To Do List

It's 8 a.m., and I already have +20 things to do on my to do list. If I wanted to get everything that I would want, I probably wouldn't finish within a week. If I stopped giving you information there, you would probably think I should lighten down my schedule or do something more manageable.

To some people it may seem impossible to have a super-filled schedule while not spreading too thin, especially in college. However, it is possible to have a very busy schedule all while performing relatively well and still having time to relax.

It all comes down to prioritizing. Above most things, I am a student, and as such I value my academic performance very highly. However, like most people, I have other interests that define me. I am also a musician, a writer, a worker. (College students are poor!) More importantly, I am also a daughter, a sister, a friend, a citizen, a mentor, a roommate.

I like to think that my priorities-- my own definition of myself-- could be seen in what I do.

To do List For Today: 

• Study Chemistry (Practice problems) 
• Read Physics and turn in problem set
• Finish multivar. calculus homework and study for Exam!!
• Listen to and write an evaluation of a radio show
• Do rocket equation problems
• Design Lego Robot 
• Laundry
• Practice trumpet 
• Grocery Shopping
• Exercising
• Cook dinner
• Apply for summer internships
• Apply for summer teaching assistant positions
• write a letter to my sisters
• write to several of my friends
• wrap another one of my friends' gifts
• Schedule study sessions
• Schedule Volunteering 
• Sleep.

Now, let's be reasonable, here. There is no way I could ever do all of that in a day. But I might get a few things done here and there. I might not get anything done except the last item on the list in a given day because I simply am too tired (and sleepy) to do work, and instead add on to the list the next day. There are some things on the list that I do at least in some way every day (studying), while there are other things (exercising) that I could do a lot more of.
On a day that I want to get a lot of things done, I tell myself what the most important things to accomplish will be. As long as I get what the most important things to me are, I'm headed in the right direction.

Of course, if my schedule weren't as busy as it is, I would have more time to study, and of course, it would be a lot easier to learn academic things. However, I wouldn't be developing myself in other areas.

There are always compromises. I possibly could be just an amazing student--always doing the extra problems and the extra readings, but I would have to compromise being a friend, a musician, a volunteer, etc.

I always like to focus on the big picture. In the end, I guess my priority is to be a well-rounded, well-educated person. And in my opinion, it takes a lot more than focusing on being a good student to accomplish this.

Finding New Friends While Succeeding In School -Guest Post!

One of the things that has helped me immensely, especially here at MIT, has been forming study groups to survive through tough academic times. Lets be real, no one can sit down and focus on only one thing for 6 hours straight. Very few people could get through learning everything they need to learn for college without discussing it with other classmates. 
I believe forming an academic AND social group in college is one of the most helpful things you could do when it comes time to being successful and just having a good college experience in general. 


Guest blogger Lashanna Lim, who is in graduate school and hopes to work for a non-profit organization in the future has more to say... enjoy!

Sometimes college can feel a little overwhelming. With so many opportunities both
to learn and socialize, you might feel inclined to chose one and ignore the other.
Study groups are a great way to bring some balance into your life. You can increase
your chances of success in school and your future career while at the same time
building new friendships.

Build in Fun Rewards for Success

First off, make sure to have some fun! Dividing chapters to summarize or problems
sets to complete might not seem very exciting, so make sure your group is rewarded
for their achievements. Set realistic goals from the start (like all members turning in
homework assignments on time and receiving at least a B+) and reward yourselves
when you accomplish them. Bringing snacks or ordering New York pizza delivery
can both add some fun and help keep you focused. It’s pretty hard to concentrate
when you’re hungry, after all.

Bigger achievements deserve bigger rewards. Did you all pass your midterm with
flying colors? A night out at the movies or to a favorite restaurant and away from the
books might be in order. Make sure to pick rewards the whole group agrees upon, or
take turns choosing the rewards so all members feel involved.

Meet Diverse Friends With Diverse Strengths

Study groups can help you befriend people you may otherwise never have much
opportunity to interact with, so make sure to take advantage of that. Most often
you’ll want to form a group for a particular class so you’ll have at least one thing

in common. You can invite stand out students from class or those who you meet
in office hours. If you’re not sure whom to invite, you can always post a paper or
electronic announcement about the group to the whole class, or ask the instructor
if he or she can suggest any students who might be interested. The most effective
groups are made up of 4-6 members.

It’s important that your group find a good balance of member’s strengths and
weaknesses. You might be great at taking detailed notes in class, while another
member has a firm grasp on a concept you just don’t get. Make sure to teach each
other the skills you have so you’re all better prepared in the future. And remember,
a little tension amongst group members is not necessarily a bad thing. Groups that
get along too well are often not challenging themselves and aren’t learning as much.

Schedule Study and Social Time

It’s important to form your study group early in the semester. At your first meeting,
look over the syllabus and carefully create a group work plan. Making the group’s
schedule easily available to everyone, using a tool such as Google Calendar, is always
advised, as is having a set time and place for group meetings. Don’t forget to include
your rewards on the schedule!

If you find yourselves having too many off topic conversations, you might want to
schedule a few minutes before or after the study group just for social time. That will
give you a chance to relax and get to know the other members without interfering
with your work time. Remember, the more efficiently you use your group study
time, the more free time you’ll have to hang out with your new friends!