Counselor stresses time management
by Nick Nance, reporter

    Students attending the time management workshop last week on NE Campus discovered they have less time to study than they probably realize.

   Susie Carranza, NE academic advisor, showed participants the amount of time they spend doing each activity in their week, as well as how much time is really available to study effectively.

   “Most of us think we organize our time very well. We have the intentions of doing that but it just doesn’t work out that way,” the academic advisor said.

   Carranza led students through several questions to help them determine what they spend their time on.

   She presented time-efficiency information to guide the students to see where these techniques would benefit them.

   “Perfectionism can have a big effect on our use of time,” she said. “And learn to say ‘no. Often times we do not tell our friends and family to let us study in peace, and we should,” she said.

   One key she pointed out for students was to allow at least two hours of study time for every hour of class. She said that time should be scheduled into one’s day but not necessarily in one block.

   Carranza outlined different ways for students to keep their schedules focused on priorities. She suggested controlling distractions, studying with other people, limiting time wasters and following strict time-management checklists adjusted for individual needs.

   To help ensure students do not waste their time in school, she suggested each student seek advisement for a degree plan.

   She discussed the numerous scholarships offered at four-year schools for transfer students with high GPA’s.

   Carranza also reminded students of the numerous tutorial labs they have access to on each campus.

   Her workshop was part of NE Campus counseling center’s Student Success Workshops. Other workshops are scheduled through March.