Get Rid of Distractions by Amy

Get Rid of Distractions by Amy - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

The most effective study method I use is quite simple. I get rid of all of my distractions. That means that I turn the music off, I turn the T.V. off and I put my cell phone away! If you have a big, loud family, you might have to “turn them off” too. I either lock myself in my room in order to avoid having to respond to family members, or I drive to the local library and study there. Now if you are one of those people who can actually study better when the T.V. or music is on in the background, then more power to you! I’m speaking to the rest of us who like to be focused on one thing at a time.

When it comes to studying, the most important thing is to not let anything interrupt you once you’re on a roll. Have you ever done this; whenever it’s time to study you find everything else possible to do, except study. You might decide to clean your room or cook dinner, or wash the dishes. Things you normally wouldn’t do on days that you don’t have to study. Sometimes, on the day I know I have to study, I’ll do just about anything else, but study! However, once I get up the courage to finally sit in front of my book, or my laptop, I have the ability to create magic. Once I start using my brain, it can help me type up a wonderful 5-page essay without stopping! Or after an hour of reading, my brain finally understands what physiology means. Each time I am studying, I realize that the key is to not let anything interrupt my learning process.

When I study, I like to get in my zone. What does that look like you might ask. Well, I get all of my papers organized, I pull out my laptop, I get all of my books, I grab a glass of water, and I get to work. Sometimes, I find it helpful to use an app called Flashcards, or other electronic tools to help me study. Sometimes, I literally practice saying my speech out loud. Other times, I use a highlighter and pen to highlight and make notes next to important passages in the book I am reading. Whatever it is I am doing when I am in my zone, I don’t want to detract away from it until I decide I am done studying for the day. That is why the most effective study method remains to be that of getting rid of all possible distractions.