Image courtesy of Matthew Cornwall.
Most college students have busy schedules. Between classes, study groups, homework, part-time or full-time jobs, clubs, lectures, school events and socializing, our schedules are crammed packed. That is the average student’s life and as SCAD students, we accept it. Which is why I interviewed a student who is a master multi-tasker, senior graphic design student Matthew Cornwall. Matthew is also head of the SCAD Atlanta student-run online newspaper SCAD Connector and print magazine SCAN and involved in many side projects.
Chel Howard: SCAD students typically have a crazy workload, but you also work and are involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities. Do you mind giving me a run-down on everything you’re involved in and what you do?
Matthew Cornwall: I’ll be honest, it gets hard sometimes. I am the editor-in-chief of our school student-run newspaper and magazine. I also am part of the cross country team. And I work at Barnes and Nobles part-time. I’m also trying to network and go to a fair amount of events so I can get my name out there. I’ll be starting up a magazine soon on the side so I need to interview people and make connections.
CH: How do you make time for it all?
MC: I do and I don’t. Sometimes sacrifices must be made. I have to deliberately give up things like sleep and fun just to stay on top of it all. I sort of have a week-to-week schedule to stay on top of everything but staying motivated is the hard part.
CH: How do you motivate yourself and keep your energy up?
MC: I talk to my parents a few times a week. Since they’re helping pay for my college, I let them know what’s going on and how I’m feeling. They usually respond with some wise advice that I didn’t even know I needed. I also meet with a counselor every week. It’s more for my mental checkpoints. Sometimes you don’t realize that your grip on your life is slipping and it’s a great way to actually assess your current state of being.
CH: Do you have any tips on productivity for our readers?
MC: Get into the zone! I feel like I always do my best with my headphones on. I also happen to play the same song over and over to help me assess the passage of time. Sometimes two minutes feels like two months when you’re struggling over a project.
CH: You’re very much a man of many interests, especially writing and design. What do you see yourself doing in five years? What would you like to be doing ideally?MC: That’s a tough question. I’ve been in school for about four years and so much has changed since then. Five years … I could really do some damage with that! I would probably have dabbled in both magazines and UX design. I know I would keep working on my side project magazine, Black Atlas. I’ll probably spend my time just adding to my portfolio trying to get that job at Wieden + Kennedy or Coca-Cola or something like that.