Okay, so my semester is in full swing now-papers being due that I should have started a long time ago, group presentations that have to incorporate classroom involvement, and Math tests that I have to pass in order to meet my general education criteria so I can be admitted into my program of choice. And let’s not forget about mid-terms that are looming over all of our heads! I keep wondering why I have such bad study habits, especially considering the fact that I took a study skills class here at Lourdes, which I thought benefited me a lot! As I stated in a previous blog, I no longer do my homework the instant I get home, I no longer do all my reading that is required for class, which in some classes isn’t that big of a deal, but when you’re an English major and class revolves around discussion of the readings, you feel completely lost and pitiful in class. You don’t have anything intelligent to add to the conversation because all you can think about is the fact that YOU SHOULD HAVE READ! So instead of changing it for next time, I’ve got stuck in this cycle where it’s all or nothing. I either do so much studying and homework in one day that I’m completely exhausted by the time I go to bed, or I don’t do it at all, wishing I could get myself to open the books! Now I know that I should space out the workload over the entire week, but between school, work, and three kids- that’s hard to accomplish. I have to do it when I have the time, and you get so sick of spending any free time you have on schoolwork- all you want is “me time,” but I am beginning to realize that “me time” should consist of doing my homework so I can get the grades, eventually leading to my goal of getting my degree.

My life is not easy…in fact, I probably made it harder by getting married at a younger age, and having kids before I graduated college. However, I wouldn’t change any of it. My kids mean everything to me, and I don’t want them to miss out on activities just because I still don’t have my degree. So I try to balance it all. I allow my daughter to be involved in gymnastics one night a week, I allow her to be at cheerleading one night a week for practice, and all day on Sundays for her games, I help her with her homework nightly, and go over extra material that I feel is important for her to know and learn…and I try to spend as much time as possible with my kids when I AM home. I don’t want their lives to be changed because of my decisions…they deserve to have all of me when I am in their presence and when I’m away- they come before everything in my life, even college.

So while I am trying to balance it all-something suffers. And it’s unfortunate that it’s my study skills and preparation for class. I am going to try harder to do a better job at time management; I will do better at juggling everything I have going on. I need to get into a specific routine to where no aspect of my life suffers: marriage, family, college, or “me time.” Gosh I wish there were more hours in a day! I’m sure there are many other students out there in situations similar to mine, and I commend you for all that you do! It’s not often that people understand or sympathize with your situation, but I am here to let you know that I do. And I believe in you, and your abilities. YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS! And when you do find that person that is encouraging and supportive of you, hold on to them---because everyone needs a little pick-me-up once in a while! So like I said in a previous post, “KEEP ON KEEPING ON!”

Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12:21:30 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] |