Light at the end of the Tunnel!
Half way into the semester and I have learned many things of value about formulas, formats, tables, etc., the most valuable however: do NOT fall behind! Easier said than done. As a first year, first semester college student, I really didn't know what to expect when coming to CSN. I started out with five classes, and now only four since one of them has finished. This is the least amount of classes I have ever taken in my life. I thought it would be easy! I was right... sort of!
This is easy... as long as you have a lot of discipline and drive...or a lot of free time. The tasks given to me from this class are easy to achieve if you plan for each one. I made the mistake of not doing this, which led to me falling behind.
I have always been considered a "good student" my whole life. The type of kid a teacher will move in between the two kids that can't behave themselves together. I was always quiet, respectful, and got my work done on time. My whole school career, preschool to senior year of high school, I have never had a late assignment. Something changed this year, and I'm not sure what. It's definitely embarrassing to admit, but in this class exclusively I have fallen so far behind that the thought of catching up haunts me. Part of me knows I need to finish it, but part of me knows that the world won't explode if I don't. Which is a pretty sucky mindset to be in. After getting promoted at my job, I have become an important asset for my boss, mostly because all other managers left, and there are only new team members on our crew who don't really know what they're doing half the time. Since there are no other managers besides me and my boss, I have been working more than I have ever in my entire life. Going from having small, 5 hour shifts, to long, 12 hour shifts multiple days in a row was very challenging for me. My place of work does not give out breaks either, so this honestly has been excruciatingly exhausting for me. I have tried to bring my school materials to work as well to do my homework there during times when it is slow, however, since I work fast food it is often not slow.
Waking up, going to class, then immediately going off to work has been my routine for the past couple of weeks. It is very hard to find time to complete my work on time under these conditions. I don't even remember the last time I was able to fully clean my room. Living in a dirty room has definitely been the worst part of this new change. I am typically a very clean an organized person, and even prided myself in how good my room looked, but going from a slow paced day-to-day life, to fast paced days with no ease into that lifestyle has me throwing clothes on the floor and leaving it there, leaving paper, books, etc. everywhere they're not supposed to be.
However, I must admit when I do have a day off, I like to rest instead of catching up on work, which is ultimately what has made me get so far behind. There is no one here to blame but myself. I know I am capable of finishing all of this class's work, however I have been selfish lately and have utilized my free time to nap. Now that I am slowly getting used to the new adjustments at work, I have found new ways to get what I need to complete done.
It is also difficult at times to complete certain assignments from home as I do not have access to a computer that runs Microsoft applications. In the future I will make sure I have all the resources necessary before committing to a class.
All-in-all: definitely in the future I will sacrifice a few hours of sleep in order to not fall behind...I am young enough to stay up late without repercussions, so I should take advantage of that while I still can!
Im choosing 4.11.7 Managing Headers, Footers, and Sections. Knowing how to insert page numbers or other such content into headers and footers is a very important skill to have. Knowing how to make these headers/footers differ page-to-page is a skill not a lot of people have prior to taking this class. Additionally, inserting section breaks is very important for an organized, well put together document.
In order to prepare for the upcoming MO-110 Word exam I will complete all necessary assignments to qualify for it, and brush up on some skills I'm not 100% confident in.
This class has been a great way for me to learn about not only cool and important Microsoft features, but also has been a learning ground for me to figure out what I can do in the future to prevent me from falling behind again.
Now that there are only a couple weeks left of the semester, I am determined to complete all of my missing work, and stay on track again until it is over. Next semester hopefully I won't let myself down again! I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! ^_^
Hi Avery, I like your title because “light at the end of the tunnel” is exactly how this class feels, except sometimes the tunnel adds extra turns just to keep things interesting. Your honesty about falling behind actually made your post stronger, because a lot of people go through that but do not always say it. I also respect that you owned it instead of blaming everything else, that takes more effort than it sounds.
ReplyDeleteThe part where you talked about your work schedule really explains a lot. Going from shorter shifts to long hours back to back can drain anyone. I had a similar moment where I told myself I would rest for a bit, then suddenly it was hours later and my assignment was still waiting like it had feelings. It is funny how rest starts as a short break and turns into a full event.
I also liked how you pointed out discipline and planning, because this class really shows what happens when either one is missing. Your focus on headers, footers, and sections is actually a smart choice. Those things look small, but they control everything in the background like a quiet manager. I used to ignore them until one assignment made me realize they run the whole document.
About the sleep part, I get what you mean, and I have thought the same thing when I feel behind. I do not really agree with sacrificing sleep either, but I understand the feeling of being desperate to catch up. For me, when I am too tired, I end up rereading the same thing and making more mistakes, so it slows me down instead of helping. I am trying to manage it by working in smaller chunks so I can stay consistent without burning out.
