Exploring a Change

Currently, I am a member of the President’s Leadership Program at my school. The program includes a leadership minor, community service requirements, community engagement, and study abroad opportunities. This week, I had a meeting with my PLP (Presidents Leadership Program) staff guide, where we discussed my current on-campus and community involvement, transition to college, and personal goals for the rest of my time here at CNU. My counselor, Jack Ronayne, challenged me to assess the issues I’m currently stumbling upon as I transition, and note, specifically, how I might take such challenges and make myself accustomed to them.

So far, I have enjoyed the social exposure college has afforded unto me. The environment of CNU is a perfect contrast to my time in high school; There are just the right amount people not to over or under-whelm, the professors are just as friendly as the teachers from my small private high school, and the administration has the perfect amount of trust in its students. I have, however, struggled thus far with time management. I have a tendency to spend entire days streaming Netflix, and entire days with my head in my textbook, with absolutely no in-between. I believe I have the ability to conquer the tyrannical qualities of a ticking clock, mostly because I never had such a problem in high school. I attribute most of my struggle to the fact that back home I had a set routine and a list of to-do’s that were not self serving. Here, however, everyday is different and I break the possibility of an established routine, simply because I can.

I don’t like being this way—I simply do not have the temperment for it—I like order and schedules. Living so loosely is a challenge for me, and I intend to return to a place of structure on my own accord. This transition from sporadic living to structure will better my ability to lead in an orderly fashion, to stay precise in my studies, and to set a standard of work ethics for years to come.

To conquer my time management problem, I have developed three simple steps:

1. Write it down. Ambition begins at the tip of a ballpoint pen. We all have goals that we would like to see “scored,” but we might never have the chance to do so without writing down our plays. My goal is to rediscover a system of organization, similar to my high school routine, only better adapted for my life in college. Every morning I make a list of things that I must see to by the end of the day. This is the first step to productivity.
2. Time it out. Think about what exactly your day will look like and block your time for each one of your written hopes. For example, Today I have lunch plans at 1 o’clock and class at 4 o’clock; Before lunch is the time that I have blocked off for homework, between lunch and my class is the time I have blocked off for cleaning the room and getting ready, and after class is the time I have designated to packing for fall break. Of course, one must be forgiving with themselves if they do not complete all of their homework in the time allotted, however, it is a basic outline of time usage that will manage the spontaneity and support the structured system.
3. Do it! You’ve written it down and timed it out, now all that there is left to see through is the day itself. Work hard every day, forgive yourself if it does not go perfectly, but be willing to try again tomorrow. Keep a positive attitude and remember to give yourself a break (just not one that is longer than the actual work).

Since coming to terms with my time management problem and openly discussing improvement with my PLP counselor, I have made avid steps to becoming a more efficient student with an ardent work ethic. I truly do make a list every morning; Today’s list included the crafting of a blog post that contained the requirements outlined within the PLP Year 1 Engagement Plan prompt, and here I am…writing it! I only have intentions to improve my time management skills and fully prepare myself in an attempt to keep from feeling overwhelmed. My mother has always been a bit anal about organizing and scheduling, so she is mostly to thank for my coaching and success in fixing what challenges me. I also attribute my motivation and manifestation to the Center for Academic Success, where I was helped with troubling concepts and deadlines. And last, but absolutely not least, I am forever grateful to my lifelong partner and best friend: google calendar, she highlights my darkest days…literally.

While I will still, undoubtedly, have days of binge watching Netflix and copious amounts of Chic-fil-A, I wholly intend to prioritize my school work and mental health firstly. It is completely outside of my character to struggle with time management, but I am fully convinced that I have the skills within myself to make things right with the clock. So here’s to the rest of this year’s attempt at getting back on track, and exploring a new-found home and lifestyle as a CNU captain.

I cannot wait to see what is held by the next four…

Much love, Ev.