Hey there, Gaels! If you're anything like me, you know that university life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might find yourself in a situation where your motivation dips and your study habits suffer. Recently, I experienced this firsthand in one of my courses, and I want to share how I turned things around. Hopefully, my story can help you, too!
At the beginning of the semester, I found myself sitting at a table surrounded by students who didn't seem all that committed to the course. Their lack of engagement rubbed off on me, and I began to feel demotivated. I started studying less and slowly fell behind. It was a frustrating cycle that only intensified my feelings of inadequacy.
Then, one day, I took a step back and reflected. What was my goal for this course? I remembered that I had a genuine interest in learning another language—something that could give me an edge in the job market. This realization helped me understand that I needed to make a change.
Feeling inspired, I decided to visit my professor during their office hours. I opened up about what I was experiencing—the lack of motivation, the distractions, and how it was affecting my studies. To my relief, my professor listened and offered practical advice. They suggested I change tables discreetly to surround myself with more engaged students and encouraged me to seek their help whenever I needed it.
This conversation was a game-changer for me. I left feeling supported and more motivated. I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle, and I didn’t have to feel inferior.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to take proactive steps. Here are some strategies that worked for me:
- Ask a Friend for Help
- Sometimes, just talking about what you’re struggling with can lift a weight off your shoulders. Your friends might be feeling the same way!
- Sometimes, just talking about what you’re struggling with can lift a weight off your shoulders. Your friends might be feeling the same way!
- Reach Out to Your Professor
- Don't hesitate to share your feelings with your professors. They want you to succeed and can provide guidance or resources.
- Don't hesitate to share your feelings with your professors. They want you to succeed and can provide guidance or resources.
- Contact SASS for Academic Support
- Queen's offers great resources through SASS (Student Academic Success Services). Whether you need help with writing, reading, or studying, they’re there for you.
- Queen's offers great resources through SASS (Student Academic Success Services). Whether you need help with writing, reading, or studying, they’re there for you.
- Prioritize Your Well-Being
- Take breaks, practice self-care, and find activities that recharge you. A clear mind can make a big difference in your studies.
- Take breaks, practice self-care, and find activities that recharge you. A clear mind can make a big difference in your studies.
- Seek Accommodations at QSAS
- If you’re eligible for extra time on assignments and exams or access to class notes because of a documented impairment or disability, don’t hesitate to reach out for accommodations. It's all about giving yourself the best chance to succeed.
- Join SASS Workshops
- Participate in workshops on skills like time management, writing, and speaking. These can equip you with the tools you need to excel.
- Participate in workshops on skills like time management, writing, and speaking. These can equip you with the tools you need to excel.
It’s essential to remember that you are responsible for your own academic journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. There are plenty of resources available at Queen’s to support you. By being proactive and seeking help when needed, you can regain control over your studies and improve your overall experience.
If my experience resonates with you, I hope you feel encouraged to take that first step. Whether it’s talking to a friend, reaching out to a professor, or attending a SASS workshop, every little action counts. You've got this, and remember, your success is within your reach!