Welcome back, Lancers! As the summer heat sizzles down, and the autumn air begins to blow, we find ourselves back in the classroom!
With the start of the fall semester, we as students begin to face new experiences, such as readjusting to daily routines, studying new material, completing assignments, and, of course, encountering challenges along the way.
It’s important to acknowledge that many students (like you) are also facing similar challenges. But by stepping back and analyzing what’s causing these issues, you can find a way to break free from this cycle. Here are a few proactive tips to help encourage you towards starting each semester strong.
Creating a daily routine can keep you on top of your game as a student. The first thing you can do when you wake up is pull out a physical planner and write down everything you must/will do. From your class times, work hours, homework, studying, and even breaks, you must visually see what must be done.
An assignment far off in the future might feel like there’s enough time to relax and deal with it later, but when you’re two days away from having to turn in a three page essay on something you haven’t even read yet, you might come to regret it. Instead, take your long term projects/assignments and begin by breaking them down into smaller steps. Then, assign a deadline for each step and put them into your planner. You can return to your planner and add/remove tasks in your day, rewarding yourself with the satisfaction of completing an assignment or daily goal.
To manage your tasks, it’s beneficial to develop prioritization skills which help you evaluate the level of importance of certain tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This includes priorities that are the most time and energy-consuming. Start by creating a list of priorities for your day. List any assignments, from easiest to most challenging. This also includes studying, working hours, and hanging out with friends. Then, determine what is the most to least significant to complete.
For example, if you have multiple assignments due at the end of the week, prioritize those by doing them first, while reaching out to friends about setting up different times to hang out. If there is a disturbance of availability to complete something more important than the other, consider moving the other task to a different time to be completed.
Lucas J., a chemistry major at CLC, explains how he manages his priorities: “When I get home from class, I study and do homework until I have to go do martial arts. Then I come back home, do more homework, and then go to sleep. Martial arts is good physical exercise, and it also helps me destress” Remember to prioritize breaks for the mind and body, as mental health should always come first while being a student.
The College of Lake County cares for our students, staff, and the community members who hold this campus strong. But if you find yourself feeling stuck with the challenge of completing an assignment for a class, or just talking to someone, don’t fear seeking help, CLC has got your back.
CLC offers free tutoring for students who are enrolled in classes. From Math, Science, and English tutors, there are a variety of tutors here to help you on your academic journey.
The tutoring center helps improve your academic performance through feedback and workshop-style sessions, as well as helping you build your confidence for your work and assignments. The tutors are available at CLC’s three campuses, including online sessions through zoom. Schedule a tutoring appointment through your CLC portal, as everyone enrolled here is welcome to use the Tutoring Center services at no charge whatsoever!
The Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is an in-person or online service offered for students and staff struggling with mental health problems. CAPS provides responsive psychological clinical services which contributes to our academic, personal, and professional success. When I experienced difficulties with procrastinating on classwork and transitioning into college, CAPS helped me analyze my roadblocks and reframe my mindset about how to approach assignments. CAPS is a great resource here at the college, as your first 10 appointments are free of charge and can be scheduled through your student portal.
Remember to keep in mind that we got to keep going one day at a time. We can acknowledge and celebrate the slow progress. Don’t rush into the sudden thoughts of needing to keep up with the rest of the pack. Keeping at your pace while striving towards learning creates a new blend of enriching satisfaction, which helps you enjoy your small achievements. Whether it’s mastering a challenging subject or simply sticking to your routine, recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, can significantly boost your morale and make the transition feel more rewarding.
