As Salt Lake Community College students return to class after spring break, they may struggle to find the drive to keep up with their coursework.
Informal projections state as many as 32 percent of SLCC students drop out of school after spring break. For the students who do plan to come back to class, the break often turns into a missed opportunity.
“I could have caught up on so many different assignments but instead did nothing,” says SLCC student Jordan Franson.
Coming back from a break can be difficult, but in order to finish strong, students need to remind themselves why they are in school to begin with.
“Even when I’m exhausted from work or school I just have to keep my priorities straight and remember what I want in the long run,” says SLCC student Taylore Davis.
Here are some tips you can use to succeed to the end of the semester.
Set goals
Students like Davis use goals to build a foundation for the future. A mix of short-term and long-term goals can help you stay on the path to your end goal.
Write down those goals and place them somewhere that you will see them, to stay focused and motivated on the desired result. Don’t give up, no matter how tired you may be. Your hard work and focus will be well worth it in the end.
Stay organized
Students who write things down are more likely to remember them, so buy a planner and write down what you have to do each day, week and month. Organizing your tasks helps you stay on track to finish the semester strong.
Find ways to stay focused
Studies show that unorganized work areas are linked to lower concentration and productivity. Decluttering your workspace could help you declutter your mind.
The digital world can also be full of distractions, so when you need to work on a computer or other device, leave enough time to complete your studies and avoid Facebook and Netflix.
Fight off procrastination
It’s easy to say, “It can wait, I don’t need to do this right now.” But with just over five weeks left in the semester, time is short. Focus on any projects you have put off and prioritize your schedule to enjoy the end of the semester even sooner.
Treat Yo’Self
The best way to stay motivated is to offer yourself a reward. Having something to look forward to at the end of the semester can be a great source of inspiration.
Incentives can range from a new pair of shoes to the newest and greatest game. You could also plan a dream vacation or large trip for after you graduate.
