The Cheerio Method by Mandy

The Cheerio Method by Mandy - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

My most effective study method isn’t really a method to studying at all. To me, it’s just a method of getting work done. Any and all work, I’ve found, can be easily conquered in just three simple steps.
As an aspiring artist and self-proclaimed “creative mind”, I tend to be easily distracted and scatter-brained. It’s always been a struggle to sit down and concentrate on something for a long time, whether it be an art piece or a math assignment. Over the years of school, including advanced and AP classes, I’ve developed several steps that have helped me achieve the success I’ve wanted from high school.

My first step in my own personal work schedule is to clean my room. My bedroom is where I do the majority of my school and art work, and it’s vital that I keep it clean when there’s work to be done. When my workspace is messy, so are my thoughts. I keep picking out tiny details, like a sock that didn’t quite make it into the dirty clothes hamper, or a bobby pin that fell off my desk and onto the floor. If my room is clean and simple, my train of thought travels more smoothly and isn’t so easily distracted.

The second thing I do while preparing to work is finding the right playlist. My philosophy is always “Headphones In = Problems Out”. When there’s a good flow of music, I find that the work flows more easily as well. The quality of music is tied inseparably with the quality of work that is to be accomplished. When the music is calm and has a steady beat, my focus is heightened and the background noise helps settle my thoughts. When the music is too loud, vulgar, or chaotic; my thoughts are scattered and not much gets done. I’ve found that Jack Johnson, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer are a deadly trio on shuffle. Their calm, slow, and steady music makes for a prime and productive work environment.

Last comes my personal favorite step: snacks. As a teenager and a student-athlete, eating has become one of my very favorite pastimes. I’m constantly eating throughout the school day, and that doesn’t stop when I arrive at home. Once my room is clean and my playlist is going, I head upstairs to my kitchen to grab something small and simple to snack on while I do my work. My personal favorite have become Honey Nut Cheerios. It’s quick, simple, and tastes delicious. I just fill a small bowl of the delicious little loops and head back down to my workstation. Throughout my progress I can just reach out and snatch a few loops and pop them into my mouth as a way to stay busy and keep my stomach from distracting me from my work.

Cleanliness, Music, and Cheerios. That’s all it takes for success in my hectic world full of sport, school, art, and friends. I’ve learned throughout the years that when you take a deep breath and just get to work, things get done. The Cheerio Method has led me to success from everything from school to sports to art and everything in between. I know this method will continue to help me through college and propel me to success in my future career.