(Student’s Full Name)
“For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong”—H.L. Mencken
The above statement made by H.L. Mencken reveals that problem-solving is a complicated process. Furthermore, it shows that the answers or the solutions that arise from complex problems are often complicated. While pursuing my degree at the university, I have noticed that there are some challenges that I need to overcome where that is concerned. An important challenge that I need to overcome is to be able to have sufficient finances to cover all the expenses related to my education (including tuition, accommodation, books and meals) and living expenses. Another problem I have is not having the ability to balance my time between two part-time jobs and my studies. Finally, I am having a difficult time getting the quality of grades I desire to qualify for the job that I would like once I graduate and qualifying for a scholarship.
I am having a problem obtaining sufficient finances to cover expenses and living expenses. The most challenging component of this problem is to find the money for my college tuition, which keeps on increasing on a yearly basis. I would like to be able to get financial aid to be able to obtain the finances to pursue my education for the next academic year. However, I found out that all the financial aid available has already been given out to students for that time frame. Therefore, I would need to be able to get either scholarships or grants. I do not want to get any more loans because I will be too indebted by the time that I graduate. I also have my other academic expenses to think of. These include my accommodation expenses (I live off campus), my books, meals and other miscellaneous expenses.
Another challenge that I have is not having the ability to properly balance my time between my two part-time jobs and my studies. To make up for my financial short falls, I had to get two part-time jobs. They have barely helped to cover my accommodation expenses, my living expenses, and academic expenses (outside of my college tuition). However, I would like to be able to have more time to focus on my studies.
The above challenge has created another challenge for me as it relates to my academic goals. When I work at my two part-time jobs I hardly have any time to study and read over my notes that I made during lectures. I also do not have enough time to consult with a tutor to improve my grades. I have been getting C+ and B- grades but I would like to get higher grades so that I can qualify for a scholarship.
In order to adequately cover my finances while going to college (and outside of getting a loan and working part-time jobs), I would have to get a grant and/or scholarships, as suggested by the article, “Financial Aid Not Enough? Ideas on How to Fill the Gap.” This article mentions that various ways that a college student can obtain sufficient funds to cover her expenses while pursuing her college education. The article mentioned that “[s]cholarships”, “[p]art-time [w]ork”, “[f]ederal [d]irect PLUS []loans”, “[p]ayment plans”, “[s]pecial [c]ircumstances [r]eevaluation” and “[i]nstitutional [l]oans” and “[p]rivate [l]oan” (Brown, 2014, paras. 2-8). It should be noted that neither the “special circumstances revaluation” nor the “payment plans” are suitable options for me (Brown, 2014, paras.7& 8). The article did not mention grants but I am aware of this option as a result of discussing this situation with a fellow student.
Time management is also essential for a college student like myself, who has to balance responsibilities at my part-time jobs and at college. While reading the article, “8 Time Management Tips for College Students,” one needs to be able to properly set priorities, know at what times one does his best work, ensure that one gets enough rest, be flexible, do little tasks in between “other commitments,” know when it is time to celebrate significant achievements, and when to compromise (Dumbauld, 2014, para. 6).
The use of good study techniques is important if I would like to improve my grades and qualify for a scholarship. The article, “How to Study: Studying Tips for College Students,” suggests that allocating a certain amount of time each day for studying is better than mentally cramming information the day before an exam or test. It notes that notes are reviewed “one day of taking them” (Column Five Media, 2011, para. 10). The article mentioned that cramming is “less effective for retention” since it is “stored” in one’s “short-term memory” (Column Five Media, 2011, para. 15).
As a result of reading the three articles and my discussions with a fellow student, I have formulated strategies for solving my problems as it relates to overcoming the challenges I face in pursuing my college education. I have decided to research on grants and scholarships that are available for my area of study at my college. I will conduct this research while looking through my college website and going through the various scholarships and grants databases that are available online. I will also research how to write effective essays to receive grants and scholarships. I will also need to make couple drafts of these essays in order to ensure that they have as few errors in them as possible.
Furthermore, I will need to improve my study techniques by reviewing my notes at least 24 hours after taking them. I will also need to highlight important information made in my textbooks, and review notes that I made in the margins of the text book. I will also need to make flashcards so that I can retain the information in study sessions that last from 30-50 minutes with a 10 minute break. I can also re-write my notes during these study sessions. I can come up with examples to applying the information that I learned in my courses. Additionally, I will try to come up with poems or songs so that I can memorize key concepts that I learned at lectures or tutorials.
Time management will be of utmost importance if I would like to effectively implement these strategies. I will need to prioritize tasks and tackle the most important difficult one first. I need to have my study sessions at times where my mind is most alert. I also plan to do minor tasks during any available free time, such as reading a couple pages of a text while on the bus or correcting an essay saved on my laptop while doing laundry at the Laundromat.
In conclusion, I have learned many things while completing this project. Firstly, I learned that it is important to do thorough research in order to correctly assess my available options. Secondly, I learned the importance of not cramming all the information the night before an exam or test since I will not be able to perform well if I do. Thirdly, I learned that I need to divide large tasks into small manageable ones by doing small tasks in any available free time so that I can get more done. This project will help me tremendously in my academic career as it will allow me to be able to afford a college education while managing my time effectively and getting good grades.
References
Brown, J. (2014, August 14). Financial Aid Not Enough? Ideas on How to Fill the Gap. Retrieved May 31, 2016, from http://blog.ed.gov/2014/08/financial-aid-not-enough-ideas-on-how-to-fill-the-gap/
Column Five Media. (2011, November 15). How to Study: Studying Tips for College Students. Retrieved May 30, 2016, from http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/college-life/how-to-study/
Dumbauld, B. (2014, June 30). 8 Time Management Tips for Adult College Students. Retrieved May 31, 2016, from http://www.straighterline.com/blog/8-time-management-tips-adult-college-students/
