As we wrap up this academic year, people are getting ready to leave the books behind and enjoy the warmth of summer. Although summer is a time of rest for most of us, it is also a great opportunity to make things a little easier for your future self. After you finish those last assignments and projects and ace those final exams, I invite you to reflect on your academic year.
What seemed to work for you vs. what definitely needs improvement? Look at your study methods; did you reread your notes ten thousand times till they stuck? Did you use flashcards and quizzes to test your knowledge? Did you study a little bit for a week, or did you cram everything the day before? Consider what helped you get the best understanding of the class and search for new methods that might help you study in a more effective way.
If you struggled with procrastination or forgetting important stuff this year, consider getting a planner! Find websites that allow you to take notes in a more engaging way, create a schedule, and tape it to your door so you can see it every time you leave. Being prepared for those moments in which you can’t be bothered to look at your syllabus online can make things a lot easier.
But preparing for the next academic year doesn’t just mean exams and assignments. It also means looking back at things like what you were missing from your dorm. Maybe you discovered that it could get a little hot during the summer so you might invest in a small fan. What small things did you find yourself needing but completely forgetting to bring? Tape, scissors, cups, etc. Make yourself a list of things you need to bring to your dorm next year so that you don’t forget anything and find yourself asking your floormates in the middle of the night.
Preparing also means thinking of what you want to do besides classes next year. Applications for part-time jobs at Roanoke College are still open but will close before the next semester begins. You might want to look ahead of time if you think you would like to work while taking classes. It is also a great time to look into what extracurricular activities the college provides, whether this means sports, the arts, or clubs.
This is a chance to look back at what you wish you had done and to do it next semester. Make things a little easier for yourself. You will appreciate it.
Andrea Flores
Staff Reporter
