As exciting as it can be for some, returning to campus can be just as daunting for others. It\u2019s only natural given the desire to succeed and fear of failure that weigh so many of us down. Add to that a summer break that is never long enough and you\u2019ve got a disaster cocktail in the making. The end result is nothing short of burnout, test-stress, and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at our packed schedules for the next few months can be daunting. In addition to establishing a work-study balance that suits our needs there\u2019s the demands of family, friends, and the many hobbies bound to vie for our time during the semester. But while it doesn\u2019t appear so, burnout and stress aren\u2019t inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Derek Petrey, Chair of the Humanities, Government, & Modern Languages Department, knows a thing or two about the back to school blues. He\u2019s picked up a few hacks in a distinguished career that has taken the polyglot around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important you read your syllabus well and know what to expect from a course. See if there\u2019s something you might want to watch out for that could be very important later on. A lot of courses have really cool end of semester projects that many students, because they are so focused on the week to week, don\u2019t prepare for until the last minute,\u201d Petrey told The Clarion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forming student groups early on can be key to properly understanding study material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudents should try to find classmates they can form study groups with. Because if you have someone in your class you can connect with, you\u2019re going to share that experience with them which can help you get through those days when you aren\u2019t motivated to study. There are a lot of nice places to meet on campus to go over staff. It can be hard to find the time but you\u2019re kind of depriving yourself if you don\u2019t make an effort to process what you just learned,\u201d Petrey said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Petrey, many students fail to take time and reflect on what they\u2019ve learned. This, he said, can quickly lead to burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople can reflect as a team in those study groups. I always found that while I may have a perspective on things, others have their own too, and by sharing we can figure things out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What works for students can also work for faculty according to the veteran educator. Just as students can benefit greatly from socializing so can teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe should be making those connections as well. I try to establish ties outside my department too. I love my department but I also know lots of colleagues in other parts of my division and beyond that,\u201d stated Petrey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other side of the equation, Ohio State University student and Sinclair alum Ted Nagasawa agrees that preparation is important. He\u2019s preparing for a packed fall semester and knows there is only one way to hit the ground running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI tend to schedule talks with professors in my department. I\u2019ll be talking to the faculty advisor and emailing as many as I can to ask for advice, tips, etc. Communicating with instructors is a good way to learn what they\u2019re like and reduce whatever anxiety I might feel,\u201d Nagasawa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a Medieval Renaissance Studies major in Columbus, the Creative Writing graduate has a packed schedule to look forward to. But he\u2019s been preparing long and hard to make the most of his classes this Fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nagasawa said, \u201cI\u2019m also looking forward to reconnecting with classmates I linked up with in previous semesters. Socializing is important, so getting in touch with friends and keeping myself busy will be important. I\u2019m really looking forward to participating in different social groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Professor Petrey\u2019s words, finding ways to detach can also help students and faculty manage the rigors of a new semester. This early it might seem like an uphill battle. But with the right gameplan it\u2019ll be one more semester on the path to academic greatness. Now, whose ready to win?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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