Methods student finds way to balance school, lesson plans and social life
As an education major in my senior year, I have been trying to find the perfect balance among classes, Methods and work, as well as a social life. Now, my Methods has turned into student teaching!
While it can be tough at times, I have found that if done right, it is manageable.
As a Methods student there is a lot of work that needs to be done for classes on top of the work in your classroom placement, such as making lesson plans, helping your cooperating mentor teacher with grading and learning the ins and outs of being an educator.
While this can feel like a full-time job at times, it is important to take advantage of all the free time that is available like late nights, weekends and any other time that can be found throughout your day.
On top of that, I work about 10 hours at an on-campus job. I am fortunate enough that my job understands the stress and pressure of an education student and works with my hectic schedule.
While I do not work too many hours, every little bit helps for spending money, especially when it comes to gas money needed to travel to and from my placement.
As far as my social life goes, I try to spend as much time with my friends, roommates and sorority sisters as I can when I’m not working, studying or in my classroom placement. I need that down time to relax and refuel.
I have found that the more I busy myself with school, work and extracurricular activities, the more I am able to stay on top of things and get everything I need to done.
I have learned the hard way, as many other college students, that procrastinating is never a good idea and to work ahead whenever possible, such as taking advantage of long weekends and breaks.
My best advice would be to know your limits and how much you can take on before committing to too much. As with any busy semester see how it goes and how much time you have the first week, know your priorities and stay on top of everything so they don’t build up all at once.
Even though being a Methods student was one of the busiest semesters I have had at Bowling Green, it was also really rewarding at the same time because I was doing what I love and have been working toward my whole college career.
Through all the crazy busy days and hours of work that I put in, I made sure to enjoy it as well, which I believe says a lot!