EDUCATION

Starting college is a very daunting task. As you progress, you might think. “Wow, four years is a very long time.” Depending on your field of study you may have a five or even six-year course of study. That sounds like a long time but it is not actually.

If you were to really look at it, you only have three semesters of school each year. Full semesters are 16 weeks and summer semesters vary but are usually 8 weeks. So what does that mean? It means that you can align yourself looking at each week as an accomplishment closer to your goal. Starting with the first week of school, mark your calendar each week with a number. (I like ascending from 1-16. You may like descending 16-1.) What does this do? This helps your mind look at each week as an accomplishment and not drudgery. It lets you mind and spirit feel like you are moving forward. Many people get excited when they are able to countdown to the finish. Others may get anxious with a countdown. Whatever your form of celebrating the outcome is, do that every week so that you can have a sense of accomplishment.

Within those 16 weeks, remember the four P’s: Part the books open, partner with a study buddy, partake of the cultural advantages of being on the campus and last but not least party. That is another article all to itself. Part open the books- You have got to study. There is no way around it. Develop a study habit to effectively pass the class.

You may want to find out your learning style or how you learn best. There are many free learning style profiles out in cyberspace. Once you know how you learn you will be able to attend class with the knowledge of which is best for me to gather information. This will make it easier for you to attend to your educational needs. Partner with a study buddy. Find someone who is just as serious as you are about successfully getting through school. Try to find someone who is taking the same classes as you are and who is in the same discipline. If that is not possible, find someone who does not mind studying cross-categorically. Next, partake of cultural activities that happen on campus. If you like plays then go to a play. If you like art, then go to an art show or the art museum. Find some type of cultural activity that will enrich your life. Finally, the last P is party. All work and no play makes John and Jane dull, stressed people. You have to relax and let your hair down in moderation. I had a conversation with one of my students. She stated that “My moderation is different from your moderation.” She was 100% true. So, I would like to suggest that you moderate your partying to once every two weeks.

In conclusion, each week find yourself doing the first three. Keep in mind, balance plays a significant role in educational pursuits. I wish you the best in devising your 16 weeks.