As my students left for fall break, my advice to them was plan for a healthy balance between rest and academic productivity. Catching up on sleep and recharging for the exam preparation period and for exams is imperative. My students had a significant assignment due prior to fall break so this is a much-needed opportunity to reclaim some Zzz’s. I also encouraged students to accomplish some of the heavy lifting they need to achieve prior to exams. By heavy lifting, I do not mean taking on ambitious feats such as starting and completing outlines for every single course. Yearly, students boast these plans but seldom, if ever, do they accomplish them. The focus should be on smaller goals that students would not have time to otherwise accomplish while balancing classes during the semester. Goals such as simply identifying concepts they do not understand and dissection those concepts or making a list of items to discuss with professors during office hours. Goals such as reviewing or completing outlines for one or two courses are also effective. Quality over quantity is very important. Doing what is best for you rather than simply mimicking what others are doing.
As an ASPer, I experience the same challenges my students face. How do I find the perfect balance between maximizing student free days and rest? When students are away, meetings and other administrative demands seem to increase. I also like to address a few things on my to-do list that I have neglected throughout the semester. This year, I had an unrealistic laundry list of things to do but only managed to complete a few tasks and I have to be okay with this. This was a unique semester which put significant demands on my time and included a number of early mornings and late night meetings. I have neglected my family so I have to reconnect with them and unplug from work for a little bit. This is a necessary challenge because like the students, I am a human being too and should take care of myself. Happy Holiday Season to all and PLEASE get some rest. (Goldie Pritchard)
