Getting Focused and Staying Motivated

Story by Whitney Fryer

It can be a harrowing task trying to keep up with college life. Between balancing classes, work, and a social life, students at USF have a full schedule.

Campus Pastor, Dennis Thum explained that it is easy to lose sight of the big picture and become distracted. “I think the number one challenge of a student is keep their priorities straight,” said Thum.

In order to keep their priorities in focus, student Elianna Issac suggests working on homework immediately, rather then procrastinating.

I know if I don’t stay on top of [homework], it does not go away, it does not disappear and I end up having more free time later, if I work on it right away,” said Issac.

Well Justine Zylstra keeps herself motivated through the semester by keeping her goals in mind. “I like to hold myself to a really high standard, so by just thinking about getting a good grade, it keeps [me] motivated,” said Justine Zylstra.

Although staying focused on classes and homework is important, it can become overwhelming and stressful. Issac suggests that if students find themselves getting stressed about homework, they should spend time with friends or even watch Netflix, but only one episode, in order to get their mind off of homework.

“Its really nice to go and just get away from [homework]…even if its just for a half hour,” said Isaac.

Thum explained we all have our bad days, however students cannot let one bad day become a bad week. If this happens, it can become easy to lose sight of what is important.

“We are racing a deadline here, in the middle of December this is all coming down, and so to know and pay attention, it’s a hard work, but that’s what it means to grow up,” said Thum.

When stress levels peak, USF has dozens of staff and faculty, plus an on-campus counselor who are available to talk.