I can not wait for these first two weeks to be over. The tidal wave of information feels like it collapsed on me and I am going to drown in a sea of syllabuses and homework assignments. Oh, and let’s not forget the mountain of stories I have to write and edit for this paper.
Is it just me, or does the beginning of fall quarter make you feel like a bully is trying to beat you up for your lunch money too? S.O.S., please?
Honestly, if it wasn’t for some of the great professors and staff here I would probably lose my mind. It truly is amazing to me how helpful and encouraging they can be. If you haven’t made that relationship with someone her yet, I encourage that you do.
I believe one of the hardest things about the start of a new school year is sorting through that information, finding what is relevant, retaining it and then scheduling time to use it. By scheduling time to use it I mean doing the work you are assigned, studying and finding/using resources to help you with that.
From my experience I can say that it does get better. After the initial chaos and hype runs off students get into a normal routine that is comfortable and doesn’t have their minds racing at a 100 miles per hour. It’s all about finding what works for you.
There are three things though that I have realized are almost impossible to ignore when it comes to being successful at college: Sleep, food and study time.
Most research, including pamphlets from Sinclair’s Counseling Services, suggests 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Yeah, you have probably heard that before, but seriously when you’re taking that midterm for that class you hate, you’re going to want your brain functioning correctly. Plus, sleep is so important for your mood and well being.
We all need food. Hopefully most of you are eating three times a day, but if you are not, do not skip breakfast. Yeah I know, we are busy, but just grab something fast even if it’s a banana. Your belly and mind will thank you later.
Study time, which I also like to prefer to as downtime, is invaluable. For people like myself this might be the most difficult thing to because once I have stopped running and feel like I have a moment to sit down quietly, I want to sleep. Cutting out this time though to put your thoughts coherently together and really grasp what you have been taught, will help you so much.
We can only do what we can with what is in front of us, but if we take care of ourselves first we will be able to help others. And that always feels good.
The next few weeks are going to be hard but we will make it through them together.