homework

Summertime, and the Living’s Filled with Homework?

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by emilieflagg on March 19, 2012

The word summer brings joy to (most) everyone’s ears- and photo opportunities for everyone’s camera: sun, the beach, bonfires- all the rest of the hot mess we call summer. What if someone were to add in “going to class!” to my list of summer activities?  I always thought that was why I went to school at all: summer was my reward. Going back to school even longer? No Thank You! But sometimes, necessity calls.

School’s NOT out for the Summer

That’s right.  There will still be pencils, there will still be books, and there will still be teacher’s dirty looks.  Some of your friends won’t have to take summer classes because they don’t need to, and your jealousy will be hotter than a toasted pig.  It’s not that fun. There are a few things that really grind my gears about it, for example:

Eww Driving

Unlike commuters, college students who live on campus aren’t used to driving to school every day to get to class.  If you live in one of the nearby towns, it’s really not much to complain about, even in the summer. But if you have a little bit of a commute- lets use Cape Cod (my neck of the woods)- you’ll have to deal with the heat, the fumes, and obviously (I want to whisper this) the traffic! You give me one Cape Codder who likes getting on and off the Cape via the Bourne or the Sagamore bridges(the only way off) and I’ll give you a magical flying pig.

Sitting in Class vs. Having Fun-

Jeepers Creepers, how to choose….

It’ ll be tough to be in class or doing homework while your friends talk about beach outings and parties that you missed, no doubt about it. Your extra credits will seem pretty useless compared to all the fun everyone else is having.

Can You Commit?

Summer classes take place much more often- sometimes 5 days a week, and if you have any sort of commitment already (your job, possibly your children, going to Gramp’s 100th birthday party, etc.), than it might not be realistic for you to spend the time and money on summer classes.

The Truth? 

Your friends are probably not having much more fun than you are- most of mine work all day.  You won’t miss out on too much because summer classes, as said before, are fast (about 5-10 weeks, whichever you decide), and you can even opt to take an online class if it’s offered.

Git ‘Er Done

It’s an accomplished feeling when you complete a summer course, especially knowing that you got it out of the way, and you don’t have to take it in the summer.  I’ve taken an intersession course before, so if I can do that, I’m sure you can take a summer course. All you need is to constantly keep the image of completing the class in your in mind, and I can guarantee you’ll have the motivation to succeed.

Have you taken summer courses? Do you plan on it? 

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You Know What Really Grinds My Gears? Wasting Time Online

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by emilieflagg on February 28, 2012

Have you ever had to do something for school, like check your college email or Blackboard, yet find yourself immediately headed to Facebook/Twitter/etc?! Maybe you’ve come home from a long day of work and you have to get an important paper or assignment done in a short amount of time, so you rush to the computer- only to be stalled again by a long list of blogs and social networking sites! Fun websites should be banned from my computer, because I am guilty of this. I’ve compiled some ways to gain self control against facebook, and also get my priorities straightened out.

Use Facebook/Twitter Statuses to get Your friends to yell “@” you!

Write a status that says something like “If you see me on Facebook, send me a message to scrutinize me” because if you don’t get offline, there’s a chance you may fail.  And friends yelling “@” you on facebook is kind of scary.

What NEEDS to get Done?

Like legitimately? Seriously, if I’m on Facebook/Twitter and my biological clock sort of nudges me in the spleen (or wherever your biological clock is supposed to be…) and says “so, how long have you been on here?” I realize that it might be time to remember why I went online in the first place.  This site, Remember the Milk, is awesome- you can make a customized priority list that can be emailed to you, reminde you with pop ups, and if you a fancy smart phone, there’s surely “an app for that.”

Put a REAL clock (not your phone) Right up in yo’ space

I try to use my little battery-operated alarm clock because it makes me aware of how long I’m spending on different internet destinations.  If I look at that clock and suddenly I realize I’ve been on facebook for a half an hour when I have five papers due, I’m likely to exit out of the ol’ f’book and get down to business. The visual effect sometimes works best for people.

Keep these in mind when you see you’ve been on facebook for two hours looking at random people’s pictures.  Doing that (and I’m guilty of it) is not only a waste of time, but pretty pathetic too. =)

Do you waste time online too much? Do you have strategies for avoiding It?

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Procrastination Rehab

by ashleytwigg on February 8, 2012

This is college. Unfortunately, we all are not “hunkering down” to get our homework or papers done as soon as they are assigned. For many, procrastination is more than just a desperate action- it’s a perfected artform. Working under pressure or against the clock works for some people, but even the best procrastinators have failed once or twice and didn’t manage to pull it all off. Here are some tips to avoid procrastinatination (so you won’t be stuck cramming & missing out on the good stuff).

Make Lists:

I know this makes you feel old, but lists can be very effective. At the beginning of each week, write down everything that is going to be due at some point that week. This way, as of Monday, you are fully aware of the things you must get done. Not only will this help you prioritize, but it will also (hopefully) motivate you.

It Worked as a Kid:

I don’t see the harm in a little self-made reward system. College isn’t easy. Sometimes we have black cloud, twenty-page papers that take oevr our lives. If you’re seriously lacking motivation, make your own! Tell yourself if you complete the assignment, you will treat yourself to manicure or a dinner out with friends. It may seem cheesy, but if you get the work done you’ll have extra time. With that extra time why not spend it on some personal pampering?

Don’t Live in Denial:

I spent the majority of last semester talking loudly over my friend anytime she would mention our final paper. I chose to deny the fact that I would actually have to do it until the time came where I had no other choice but to… TERRIBLE idea. Instead of working on the paper a little at a time, I waited until I was mid-anxiety attack to realize “hey, I should probably start that.”

So, instead of ignoring them (or pretending they aren’t real) try to start ahead of time. Put in a little work here and there and you will be surprised how much you get done. Professors will be impressed if a question comes up along the way because they’ll know how much an overachiever you are for already starting.

Big Project Breakdowns:

Instead of the project leading you to a mental breakdown, you yourself can break down the project ahead of time. Realize the steps that you will need to take along the way to get it done. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do I need to research anything?
  • Do I need to read an entire book?
  • Do I have to attend any events?

If you break down what needs to be done, you can tackle things one at a time instead of being overwhelmed by everything that is expected of you.

You Got It:

Projects, papers, and final assignments are enough to make you dread an entire semester, but just remember that you WILL make it through. Although, I’m definitely guilty of putting things off, it certainly is a much better feeling knowing you’re ahead of the game instead of ten steps behind. Put in a little extra effort in the beginning and you can be one of “those” people bragging at the end of the semester that your already “ALL DONE!”

 

How do you prevent procrastinating? What are your tactics on getting everything done? Do you think you can be successful procrastinating in college?

 

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