Spring 2020 semester is here and I am ready to get back on the school grind to complete my undergrad!
Life after community college was definitely an eye opener and I stepped into the world of adulthood with having to juggle a full-time job AND full-time in school. At the age of 19, I was already living on my own with my sister so adulting really hit at that point in my life.
Four years later, I am still working full-time and going to school full-time.
Over the last couple years, I have learned that evening classes are still the same as any other -
1. Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet
I have my few cheat meals or snacks here and there, but eating a healthy diet on the daily can improve your attention span and energy levels. Night class can feel very tiring as you are taking in so much information. Eating your daily vegetables, protein and healthy carbs throughout the day can help give you the energy you need for those long days.
2. Bring Snacks and Water to Class
With those long days, going to night class means you won't have a proper dinner. Bringing snacks to eat for break time or during class is a great way to keep your stomach feeling full and energized. I like to pack almonds, celery and peanut butter, or even a PB&J sandwich. Drinking water is also super important to keep your body awake and hydrated. Dehydration can cause you to feel sluggish and sleepy and wanting to fall asleep in class is the worst! Be sure to not only keep yourself hydrated all day but to also bring your water with you to class.
3. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
One of the things that feels nearly impossible during the school year is sleeping. All-nighters, finals, and midterms always has us at the edge of our seats with a side of feeling restless. It is in the hands of one own's self to get a good amount of sleep and again, falling asleep in class is the worst. It does not leave a good impression and can affect your grade if your teacher grades you on class participation. Personally, I love naps and whenever I get a good 30 minutes or an hour before class, I take a nap in my car or on my lunch break at work on the days of night class.
4. Read the Content Material for the Week Ahead of Time
One mistake I used to make is not reading the content before my class. Whether if I had a busy weekend or simply I didn't make time for it, reading the content helps so much with gaining a better idea of what to prepare for the week. Class discussions are normally a combination of what you learn in class and what you read for homework. Reviewing a bit of the content will prepare you for the week and help with understanding the concepts.
5. It's Not a Bad Thing to Drink Coffee
However, how much coffee you drink can take a toll on your body. Instead of a full cup, drink maybe half a cup of coffee or even substitute coffee with alternatives, like tea. Yeah coffee gives your body the temporary energy you are looking for, but sometimes it lasts longer than you want and that caffeine crash hits harder. Limit your caffeine intake so your body can live without it.
6. Use Those Breaks to Your Advantage
Get up and walk around. Go to the bathroom and splash some cold water on your face to wake up. Get a good stretch in because sitting down for so long is not fun. All of these help with getting your body to move around and staying awake. This also helps with feeling less stressed and a release of tension on the body. During the school year is when my anxiety tends to heighten so I always like to step outside for some fresh air and take deep breaths.
7. Take an Evening Class You Will Enjoy, are Interested in or Want to Learn More about In-Person
When selecting my classes for the semester, I like to go through the class selection I need for undergrad, read the class descriptions and decide which class I would like to take in person. For example, business law just sounds hard and the course description sounded like something I want to take in person. I have previously failed classes because I only took online classes and did not want to take a chance on a hybrid. I learned I gain so much more insight when I am sitting in a class compared to online. Now, don't get me wrong, there are classes that are good for online because they are not as difficult, but for some classes I feel that they are best to be taken on campus.
8. Stay Safe!
There are so many things going on in this world where evening classes can honestly be super scary. Anyone can walk on campus but not anyone can go into the buildings. Be vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. I always like to park close to the school and I even get to campus two hours early to find close parking. I have heard too many stories about things that happen in garages for me to park in one at night time. Make a friend in class and walk out together so you are not alone!
I hope you have an amazing semester and wish you a successful school year!
Happy learning!
xx,
When selecting my classes for the semester, I like to go through the class selection I need for undergrad, read the class descriptions and decide which class I would like to take in person. For example, business law just sounds hard and the course description sounded like something I want to take in person. I have previously failed classes because I only took online classes and did not want to take a chance on a hybrid. I learned I gain so much more insight when I am sitting in a class compared to online. Now, don't get me wrong, there are classes that are good for online because they are not as difficult, but for some classes I feel that they are best to be taken on campus.
8. Stay Safe!
There are so many things going on in this world where evening classes can honestly be super scary. Anyone can walk on campus but not anyone can go into the buildings. Be vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. I always like to park close to the school and I even get to campus two hours early to find close parking. I have heard too many stories about things that happen in garages for me to park in one at night time. Make a friend in class and walk out together so you are not alone!
I hope you have an amazing semester and wish you a successful school year!
Happy learning!
xx,
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