Hey Avery, you showed that you are capable of doing great things because working 12 hour shifts and going to school full-time is not easy, and I understand how that feels, especially when you are normally the type to be organized and always on time. I had a similar instance where I concentrated too much on one class and totally forgot I had homework due on another class. Honestly it takes a lot of self discipline and time management to catch up, but if we keep a good pace and balance everything, I'm sure we're all complete our classes without burning out. Have a great rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteOn a rare day off, you chose to rest and nap instead of catching up, likely because you are exhausted both physically and mentally. Sacrificing a few hours of sleep to not fall behind may work once or twice, but frequent sacrifices may exacerbate your exhaustion and make the problem worse!
ReplyDeleteGetting a promotion at your workplace and working more hours while being a first semester college student is not an easy place to be! I am glad you didn't quit IS101 or school, Avery :-)
Glad you will ensure you have all the resources necessary before committing to a class in the future. You will finish the semester Spring 2026 strong. You will encounter more situations where you are pushed beyond your capability. How/where you choose to focus your time and energy will determine success or failure. I see you succeeding more than failing, Avery ^_^
Hello Avery, I completely understand transitioning to college classes can be challenging drive is very important. Learning to manage your time is vital for success and it's so much easier said than done, I'm glad you were able to find a schedule that worked for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Avery, taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing is more important than any school work. It's not selfish to do so.
ReplyDeleteAvery, don't let anything hold you back. We all know you can do anything you set your mind to. No matter what has changed in your life, you should always make the best of it. We believe in you.
ReplyDeleteHi Avery, your honesty is really encouraging. I know you will learn how to manage your time better and find a little more time for everything. Sometimes we spend too much time on assignments because we want them to be perfect, but the most important thing is learning, not making everything perfect. I also really admire your determination at the end; you can tell you’re ready to get back on track and finish strong.
ReplyDeleteHi Avery, make sure to get breaks, it's the law! I also worked fast food in management and understand how demanding it can be on your body and your mind. Even if you want to continue in corporate fast food your best bet is going to school so make sure you focus on the thing that will take you places and lead to a bigger paycheck. Also, mentally cleaning can be hard if you have a busy lifestyle, I suggest setting aside 30 minutes a day to focus on one task. We have a few days left I hope you get caught up. Don't quit! Keep on going and don't compare yourself to your former self just figure out where you are now.
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard hit of reality of being the "best student" in class and then suddenly everything shifts in college. While it is disappointing to see yourself go, you got to take things very slowly as well. It is easy in writing and I may not know your situation but life shouldn't just be work, school and home. Hopefully you can get a good summer break after this semester ends!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, balancing school with 12 hour shifts sounds brutal, so respect for still pushing through everything. I liked how real your post was, especially the part about finally starting to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”
ReplyDeleteHi Avery. I like that you are aware of what you can improve on to prevent yourself from falling behind. It is okay to make mistakes in college, as long as you learn from it.
ReplyDeleteHello Avery. I'm really sorry that it's been so exhausting and difficult for you. Hearing about your schedule, it really makes sense why you're so tired, so don't be too hard on yourself. I don't think you're being lazy at all for taking naps. Getting sleep is so important for your physical and mental health. Take some time for yourself during summer if you can, it's not selfish.
ReplyDeleteHi Avery, I appreciated your honest reflection on how quickly workload and schedule changes can affect time management, especially with work and school overlapping.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you that having to turn in late assignments is one of the worst things and embarrassing. This semester has also been strange, and had fallen behind in college, compared to last semester, when I usually used to turn in assignments on time and take the time to advance more into the course. I believe that going from a 5-hour shift to 12 shift made an really impact on you from falling behind and turning in late work.
ReplyDeleteHi Avery, don’t be too hard on yourself.The fact that you’re still aware of what needs to be done and trying to find ways to fit school in shows you’re still engaged, even if it feels difficult right now.
ReplyDeleteHey Avery, To struggle now will pay off in the future. If you stay busy now, you'll need to make time for what it is you truly want. Keep chopping at it and you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteHello Avery, those difficult times and challenges you're going through right now will only strengthen you in the long run. Being able to understand your faults/missteps and still want better from yourself is what separates the winner from the quitters. Best of luck! I know you'll catch up and do what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteHey Avery! First I just wanted to say that your choice of blog design looks aesthetically pleasing and clean :) I love it. Back to the topic, I wish that you would cut yourself some slack. You work 12 hour shifts, of course you would need to take resting over getting things done in order to not exhaust your body to the point of getting sick! No need to blame yourself for falling behind. The bright side is, you got to catch up at the end of the tunnel full of challenges and struggles, and your perseverance and resilience will always inspire me and probably everybody who read this.
ReplyDeleteHello Avery. I really like your blog style, it looks wonderful and feels very unique. Starting out with five classes while balancing a work life is very impressive!
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