Practicing Today; For Success, Tomorrow by Blakely

Practicing Today; For Success, Tomorrow by Blakely - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

A New Year’s resolution that I believe will help me become a better student is to utilize organization strategies and focus more on time management skills. As research suggests, setting a designated time and place to study, increases productivity and proficiency. By organizing my time properly, I will have more time to fill my life with more academic and pleasurable activities.

Balancing my current commitments, such as, being an active band member and marching band Vice President, time at school, homework, practicing multiple instruments and keeping a personal life, it’s sometimes difficult to keep an organized schedule. I can see, when I don't have much time or energy left at the end of the day, how I could have managed my time better by becoming proactive and planning my day more efficiently. If I managed my time more wisely, I know I’d have a lot more free time and energy. That’s why I’m making this change.

Along with an organized schedule, another important aspect of time management is being on time for commitments, activities and obligations. I feel that consistent tardiness portrays a character trait of one who is irresponsible, unreliable and undisciplined.

The way I’m planning on meeting this goal is to build a schedule and stick to it. I will put together an agenda, using my Google calendar or reminder on my phone. This will help when I study, do my work and, in turn, gain time for extracurricular activities. The extra time I gain from creating a schedule will be used for more personal activities. With the tools available, through technology, I can view or edit my calendar on my computer or smartphone.

My parents and grandmother set a great example for me to follow. They have pressed upon me the importance of this topic. With six people in my household, it can sometimes become hectic with all of our activities. I’m influenced by their use of our family digital calendar. With their ability to plan, we are able to accomplish what, sometimes, seems impossible.

I believe that time management may be the most important key to becoming a better, more organized student. I also know that time management as an adult is important. That’s one reason I am determined to train and practice in becoming proficient at this skill. I want to be successful in meeting my goals in life. Using these aspects of time management is important to achieve these goals I have in mind.

I can attest that if you don’t manage your time wisely, consequently, you won’t be able to get work done as efficiently and precisely as expected by a teacher or boss. I witness people at school who struggle, daily, because they do not manage their time wisely. I am also aware of adults who have lost their job, due to tardiness. I know for a fact that I don’t want to struggle in life because I lack the knowledge or skill it takes to manage my time.

In 2016 and beyond, I am devoting myself to become a more consistent planner, organizer, and time manager. Thankfully, with available technology and the encouragement of my family, I have no doubt, I will achieve my goals.