Time management, balance essential for success in school

School is in session.Don’t act like you didn’t know.  After spending hours getting the perfect schedule and standing in the financial aid line, then sitting through the most boring professors’ classes, it is about time to get it together. You went through too much to get here, for it all to fall apart because you cannot keep up.

Florida A&M University has a lot to offer; there are an abundance of clubs, organizations and events. Then there are all the nightclubs and parties in the Tallahassee area. The one thing you have to remember is that your first priority is school. Survival at FAMU requires you to manage your time.  If you know you cannot go to Baja’s Beach Club on Thursday night, study for that chemistry exam on Friday and then write a paper for literature on Monday, then don’t try it. 

Some classes require more study time than others. If you are weaker in one area, then study harder for that area.

But keep in mind that all work and no play makes you a dull person.

Have fun because social events and parties are a part of college life. Although they are not a necessity, they make life more interesting. As we all know, FAMU is considered a party school, but that does not mean you have to go to every party. 

When you need to unwind after passing a major test, feel free to party. 

Do not let your friends convince you to do stuff you do not have time to do. Do not party just because it is Thursday. It is OK if you miss one or two events. I promise there will be others. Before you try to join every club, consider your number one priority and then plan everything else around it. Make sure the organization you join is worth joining. 

Take time to join a club or organization related to your major or one that does good community service projects. You never know whom you could meet while in that organization. In order for your schedule to be effective, you must stick to it as much as possible!!! What is the point of making out a criterion if you are not going to follow it?

Temptations will arise and roadblocks will come up with little warning. But if you are serious about your schedule, and you are serious about accomplishing what needs to be done, then you should have no problem sticking to your schedule. 

There are some things you can do in order to help yourself manage time. First, prioritize. Know what is important. Biology exams are more important than going to Floyd’s.

You can also purchase a day planner. These help you plan your day. Or you can make to-do lists. As you complete each task, check it off. You can also put reminders in your phone or on your computer about important events.

School, clubs and organizations and then parties. College life is all about balance. 

Angelica Washington is a sophomore public relations student from Atlanta. She can be reached at famuanopinons@hotmail.com.