Ask Garrett for April 23, 2014
Dear Garrett,
At this point in the semester, I always start to feel really stressed out. I just feel as though I have so many projects that are due, and I am always so busy with all of my other activities, like the organizations on campus I am a part of. I just feel like I never really have much time to myself, and I know that isn’t healthy.
How do I manage my busy schedule so that I have some time to kick back?
Sincerely,
Tired and Stressed
Dear Tired and Stressed,
Every Maryville College feels like this around this time of the semester. We go to a college that expects a lot out of us, and then we are all crazy enough to get involved in tons of extra activities. However, it is possible to keep your sanity and find time in your busy schedule to relax. Honestly, you just have to make sure that you are managing your time intelligently.
The first piece of advice I would give is to organize your time. You can go old school and use a paper planner to actually organize your days, or you can use the calendar feature on your smart phone or laptop. Basically, just vaguely plan out your day, set aside time for your homework, projects, meetings, and classes. Then, whatever time is left, can be dedicated to free time. You probably have more time then you think, but you just aren’t organizing the time that you have in an efficient way.
The other piece of advice I would give is to not procrastinate. We all do it even when we know that we shouldn’t. Do not leave those projects and papers till the very last minute. That’s what is probably causing quite a big of your stress. If you organize your time, you can work on projects over time, and then you won’t be stressed to finish them the night before they are due. This can be a hard habit to break, but if you do this, then you will definitely feel your stress levels drop. I hope this advice helps in some way, but it is something that every Maryville College student must learn.
Sincerely,
Garrett
Dear Garrett,
I know that I am a little odd and have quirky interests, but that’s just who I am. Still, I feel like people judge me all the time, and I feel like lots of people avoid me as well. I don’t know what to do about it. I am a freshman, and I really don’t know anyone here yet. I really want to make some friends, but I am having trouble. Do I need to get new interests or something? I just need some help.
Sincerely,
Oddball
Dear Oddball,
You should never change who you are just to gain some friends because then those friends won’t really be true friends. All you need to do is put yourself out there and find some friends who share your interests. If people are being judgmental, then they haven’t learned about the community here at Maryville. While people love to go on and on about our community till it almost becomes a cliché, there is some truth behind it. You’ll eventually realize that students here go out of their way to get along with each other and foster strong relationships. Of course, these freshmen who are being so judgmental have probably just not grown out of the freshman mind-set yet. Give it some time, and they will learn how things run here at MC.
The other piece of advice I will give you is to join a few clubs or organizations on campus. If there is one that interests you, get involved because you will meet people who share that interest with you. In many ways, the clubs here on campus become like families to the students, and I know that I have personally made many of my best friends through joining various clubs and organizations. You will meet plenty of people by getting involved on campus.
Just remember, don’t change anything about yourself. You are unique, and that is something to be proud of. There are people out there who you can make friends with. Just don’t give up when searching for them.
Sincerely,
Garrett