Spring Cleaning 101

The birds are chirping outside and one doesn’t have to scrape ice off of their car anymore. What kind of sorcery is this? It feels like spring is in the air! Finally, after a much awaited break from the hot and cold temperature pattern worthy of a Katy Perry song, it feels like spring is here. While for some this may mean “Brace yourself, exams are coming!” and to the others it is more like, “spring BREAK is finally here!” For me, it is a blend of the two. However, the best way to prepare oneself for the fun and excitement that is spring break (or exams…) is to get organized from spring cleaning. While that doesn't sound like a lot of fun, there’s just a certain excitement in being able to decorate your own space however you want it and know where everything is. Time to put those apple cinnamon air fresheners away and pull open your blinds because here comes the sunshine!

Use your mop as a microphone :)

Keep Calm and Patriot On

So the last two weeks have been very, very tough. I had my first microbiology exam, followed by a lab exam, with a statistics project and exam due within a week of each other, a music exam, with - last but not least- my political science exam.  It is as though my professors all consulted each other and said, “Let her take ALL the tests!” The wonders of being a nursing major indeed. 

I just know that this is what goes in those emails

The good news is that this upcoming week should be pretty smooth sailing, with only the standard, every day class quizzes. This is why it is important to stay up on your reading! Some classes will do these every day quizzes, and as long as you are staying up on your work, these are easy A points in the grade book. Here are some tips to get you through these “storm” weeks and into a “zen” week, where there’s little pressure. 

I love the little bridge!

Organization Ideas!

College students have such a hard time keeping themselves organized. It gets very hectic especially towards the end of the semester for students to keep everything organized.

Organization is a major element to keep the students on path here at UT Tyler.

From a personal experience, I can definitely say that organization can help everyone in a long run. Every semester I give myself some time to do “spring cleaning”, where I can just clean and get rid of any unnecessary items in my room. With books, notes, the loads of assignments, it gets hard for students to keep track of everything.

At the start of each semester, the students should always get a three ring binder to make sure all the paperwork from each class can be organized in there. I started doing that when I started UT Tyler, and it works out great. It not only keeps me organized, but it also reminds me to keep up with those syllabuses from each classes. I don’t have to worry about misplacing anything because I know that everything will be in that one folder if I ever need to reference it during the semester.

Another thing to remember is that, just because the semester is over doesn’t mean that all the hard work that you have put into projects and assignments will be in the trash. NO! Remember, after you graduate, a lot of the companies would prefer your major projects as a references that you have done throughout you college career.

Organization = key to success!

Mid-Semester Madness

You know those stressful times where you have 3 tests to study for and homework in 2 other classes? I don't! Well, not anymore.

As a child, my Kindergarten teacher described my by saying "Her internal clock just isn't ticking!" I was all about the fun and socializing, and I easily lost my focus when a task was at hand.

At some point in my educational career, I really turned things around. REALLY. Now, most of my friends and family would describe me as a hyper-organized individual that almost plans too much!

This was a to-do list that I made for myself last semester. Intense...I know.

I made sure to cross things off as I completed them!

But fret no more, my fellow students! I'm about to give you the keys to the kingdom! Or...just my personal organizational habits that have VASTLY improved my time management skills.

Reclaiming my Time

During a normal school day, I waste so much time. Time finding my pants. Time finding something to eat. Time finding my books. Time finding matching socks.
Time.
Time.
Time.
Time that I have to admit that I just don’t have. So, today, I will tell you I have actually learned from my mistakes.

       My first step, as TJ suggested, I’m going to clean my closet. Actually, I will clean out my closet. After coming to college, I lost about thirty pounds by walking around campus and eating better. Almost half of the clothes that are in my closet, I can’t even wear anymore. It’s about time I let go, and embrace my new body. Maybe The Toms Shoes Campus Club will have another garage sale? I’ll have everything they need.

       I aim to tackle that thick stack of papers on my desk. Yes, have used the excuse that I read a study somewhere that said that making stacks of things is our brain's way to say that we will come back to the task later. It is later, now I have no excuse. An accumulation of papers that embody all that is important… but not important enough to store, shred, or record? COME ON. Once I get rid of the piles on my desk, maybe I can use the space to write something, instead of hunching over my laptop on my bed. Isn't that what desks are for, anyway?

       Before I turn in early, I will prepare a comprehensive grocery list of all the food I eat during the week. Without planning ahead and being realistic about what I need, I end up spending money on fast food that I do not necessarily have, and eating junk instead of something delicious and healthy. After I go shopping Tuesday, everything will be set.

School is much easier when I feel more organized. Man, I miss eating at the MET.