Adviser helps group to manage schedules
by Unna Rodriguez
reporter

   Time management is easier than everyone thinks, according to a NE academic adviser.
   Susie Carranza showed students the areas in their lives where their time was not being used wisely during a March 4 presentation.
   Carranza started by giving a quiz that would help students figure out what kind of time managers they are. The 10-question quiz helps determine if a student is treading water or verging on chaos, Carranza said.
   An average part-time student spends about 12 hours studying, 56 hours sleeping and 40 hours working each week, according to Carranza. On the other hand, a full-time student spends an average of 30 hours studying, 56 hours sleeping and 20 hours working.
   From the remaining hours in the week, either student should then subtract time for the drive to work and school, grocery shopping, laundry and time with friends and family.
   “ The clock can be your enemy,” she said.
   Focusing on a routine can help the ticking of the clock slow down, so Carranza suggested students have a plan and follow it. Using calendars, day runners and PDAs, she said, can make school loads more manageable.
   Learning to control distractions is another tool for students to learn. Television, video games and the telephone, Carranza said, can all be turned off.
   “ Give yourself permission to say no,” she said.
   Working out arrangements with family and friends will let students study undistracted, Carranza said. She advised her audience not to rearrange study schedules unless the reason is really important.
   Prioritizing is the key, according to Carranza. Therefore, goals will help students figure out when to work and when to play.
   Carranza suggested using the three D’s: Delegate, Do it, Dump it. Asking for help, she pointed out, is as important as studying for students.
   “ We don’t have the Super S on our shirts; learn to delegate,” she said.
   Making lists, hanging out with people with similar goals and eating right will help take the stress out of time management, Carranza said.
   Students who missed this session can attend Carranza’s presentation Wednesday, March 31, 5:45 p.m. in College Hall (NCAB 1111).