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[dkcstudies]

1/6/20

I’m back! After a long finals week, winter break, and blog hiatus, I’m starting up this blog again. The new year brings new classes (Educational Psychology in this case). I can’t wait to see where this semester goes!

currently listening: this girl by Elijah Who

[dkcstudies]

11/19/19

Reviewing some psych terms before my exam tomorrow. Lots of things to do this week and it feels like not enough time to do them! I can’t wait to get home this weekend for the first time in months for a much needed break.

currently listening: 24/7 by the Neighbourhood

[dkcstudies]

11/11/19

My walk home from the library is gorgeous no matter the weather. As thanksgiving break approaches, my professors seem to love giving as many exams as possible. These next two weeks are gonna be a grind, but my reward is a trip home to see my family.

currently listening: Affection by BETWEEN FRIENDS

[dkcstudies]

11/5/19

Only a few more hours until my stats exam. I really need the grade, so fingers crossed. I’m in a good mood this week for no particular reason, but I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible!

currently listening: watching old vhs tapes while I wait for you—E66s

[dkcstudies]

11/4/19

A seriously gorgeous (and productive) day in Nashville. Doing some philosophy reading in the library before my book club meeting tonight. Protip: always try and at least skim your reading, even if you go over it in class, it feels good to be prepared!

currently listening: Colors by Black Pumas

[dkcstudies]

11/2/2019

A long Saturday in the library. Sometimes it has to be done. Finishing up my stats study guide for my exam on Tuesday and the I have a date tonight :0

[dkcstudies]

10/28/19

Happy 20th to me! Feels weird to not be a teenager anymore, but I’m excited for what the decade holds. Enjoy a pic from my red eye flight last night and the stats homework that’s currently giving me a headache. Three more days until my favorite day of the year, can’t wait.

[dkcstudies]

10/25/19

Spending the weekend with my best friend at UNC Chapel hill, but that doesn’t mean the grind is over. My human development exam is on Thursday so it’s time to start pulling together some study guides. I love the atmosphere here and it’s great to get a taste of life on another campus.

[dkcstudies]

10/21/19

Spent a rainy afternoon in my favorite spot sipping chai and reading research articles. This weekend was fun but now I’ve got to get on the grind. I have some more psych reading to do after this and then I’ll head back home!

[dkcstudies]

~acing your essay~

After over six years of intense practice, here’s the procedure I follow to write, edit, and finish essays on time! 

Calculate how much time you need

Do this as soon as the essay is assigned. My general rule of thumb is one day per page required, plus 1. So if the page requirement is 6, I give myself 7 days to do the essay. This allows me to really focus on perfecting each page and spread the work out to <hour/day instead of eight hours of frantic writing the night before. Use the last day for final edits!

Go to office hours

I can’t emphasize this one enough! Use this time to present ideas for your paper, clarify the rubric, and generally make sure you’re on the right track. Nothing’s worse that being halfway through a paper and realizing you misunderstood the prompt. Nothing.

Outline!

Your outline should include a thesis, the topic sentence for each body paragraph, and any quotes/paraphrasing you plan on using. It’s miraculous how much easier it is to write a paper when you have something concrete to start with. 

Take advantage of your resources

If your school has a writing help center, use it--and make the appointment ahead of time. Find librarians who can help you research your topic, it’s their job and they’ll be happy to help! Where are you the most productive? Find that space and do your work there. 

Finish a day early

I always mark due dates for large projects a day ahead in my calendar. Use your extra day to make final edits, format the paper, and go over the rubric to make sure you’ve hit every point. Try reading your paper aloud to find errors you might not have noticed!

Every essay should have

A strong thesis that argues a point

Specific body paragraphs that support the thesis directly with evidence

A conclusion that sums up your essay while also touching on a new, related idea

Stay on that grind! You can do this--just stay organized and listen to your body. 

[dkcstudies]

10/17/19

A bit of a messy day for pics! Currently grinding out some two factor ANOVA work so I can feel good about going out tonight. Something I’ve learned in college is that not all the work is gonna get done sometimes and that’s ok: you’re here to learn but also enjoy yourself. And for me, that means dressing like a cowgirl and going downtown on a Thursday.

[dkcstudies]

10/15/19

Libraries and factorial designs

[dkcstudies]

10/14/19

Morning and evening

[dkcstudies]

10/13/19

A productive Sunday afternoon. Anyone else have a favorite secret study spot?

[dkcstudies]

10/12/19

Getting out of my room and exploring some local shops

[dkcstudies]

tips and tricks to getting through *that* boring class

We’ve all been there. It’s the class where you sit in the back corner and zone out for 50 minutes because you simply can’t latch on to what the professor is saying. Having dealt with many a mind-numbing class, I’ve decided to share what I do to help myself focus and pass the time!

1. Turn off your phone (and bury it in your backpack)

I know it seems self explanatory, but once you realize you can get away with being on your phone in class, it’s really hard to stop. So make a habit of having your phone away. 

2. Make a friend and study buddy!

If you’re suffering, likely the person next to you is too. Bond in your shared misery--but also encourage each other to take good notes and pay attention (plus it never hurts to have a study buddy). 

3. Take a break

Most professors allow students to leave to go the bathroom during class, so take advantage. If you’re falling asleep, go stretch your legs, get some water, and come back with a more focused mindset. 

4. Bring a drink (and a snack)

Eating and drinking help keep you awake and give your body something to do! Every time you feel sleepy, try taking a sip from your water bottle. If you can, bring something (quiet) to eat and keep your energy up. 

5. Set a goal

Before arriving, set a goal for your time in class. Maybe that’s taking the neatest notes you possibly can, maybe that’s not zoning out for the entire period, maybe it’s finally understanding a concept that’s giving you trouble. Whatever your goal, focus on it and feel accomplished when the period finally lets out. 

Not every (or even a majority) of the classes you take will be interesting or fun. However, always try to make the best of it and don’t skip class! Learning is a goal, not a chore, and having that mindset is the first step to succeeding academically. You got this!

[dkcstudies]

10/10/19

Psych articles and lofi study beats