You Either Win or Learn: Overcoming Academic Failure
Published: September 17, 2018
Author: Sidney Webster
When I was a junior in high school, I was on the cusp of losing my 4.0 along with all my pride and dignity. Walking across the stage as valedictorian was a goal of mine since the moment I was taught what having a grade point average meant. Soon enough, chemistry was in my face, staring me right in the eyes. When my teacher broke the news that I was just half a point shy of an A, I felt like the ant on the sidewalk that just got stepped on.
Today, I am able to say that I am glad to have lost my perfect grade point average. Let me tell you why. Trying to be perfect is hard. Not living up to perfect expectations set by your parents, friends, and yourself is even harder. But I genuinely believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. As cliche as it may seem, it's true! The loss of my 4.0 was a huge hit but it helped me grow as a person and student. Now that I am in college, I know that my best is enough. If my best means getting a B, C, or even in some cases a D, so be it. My new goal is not to be perfect, but to be imperfectly perfect. Losing is never an option. A loss in the book of society is just a lesson learned in the book of life. You can decide for yourself which is more important, but I have already come to the conclusion that you can never please society. It is much more beneficial to please the Lord and the Lord only asks for your best. 'Fall down 7 times, get up eight.' -Japanese Proverb. Maybe you have a similar failure story. Instead of focusing on the fall, focus on how to improve.
Below are some quick study tips that are easy to implement into the college life:
Write it down. When the professor announces the assignment and due date, be disciplined enough to get out your planner or notebook and write it down.
Hold yourself accountable. One product that has helped me stay organized is my Passion Planner. Check it out!
Find your space and productivity time frame. Have you explored the different study areas on campus? Where do you focus best? When do you focus best? Figure it out and study when and where you can be most productive.
Get rid of the distractions. It's hard but put your phone away, somewhere that won't tempt you. If being around people is a distraction, go somewhere alone.
Set the timer. When you study for hours on end, your brain will wear out and studying with a tired mind is not the most effective mechanism for remembering information. Study for an hour, take a break and then come back to it.
Close your eyes. Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! Your body and brain need it. Getting the right amount of Z time the night before a big test is just as important as studying for it.
