New Semester Resolutions

There's something about a new semester of school that has always thrilled me. Maybe it's my backpack, that I packed weeks ago, full of new and carefully themed school supplies. Maybe it's the new clothes stored in my closet. Maybe it's the anticipation of events I'll be attending with my friends. But, no matter how stressful the previous semester was because I thought an 8 am class was a great idea, the night before my first day of classes is always spent awake with gut-wrenching excitement.

Every new year means a clean slate. Clean slates mean new school supplies to keep me excited. After gathering this year's selection of supplies, in pink of course, I sat down to think of ways to get the most out of my year.

Study Resolutions

I'm always searching for a study regimen that works for me. And as with all things, there are hits and misses.

Grab a seat in the front row.

Turns out there is truth in my psychology teacher's advice that students that sit in the front row tend to get better grades. Sitting in the front makes it less likely for my mind to wander. In the middle and back rows there are so many temptations! Anyone else find themselves going down the rabbit hole that is social media?

Homework before play.

They say the first step in forming a good habit is admitting that you have a problem. I'm a chronic procrastinator and will work on everything but the essay I should be writing. I'm a fan of the Pomodoro Technique. There's an app for that! It allows  you to give yourself time limits for work and breaks for when your brain starts to feel mushy.

See a tutor as soon as a problem arises.

The majority of the time, my pride doesn't allow me to use the free service of campus tutors to it's potential. This year, that changes. Don't wait until the situation is nearly unsalvageable because ain't nobody got time for that!

Health Resolutions

The Freshman 15 is not a lie. I repeat, the Freshman 15 is not a lie! My 21 year-old body has different needs than my 18 year-old body. Freshman-year Kadeshia could drink coffee, pull all-nighters, and survive off of four hours of sleep like a pro. Coffee makes Senior-year Kadeshia sick, she needs at least seven hours of sleep to function without wanting to snap someone's neck, and all-nighters are folklore.

Try to eat as clean as possible and go to bed at a decent hour.

There is a positive correlation between what you eat and the quality of sleep you get. Eating healthier allows me to have more energy during the day and fall asleep earlier. I get at least seven hours of sleep and waking up at 6 or 7 am is no problem (8 am class will always be a problem).

Exercise.

Last year I had one of the busiest schedules of my life. Sometimes you want to work out but just can't find the time or energy. I'm going to take advantage of my campus gym and hit it at least three times a week.

Make time for myself.

I'm one of the biggest 'yes' people I know. I'm always advising my friends that you can't help anyone else if you aren't on you’re A-game. I tend to forget that and I should take my own advice. 

Financial Resolutions

My Momma likes to tell me that I have champagne tastes and a beer budget. She's right. I doubt I'll ever use the Pythagorean Theorem as an English major but learning how to budget would have been helpful to learn in high school.

Save money for student loans.

Okay, I should've started doing this freshman year but I didn't and I'm trying to be more fiscally responsible. I have ten months before graduation to be as frugal as I can. Having a budget will make it easier to put away a little from each paycheck.

Apply for and accept a job in my chosen field.

That one is self-explanatory. I'm giving myself seven months, because loans.

Social Resolutions

College is more than studying and padding your resume, it's where you can make lifetime friends. While I love my closest friends, I wish I had ventured out of my comfort zone more along this journey.

Be in a study group.

Not only is this an opportunity to gain friends within your major, but you will have a think-tank to consult with.

Participate in an intramural sport.

I'm not the most athletic in the bunch and my clumsiness can attest to that. Laughing will most likely ensue but it's bound to be fun.

Mingle more at socials and parties.

You can always find me out on the dance floor shaking what my Momma gave me without abandon. However, it's rare to find me in a conversation. I always found it awkward to attempt a conversation over party noise but I'm going to try something new.

I worked hard last semester but I know that it a little improvement never hurt nobody! What are your resolutions for this year?