I don't know if it is just the time of the year or if I;m just getting burned out, but school is a struggle for me right now. I don't mean to say that I am failing my classes or anything like that but I just don't have the drive that I started with. 18 credits plus work and my sorority is kicking my butt and I am having trouble giving the effort to everything that I should be. For example, I only wrote 5 pages for this draft research assignment. Why? I don't know. I did have 2 other tests the week it was due but the old student in me would have started the paper weeks before. Instead, the new one waited until the night before it was due. I think I had trouble making myself set aside time to do this paper because this class is nothing to do with my major and (sorry Dr. Ballenger) I don't enjoy it. There are other classes, like biology and chemistry, tat take up way more of my time and matter much more towards my major and I need to really be absorbing the information given to me. English is just English and I am not giving the effort that I should be.
I know that when I sit down to rewrite this paper I will fulfill the requirements that were given to us but that's just it.. I need to sit down and do it. The semester is flying by and I need to step up my game or I will lose my perfect GPA. I know that I CAN do it, but making myself do it is another story.
I was actually the one that read over your draft, and while it was only five pages, it was a good start. I was really interested in it, and you made it relatable and relevant. It might be hard to sit down and write the other half, but I think you have an excellent start.
ReplyDeleteI know you've probably been told this numerous times, but I don't think you need to worry too much - I'm sure most of us, at least me, feel the same way! In a new environment with many new activities, when you essentially live at school, and with a complex social environment, work may not always get done in the ideal manner. I was the student who always turned in his work on time and did it to the best of my ability in high school, however, in college, I can cite several times I procrastinated schoolwork in favor of activities. I believe, though, that the fact you are having this realization means that the good old butt-kicking, studious Jessica is still there, just getting used to things.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty about not liking the course because it doesn't feel relevant to your course of study. For the record, I never liked English much in high school and college; I ended up the first time around with a BS and MS but found my way to writing as a way to communicate my concern about environmental issues. I worry, too, that scientists are unable (or unwilling) to write to a more general audience, and that is creating problems.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Jessica, hang in there and do the best you can. I realize, of course, that all of you have competing demands on your time and interests, and my course isn't always the highest priority. All I expect is that you're open to learning.