Tenesha Hughes
Staff Writer
Jackson State University freshmen are going through the changes of learning how to manage their time. Balancing homework, social life, participating in different clubs/organizations and even working a full time/part-time job can be difficult.
On Aug. 16, incoming freshmen were welcomed to their new ‘dear ol’ college home’ during Welcome Week. Last week kicked off the first week of school, and freshmen got a chance to see for themselves what the true “college life” experience is.
According to psychologytoday.com, time management is the ability to plan and control how you spend the hours in your day to effectively accomplish your goals. Poor time management can be related to procrastination, as well as problems with self-control. Skills involved in managing your time include planning for the future, setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and monitoring where your time actually goes.
JSU Student Government Association President Keonte Turner, a biology/pre-medicine major from Benton Harbor, Mich., shares his advice on how he keeps up with school work while finding time to still serve his student body.
“Take time to think about what is most important to you. Sort them out. Go for them while being aware of your workload; not overwhelming yourself,” said Turner.
He also added how he remains focused.
“The urge to have fun and enjoyment is the hardest thing about time management. If you let it, it can be a huge distraction. A constant reminder (via planners or cell phone alerts) of the goals at hand and ways to achieve them is a good way to counteract distractions,” said Turner
Miss Jackson State University, Anissa Butler, a senior chemistry major from Jackson, Miss., is someone who knows all about balancing work and school. From being a prancing J-Sette to staying true to her platform A.I.M. High, she still manages to maintain a high GPA.
“In order to keep up with class work I remind myself daily that I am a student first. I would not be here if I was not a student, ultimately pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. It’s been a slight struggle, but nothing I can’t handle or have not handled before. Sometimes I have to put aside Miss JSU work so that I can study and maintain the GPA I have,” said Butler.
She also shared five essential needs she uses that help her stay on task.
1. A planner – (or some kind of way to organize yourself) is extremely important!
2. Books – As expensive as they are, books are important. Your professor will not be able to cover everything in the book during a lecture. It is easier ways to understand concepts through reading.
3. A daily devotional or some source to help you keep up with your spirituality will help relieve some stress.
4. A Hobby or a way to express yourself (whether it is dancing, singing, painting, or listening to music) is another stress reliever. Get involved on campus!
5. Friends will be your support system! Find good ones that have the same goals as you.
Although school is important, find time for yourself. School can get tiring and stressful if you let it. Find time to hang with your friends, watch a movie, keep up on your favorite television show, and grab something to eat.
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