True Girl Problems
Procrastination
It’s so easy to fall into the habit of leaving projects, homework, studying, etc. until the day before they’re due or the day of (I like to call those ‘D Days’.) That’s this common disease called ‘procrastination.’ But, why do so many college and high school students succumb to a disease more prevalent than Ebola?
1) Other Classes
It’s no secret that students take more than one class a semester. In fact, students are required to take at least twelve credits a semester to be considered a full-time student here at Clemson and most students will go far above that. Unfortunately, some students have no juggling capabilities. For example, Calculus 1080 is one of the most dreaded and feared classes at Clemson. Why? Because it requires homework daily that can take upwards of three hours. Yes. Three hours. Imagine taking that class with another slightly less-demanding class. While you may enjoy art, I can almost bet that class will fall to the backburner before Calculus. It’s just the way our society works. We typically remember the things that are most demanding, and the hardest to deal with. If this is your problem, try to schedule yourself with tools like lists or a planner. It’s really relaxing and helps me with my anxiety when I can cross something I have to do off it.
2) Friends
I know my friends and I are not the only girls who sit up way too late talking about things that won’t matter in three days, the day before an exam or paper. No amount of cover-up can hide those half-moons under my eyes, unfortunately! Two a.m. gossip sessions occur almost weekly between us. It’s simple math. Me plus my friends plus good popcorn, are probably going to win out over studying for Biology. Try to limit these to the weekends if you can. Sleep is extremely important. Even if you have studied for the exam, you may not do as well as you should if you don’t sleep enough the day before.
3) Family
Ever heard that excuse, “But my grandma died this weekend.” I feel sorry for people this actually happens to! It’s one of the oldest ‘I need extra time’ excuses in the book. Teachers, while possibly sympathetic, usually will need documentation for something like this, but even then it might not get you out of your Human Sexuality tests. Family is supposed to come first, but schoolwork sure attempts to become a close second. If an emergency ever does come up, try to speak to the teacher as soon as possible. Also, don’t allow yourself to wait until two days before the term paper is due to start it either! That way if an emergency does happen, you have something to show that it wasn’t your way of copping out of the assignment. Sometimes all a teacher needs is proof that you didn’t blow off the assignment to make them be more understanding.
4) Boys/Significant Others
Seriously. If you find yourself sometimes falling behind in classes and possibly falling behind in your social group, the number one reason is usually a boyfriend, or a ‘person your talking to.’ Boys are not usually demanding, but we females just can’t help ourselves. We go to extremes to keep ourselves interesting and fun. Even postponing our study sessions for Chemistry and Physics until the day before the test because we can’t help but want to spend time with them. Try to limit your time obsessing over them during the school year. Use them as an incentive. “If I finish my essay, I can spend the day tomorrow with Johnny Clemson.” Something like that will motivate you to stay on track. Don’t worry about telling them you need to study, hopefully they’ll appreciate the time you put into your work. If they don’t, then you should possibly reevaluate your situation.
5) Partying
I speak from experience when I say, “No. You do not function just as well drunk/hung over, as when you are sober.” I don’t know where this common myth began, but it is certainly a myth for a reason. If school is really being a hassle at the moment, instead of partying, try exercising. It releases endorphins into the brain that will increase focus. I always do jumping jacks when I can’t stay awake. Personally, caffeine makes me really tired, so that doesn’t help, but working out hits me like a straight shot of espresso does for most of my friends.