When Austin and I decided to move out, everyone told us that we would learn a lot about responsibility. We heard a lot about how students tend to let their grades slip, skip classes, and really slack off in school. I didn’t believe any of them. Throughout college, I’ve always been an A+ student. I’ve worked hard to get the grades I’ve earned and I’ve always been really proud of it. However, this semester things have really changed.
Moving out really has shown me more about responsibility. Growing up is hard and each day you’re presented with a new challenge and new things to worry about. If you choose to move out when you’re still a student, you have to worry about going to classes, doing your homework, studying for all your tests, working to pay for your bills, always budgeting, getting enough sleep, and not to mention trying to find time to spend with your friends and family.
This semester I’ve started worrying about all things that didn’t involve school and pushed school to my last worry. Now, halfway through the semester, I’ve realized how wrong that is. I’ve also realized how hard it is to push your grades back up and get back on track once you’re already so far behind.
Some tips that have worked for me as I’m trying to get myself back on track are:
1. Get organized. I started with this planner at the beginning of this year. It worked great for a while. For my overall monthly calendar, I still use it. But, as I was assigned more assignments during class while I was on my laptop, it seemed simpler to keep an on-going “To-Do List” on my computer. Whether you use Microsoft Word, Apple Stickies, a planner, or just a piece of lined paper, keep your list with you at all times. It will save you when you go to do the one assignment due tomorrow, you look at your list, and you realize you actually have two assignments due tomorrow.
2. Do your least favorite assignments first. When you get into classes that involve your major, it’s easier to get some assignments done versus others. For example, I’m taking a required Philosophy class and a Graphic Design class. It’s much easier for me to work on Adobe Illustrator and be creative than write a philosophy paper. So, do the philosophy paper first.
3. Use Pandora! This one’s fun and easy! Tune yourself into a Pandora station that works for you. For me, I can’t listen to music I know the words to because I will sing versus do my work. Find what keeps you motivated and stick to it.
4. Most importantly, reward yourself. Last week I got caught up on everything school related I could. I even started assignments due in the future. I had to work doubles on both Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday, Austin and I went to one of my favorite restaurant and I bought a latte and breakfast.
My lesson for the day is that no matter how responsible and dedicated you think you are, things always get in the way and there are always things trying to sidetrack you. Although this is life, and it’s bound to happen to everyone, don’t let it consume your life. When you realize you’ve procrastinated, stop right there. Stop and get on track before it gets out of hand.
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