As a freshman, I am amazed at all that Baruch has to offer. I can honestly say that I enjoy college life more than I enjoyed high school life. In high school, I was often bombarded with loads of homework each night and left the biggest projects to complete shortly before deadlines. However, in college my classes are spaced out so that I have more time to study, complete assignments, and even schedule appointments with professors for extra help if I need it. I even have time for a small internship to boost my experience in the working world. As a result, I’ve really became a master at managing my time. I realized that no matter how many tasks I have to complete, I can finish everything if I plan out how to use my time wisely.
To begin with, the Baruch library has become my favorite place as I can go there during breaks to have silence to complete a long reading for class and use the computers to type up a small draft for a paper or even a review sheet of terms for an exam. I try do do as much work as I can during my breaks. I leave smaller assignments such as math problems, or short readings for when I go home after work. I even complete readings on the train on my way too and from school. I’ve learned to prioritize readings and looking through the next lecture PowerPoint on Blackboard because it truly helps me grasp concepts before class. In this way I will not waste time struggling to understand during class or spend extra time studying or receiving tutoring. Although, when I am unable to grasp certain lectures, I do not hesitate to use my time during breaks to meet with a teacher or form a study group. All of this preparation helps to make information stay in my head until the test so that the night before the test does not become an eight hour cramming session that has detrimental effects. I have not been to the writing semester this term, I would definitely like to use it next term when I have more challenging courses. I love the fact that I can get feedback on my work before I hand it in since it saves me time and I can get the best grade possible.
After writing out all of the tasks need to complete for each week, I then decipher if I have enough time to enjoy recreational activities such as watching a movie with friends and family, attending a party or going out to lunch with friends to treat my self, which I feel is very important to do once in a while. I find time to socialize after major exams and before holiday breaks by exploring the wonderful restaurants and other activities in the great Flatiron district that Baruch is part of. I am truly grateful that I chose to join a learning community at Baruch because it helped me make friends easier and also provided time for fun activities together amidst our workload.
