My fall quarter of 2019 was one of the busiest times I've experienced in my college career. As it was the kickoff to junior year, I felt compelled not only to work for higher grades, but also to start considering internship applications. In the beginning, I was handling everything to the best of my ability - that is, until outside distractions took over my life. Between school work and my personal life, I began to feel so overwhelmed that I ended up having the worst academic quarter to date. I was so disappointed with my overall experience that I was not sure how I would be able to improve. Yet, for 2020, my sole priority was to do so.
After reaching out to a friend who I have always admired for her organizational skills, she agreed to sit down with me and help me form a routine. At one time, I would have easily been able to create a schedule myself. But with the pressures of everyday life, I knew I was going to need a little extra help. Over the course of a few hours, she offered me a few tips that have changed my school experience thus far. She encouraged me to pick certain days of the week to focus on work for certain classes, instead of placing everything on one day. She also suggested that I change my habit of completing every assignment for a certain class on one day, insisting that there was nothing wrong with breaking up assignments over the course of a few days. In addition, she also proposed that I make the most of the little downtime that I do have. For example, she told me that I should listen to my video lectures for class while I'm cooking dinner, and that I should give myself personal deadlines instead of class deadlines. She told me that, if I want to enjoy a weekend with friends, I should set a goal to have all of my assignments completed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, even if they are not due until Sunday at midnight. This way, I will be able to have a stress free weekend all while putting my academics at the forefront.
By following these simple tips, my 2020 college experience has greatly improved. I am no longer rushing to finish assignments hours before they are do. I do not feel guilty taking personal time or spending time with my friends because there is no lingering work that is hanging over my head. I hope that, if I continue to practice these valuable time management skills throughout the rest of my year, my grades will improve and my stress levels will decrease.