with a sense of purpose that you would not have otherwise. I like having things to do, the sense of urgency edges me to move forward. When I complete a task, I feel a rush of euphoria, there’s something so satisfying about crossing it off the list.
In my time in college so far, I have come across a few tips and tricks to keep myself on track. Firstly, each day I either write down on a post-it note, or on my computers sticky note application my daily tasks. This includes everything from homework and long term projects, to errands such as getting gas or a haircut. Whenever I don’t complete a task for the day it becomes the first thing to do the next day. That ensures integrity for myself and a way to get things done.
Another thing I have found useful is using a calendar application to block out time for everything, including sleeping and eating. I did this the first few weeks of school until I was well enough acquainted with my schedule that I no longer needed to break everything down so specifically. This is a great tip as we enter the second semester in the next month and a half.
In the end you just have to do what is best for you. The people in your life will understand if you cannot constantly be with them, they are busy too and we are transitioning into adulthood. Time management is a skill, and will all skills it will get better in time. Hang in there, we are almost there.
