Author Archives: joaniss1

Discernment

School is decently underway now. We all know which professors give the most homework and what sorts homework cannot be put off until the night before.

Because of this knowledge, this has become a week of great discernment for me. I am examining which clubs and activities I can actually keep up with, because classes generally prioritize above extracurriculars and entertainment. I have already caught myself falling asleep doing homework and having to do homework on the train, so perhaps I need to rethink my use of time. Last year, I had the exact opposite problem and was bored all the time, especially since I did not prioritize school too highly. I thought that by pursuing everything, I would be able to stay sharp and force myself to keep out of trouble.

I like to think I have been keeping sharp, and there has definitely been no time for trouble, but I am beginning to have to skip out on events and leave my friends hanging when I thought I could go to club meetings and social gatherings, but had to decide otherwise. That’s why I am taking this week to decide what to drop altogether.

To make the decision about whether or not to continue an activity, I need to consider a large number of factors. I figure out how much it will affect my career and future, or if it will help me build relationships or a network. Of course I need to keep some fun too because, as a wise madman once printed, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

from https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCPnm_OKWpMgCFUsfHgodxowHgQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fak.hr%2Fspecijal%2Fnatjecaj-matej-lovric%2Fzavrsen-prvi-krug-natjecaja-za-najbolju-recenziju%2F&bvm=bv.104317490,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNE23WcW48zULr6NjMzS-RtluLgnIg&ust=1443888717205696

Image from: The Shining

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Have you ever heard of the college triangle dilemma? Choose two of the following three: grades, social life, or sleep. With proper time management, we can choose all three. Or if you’re like me, you will occasionally choose videogames over a social life, but that’s a different story.

The First Weeks at Wentworth

I am finally all set up to blog, and there is so much for me to say about the first 2 weeks of school that I could not possibly tell you everything in 1 post, so I will spread out the information. By now, I have met all my professors and befriended many of my classmates because most of my classes allow or encourage discussion or teamwork.

Settling into the college routine, classes themselves have not been tough yet, but I have a ton of responsibility. Among other lifestyle and living challenges, completing schoolwork is now solely my job alone. I think I am not the only one here that is used to having a little bit of help and supervision enforced on myself to make sure I keep up with classes. For the first couple days, I enjoyed the liberty, but I do not think I did well without the support – I already missed an assignment: an entire essay.

In response, I have a strategy; I try to get academic involvement with a whole bunch of people so that I have accountability. My friends and I make sure that we are all getting the work done for classes, we can go to each other for help, and we always have a group ready for projects. My professors know my name and that I am interested in learning, and I think they would show concern if I fell behind.
Not to mention all the other academic resources on campus. (see number 9 on this list my friend sent me) I have not needed the FSG or Learning Center help yet because we are still in the review stage for most of my classes, but I think that will change soon.

Speaking of changes soon, I will try to add more pictures to my blog in the future, but at the moment, my only camera is attached to the top of my laptop monitor.
Comment if there is anything specific you think I should add/remove in my blog or that you want to see.
– Steven Chris Joanis
Student