Hello everyone!
I have always loved English classes because they allow for more open discussions and creativity compared to other subjects; Therefore, I am most looking forward to hearing my peers’ interpretations of the works that we explore during the class and comparing them with my own. I am excited to explore new texts and discover new perspectives unrelated to my major for a change. I am also looking forward to improving my writing with the help of my peers and the Writing Center. I know by that utilizing the Writing Center, I will not only be improving my letter grade, but also developing my writing as a whole, which I am anticipating.
An obstacle that will most likely pose a threat to me excelling is my procrastination. All throughout high school, I cruised by, relying on my friends to support me and building off of my common sense; but once I entered college, I realized that I could not sit idly by and sacrifice my grades any longer. Despite this epiphany I had, I still struggle immensely with finding the motivation to complete work early. I have made great progress in becoming a better student over my last two years of college, but, often times, it can still be very difficult for me to crack open a textbook or not wait until the day an assignment is due to complete it. Especially amidst the current pandemic where we are all confined to our houses for the most part, finding the motivation necessary to do just about anything is significantly harder when I am subconsciously aware of all the technology so readily accessible to me at all times.
I am fortunate enough to be in a situation which allows me to prioritize school, so I plan to manage my time between class and out-of-school activities by limiting how much technology I consume throughout the day. Developing motivation starts with acknowledging society’s (but more importantly, my own) addiction to technology and by putting myself in a healthier mindset that will allow me to better prepare for whatever my classes may throw at me.
I definitely feel your struggle when it comes to procrastination as most of the time if I let it to bad I surely miss a due date as I don’t like handing in work i don’t feel good in or i give in and hand in what i have done in time. BUT if there is any consolidation for that it is that I do find motivation in completing work as it just relieves the stress and pressure that an assignment puts on to you.
Procrastination is the bane of many of us however I feel that instead of looking at the sheer amount of work you have to complete and feeling overwhelmed, you should instead focus on completing it little by little no matter how long the due date. The faster you start your tasks the more time you have to relax and to enjoy hobbies. I don’t mean that you should complete it all in one day as I assume that many of your tasks have longer than one days due date. I mean to at least start no matter how little progress you make and next thing you know it you are all done. Props on you for realizing your addiction and trying to make a plan to change yourself. Best of luck!
Hi Julianna,
I must agree with Kevin, in that the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to focus on small tasks leading up to larger assignments, so that no one part feels too stressful to begin, and you don’t end up waiting until the last minute on important projects.
Although this may seem like strange advice coming from an English professor, I would also encourage you to spend some time outside every day that you can, and to make a plan to keep up exercise activities as a priority alongside your school work. This can give you the energy and mental space you will need to complete your schoolwork, and should make you feel more positive and motivated in general.
i’m very much in the same boat, we have the mental capacity to do well but ultimately our own minds hold us back from reaching our academic and personal goals. And I definitely agree with the professor, just a little bit of sunshine and exercise can make a world of difference, I myself can especially relate to this, because last semester I was having such a hard time studying for my macro economics class, and about the same time I joined a kickboxing gym and its weird to say, but I started getting really good workouts in and the information for class also kinda started to flow better and I was better able to memorise facts.