By Paige Quiggins
As college students, we should all have some time in mind in which we want to cross the finish line and graduate. Although people may argue this point, it is clear to me that there is no excuse for our nation’s rate of college drop outs. Don’t blame the nation; blame the individuals.
An article in this week’s New York Times entitled “Colleges Are Failing in Graduation Rates” informed me of how pathetic our nation is, in terms of graduating current students. Retention rates are at an all-time low, and achievement goals are lowering as time goes by. Students are attending sub-par universities for reasons like lack of available financial aid, or plain laziness. Bottom line: it’s time for students to get it together.
In today’s world, your collegiate experience is all about what you put into it. Staying ahead of the game is something that may not be easy for all to do. When left to fend for yourself, sometimes you just have to do it. Life can get crazy at times. In order to make it as a freshman, or to stay in the game at a higher level, you have to constantly adjust and focus.
The key to all of this is balance. According to REACH program coordinator Julia Webb Hohmann, the main issue students should focus on, in order to stay ahead academically, is time management. The balance between work, school, life and fun must be strategically planned. Hohmann recommends mapping out what times you will study, work, attend class and participate in other activities. Get to know yourself and your study habits. Only you know what time of day is best for you to study. Finding this out will help you utilize your time wisely, to have time for work and play. If you are studying hard and still continue to struggle, there is REACH supplemental instruction, as well as learning seminars, to help you learn the material. You don’t even have to spend money on a tutor to help you succeed.
According to Karen Newton, the director of health promotion and education for Campus Health Services, “The bottom line is that academic achievement is strongly associated with your health status.” In other words, the things you do in your everyday life can determine how well you are, both mentally and physically. Performing well academically takes a conscious effort and a lifestyle change. If you engage in certain behaviors, you could increase your risk of achieving at a sub-par level. Newton recommends taking a look at the online collegiate magazine, Student Health 101. Inside the issue, you can find a test titled “No Excuses: No Ignorance.” This will help you identify what behaviors or actions you engage in that could be detrimental to your physical and mental health, which can affect your academic performance.
With a plethora of free resources for success, is there really an excuse not to succeed? Campus Health Services is available when you are sick or when you just need someone to talk to about life. Counseling is free, and research proves that it works. Juan Kalawski, a licensed clinical psychologist at Health Services, said the counseling center offers a variety of free services. If you need advice on anything—relationship concerns, time management issues, homesickness, sexual indiscretions, decision-making or career problems—all you need to do is call to make an appointment. The only service with a fee is psychological testing, for learning disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Kalawski recommends going to the counseling center or speaking with a professor about personal situations that may affect your overall learning experience, if you think you may be in trouble. For help with university bureaucracy on this issue, he recommends contacting the student advocate.
If you are not having trouble academically, and simply need someone to help edit a paper, The Writing Center is a helpful resource. You can even schedule an online chat for help with a draft. REACH offers supplemental instruction for several classes, a math resource center and free tutoring. The extreme convenience that has been made available to you as a student should be a reason to stay on top of the game. The tools are all there, but it is up to you to make it happen.
