STILL ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
Maintaining focus amidst distractions
Dearest Scholar,
We write to you in this critical time and season of the semester because we believe you are in need of these words of exhortation and advice. Whether or not you have entered the “continuous assessment” atmosphere in your faculty or department, you will come to find these words useful in helping you navigate the few weeks you have left. Whether it is your final semester or the transition stage for you to a new level, YOU MUST LEVEL UP!
Here are a few tips we believe can help you:
Properly schedule out your week: Draft a to-do list in order of priority and a reasonable timeline to fit your schedule. You need to know what you're going to be doing each day to get the work done. Wake up every single morning, knowing exactly what you want to achieve. What courses am I going to be studying this week? What specific topics? Personally set a reminder on a daily basis.
Shut out distractions: The second semester is such a dynamic one, in that it is chock-full of activities (helpful and otherwise). From parties to week-long events to seminars and conferences, there are so many events that can sweep you off your feet. As stated in the first point, properly schedule and prioritize your study times so that you can stand your ground and limit your participation in events that won't add timely value to you.
Be in the right environment: More often than not, your environment shapes your actions! It’s important to plan out where you want to study. If you’re just in your hostel, it might not exactly work, as the feeling that there is still time sets in and stalls your progress. However, when you get into a space like the library where everyone is studying, it puts you in a similar mindframe and fuels your study drive while working with like-minded individuals (Proverbs 13:20). However, if you’re convinced that the library environment isn’t perfectly conditioned for you, study in a space that works for you.
Early implementation: Start implementing as early as possible. Do not wait until you have the course's recommended text or full content. Begin by reviewing your notes to refamiliarize yourself and get back into the swing. Don’t wait until the week before the exams to start unleashing your inner academic machinery and burning out the midnight oil refinery. Don't procrastinate any tasks. Get started as soon as you get them, so they do not pile up for you. While doing this, do not forget to pray and ask the Lord for strength.
Employ the Test Note Method: Start studying the courses that you enjoy the most and begin to write important content down in bullet points. You don’t have to sit there for 8 hours rewriting the same notes the lecturers have given; just decipher relevant information that would be useful in assessments and jot them down. Starting with the courses you enjoy helps put you in the mood, and then you gradually move into those more tasking courses. If you maintain discipline, getting your head around the tougher courses will be easier.
Remember Philippians 4:13 says, YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU! You can do all listed above and more without growing weary or tired, because God will be with you through it ALL.
With these points of ours (thank you for taking the time out to read, by the way), we hope we have been able to add value to you and proffer answers to questions you probably had before now.
Stay studious and righteous. Exams are coming soon! That 5.00 GPA is within your reach. GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!
Love,
The RCF UNILAG ACADEMIC UNIT