What do you want to change this semester? Seems simple, right?
We could all create a model for how a perfect semester should go, breaking our time into slots that fit certain activities and never wavering on our commitments.
I began to wonder what stands in a student’s way of having a smooth semester, and so I sought out my answer on a journey beginning at the library. I had hoped for juicy details on an array of topics, such as turning a breakup into a victory lap or reclaiming a spot on the popularity totem poll, but these truths appeared to be few and far between.
I decided to sit down and talk to several students to see what it’s like to keep up with a full schedule of classes, work and extracurriculars.
Tait Lafont is a mass communication senior who personally felt the struggle of balancing a full schedule.
“The classroom was fine for the most part, outside the classroom is where it gets tough,” he said.
Students do have a lot on their plate. The goal is to finish college and get a degree, but between the two is a list of extracurriculars we engage in to fortify our resume and maintain coveted lifestyles. While resources are available, finding the time to utilize them comes at a cost many don’t have.
This semester, it’s a good idea to examine your course load, hours at work and number of clubs. Less is more, especially if you can further excel because your focus is less divided.
I say that while also recognizing many of the extracurriculars we participate in help create new connections. I’ve noticed that we rely heavily on professors to help us socialize in class. You might go the whole day never saying one word to anyone, and the problem isn’t that you didn’t say a word; the problem is we can reach our goals while not talking to our classmates.
Sandra Ferrer is a journalism senior who offered her own personal goal of speaking to more people this semester.
“Compared to last semester, I would say a way to improve my social life would probably be to be more social in class,” she said. “I’m used to not really talking to my classmates but I do want to change that.”
How we assess the success of our semester should be partly dependent on the social connections we make and the growth in ourselves that stems from meeting new people. The possibilities are limitless, and finance junior Collier Roberts offers his thoughts as to why.
“I think it is beneficial for us to socialize in class because that way you meet like-minded people,” he said. “It can also be a good way to network. You may meet someone in class who ends up being a connection in your career. It is also good to have people that you can ask for help.”
I’m not saying get a C, find a new friend and call it a success. There is a middle ground. My emphasis is that some of our socializing should come from new people. Bring back the age of small talk and harness your ability to build new connections.
New connections will not stop the onslaught of the unforeseen throughout a semester. Things will go wrong every semester that we cannot predict, so we must have other metrics to grade success beyond our grades.
Ferrer highlighted what could go wrong in a semester, saying, “Well, academically, last semester was a bit rough. I missed class when I was sick, and after tha,t it became harder to get back in the grove. I also procrastinated a lot last semester, which put more stress on me at the end of the day.”
The stress that comes from falling behind or juggling a semester is normal. Our time management is put to the test, and procrastination comes about from seeing the mountain of catching up ahead.
“With assignments piling up, work, and club sports, it gets super difficult to even wake up towards the end of the semester and even get to class,” Lafont explained.
I saw this in myself last semester as family commitments kept me from the classroom and my homework. I lost hours at my job, detached socially and had stress lingering for a few weeks.
We all can relate in some respect. Part of college life is learning to deal with adult scenarios of managing appointments, sick days and emergencies. It is time to make this semester an opportunity to grow your time management skills, elevate your small talk and remain calm during turbulent times.
Mohammad Tantawi is a 24-year-old mass communication senior from Smyrna, Tenn.
