Hi, again! I recently completed my first graded work at Queen’s and I want to share the experience. I had my first—long and daunting—anatomy quiz. In the days before the test, it loomed over me like a dark cloud. And, largely due to my procrastination habits, I don’t think I gave my best performance. However, I hope I’ve learned some lessons about time management, self-care, and prioritization at university. Bear with me while I explain!
Procrastination had always been a shadow lurking in my academic and professional life, and I am pretty sure that everyone has had this experience. This quiz was no exception. Weeks before the quiz, I found myself putting off studying and doing other things instead. Studying for other classes, cleaning my apartment, and taking my dog out are all important, but not at the expense of what was most important in the moment. Worse, I thought I had more time than I actually did.
I kept telling myself that I was an incredible note-taker and could easily cram the material in a short time. Little did I know, this mindset was setting me up for a stressful situation—AGAIN! My note-taking habit did help. Over the course of the semester, I had meticulously recorded lecture notes and key concepts. This habit not only helped me understand the content but also enabled me to effectively memorize it when I finally decided to buckle down and study. My notes became my lifeline, helping me grasp complex anatomical structures and physiological processes. But I only just squeaked through—with a lot of stress to boot.
Recognizing that I needed a serious change in my study habits and time management skills, I decided to seek help. As you might know, Student Academic Success Services (SASS) provides support to students struggling with academic challenges. So, I scheduled an appointment with a Professional Academic Skills Specialist at SASS, hoping to gain insights into better organizing my daily schedule.
The meeting with the Academic Skills Specialist turned out to be a game-changer. She provided me with practical tips for effective time management. One of the most crucial lessons I learned was the importance of creating a balanced and healthy routine. I was encouraged to allocate specific time slots for studying, breaks, and personal activities. To my surprise, having the activity time slot has already begun to improve my physical and mental well-being. I feel more energized and motivated to study than ever before, and to tackle difficult tasks that I’d usually procrastinate on (like that Anatomy quiz!).
Another pivotal decision I made during this challenging period was to drop one of my courses and add another that I was genuinely passionate about. This change was a crucial step towards regaining my motivation and alleviating the pressure I had been feeling. It allowed me to focus more on the subjects I truly enjoyed, making the learning process more engaging and less burdensome.
The experience taught me that it's okay to seek help (even if you think you’ve already got it) and make changes when necessary to ensure a successful academic journey. It's crucial to recognize when a course or situation is causing excessive stress and take steps to alleviate it. By prioritizing my mental and physical well-being, I was able to perform better academically and feel more motivated in the process.
In conclusion, my first long quiz may not have gone as planned, but it has been one step on my journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I learned the importance of seeking help when needed, managing my time wisely, and making choices that prioritize my well-being. These lessons will continue to guide me through my university experience and beyond, ensuring that I approach future challenges with resilience and determination.
- Maria