Posted on September 29, 2021
Victoria King, Contributing Writer
After summer vacation, it feels so hard to get back to your regular schedule. Many
students agree that the first few weeks of the semester are the hardest part of the
entire semester. “It takes some time to get used to the course material and the professor. Especially with online only classes because so much of it is being a self-starter,” said Kristina Kircher, Daytona State sophomore. She works full time as a legal
assistant in a Law Firm. She has almost completed the Paralegal Studies program at DSC and has two classes remaining.
How to find a balance between your personal life and school? The trick is to plan ahead. Carefully review the syllabus for each class. Be sure that you understand the professor’s requirements. Second, make a detailed calendar that shows all the assignments you need to do and their due dates. It will help you to keep track of your assignments and complete them on time.
Holly Hollins, Professor of Communications and the Chair of School of World Languages and Speech, shared her college memories. She remembered that
each new semester was not only exciting, but immediately caused her to become anxious because she was thinking of how to complete all the assignments, presentations and projects thoughtfully while also on time. She discovered that the best way for her to organize her school schedule was to use a large one-month calendar. She was able to change and add not only the due dates of her entire projects to the calendar but also the reminders to complete pieces of the assignments. “My house was very small in college, so the calendar took up quite a bit of wall space, but I could see the whole month, plan ahead, and stick to the schedule,” said Hollins.
During the semester, Michelle Goldys, the Director of Academic Advising, sends emails to all DSC students with reminders of all the services that the college offers. These services could significantly increase the student’s grades
and help them to succeed. “I think the most important highlight is that all of this help is free,” explained Goldys. “There are people all over campus dedicated to working with students to identify and provide the support each student needs to be
successful!” DSC offers free tutoring, writing assistance, library services and more.
Professor Hollins recommends that you do not hesitate to meet with your professor during office hours and discuss any difficulties you are having with your assignments. The Writing Center and its tutors are also ready to help you.
Kircher stated, “If I’m having trouble I reach out to my professor. So far I haven’t had one that isn’t super nice and helpful!” She also mentioned that her solution for successful studying is to do a little bit of her coursework every day to avoid having to do it all on the weekend.
Hollins, who has 14 years teaching experience, suggested that students be sure to take care of their health. If students are tired or unhealthy, they won’t have the energy to concentrate and will most likely do poorly on tests and assignments. She also gave some great advice to DSC students on how they could improve their academic performance. “Making a point to organize a plan of action, asking for help when things aren’t clear, and taking time to check in with yourself can result in a better use of your time and a higher likelihood you will reap the most rewards,” she said.
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