Is the CLOCK A college student’ s best friend or worst nightmare?
COSTAATT Valedictorian speaks about time management...
By Dareece Pollo
Here are 4 common problems faced by T & T college students and accompanying solutions:
1. Time Management
Solution: Know your limits. If you can’ t handle 18 credits in one semester, slow down and take only 15. While the purpose of a college education is to learn as much as you can, that doesn’ t mean studying all the time. It is important to schedule time for fun and to take breaks to keep your mind fresh and clear.
2. Debt
Tara Ramkumar, 2017 valedictorian for COSTAATT’ S Ken Gordon School of Journalism & Communication Studies Photo Credit: Dr. Joanne Lisosy
ime is our greatest asset. Respect it
“ Tand use it wisely, even if just to rest for a little.” Sound advice from 2017 Class Valedictorian Tara Ramkumar, AAS Graphic Design. Tara hails from Carapachima and is 33-years-old. She’ s also a full time COSTAATT employee in the Natural and Life Sciences Department at the El Dorado campus and also operates her own business as a graphic design freelancer under the name Mudpots. She said she’ s always pursued science throughout her educational life from secondary school all the way to her Bachelors in Biology which she studied at the University of the West Indies. Now, Tara is this year’ s Valedictorian with a 3.91 GPA. She felt it was a blessing she never saw coming.
“ I was definitely shocked. Even though I knew my GPA was high, I just assumed someone else would top that. So when I got the call I was surprised. The last time I topped something was in primary school and that was a long time ago. So finding out I was valedictorian took me by surprise.”
Tara also had a message to her fellow collegiate regarding time management. She admitted she struggled with prioritising tasks but made a commitment to establish order and stability in her life.
“ I’ m a chronic procrastinator but even though I tend to push things to the last minute, I always met my deadlines. So, even though it took some initial adjustment, in the end I was able to achieve some semblance of balance.” Having found the perfect equilibrium of school and work, Tara also managed to find time to be creative by channelling her skills in henna, painting, pottery and art. Her commitment and resounding dedication to the completion of tasks, no doubt propelled her to the top.
Graduation Day!
Tara was among 1600 students who graduated over a three day period which began on November 12 and ended on November 14, at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium at the National Academy for the Performing Arts( NAPA).
The evening was electric, filled with excitement, relief and sheer joy. Those who attended were entertained by COSTAATT’ s Jazz ensemble and a graduand who shouted out the names of those who were crossing the stage like a sporting event, even though he didn’ t know them. The evening became a bit solemn after it was announced that a student’ s mother had just passed away during the cermony. But all in all it was a fantastic day for the graduates.
Caiman Vybe | Volume 1, No. 1 | December 9, 2017. 16
Solution: With the recent amendments to the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses( GATE) programme, tuition costs seem to be steadily increasing. Consider applying for a student loan which is relatively easy to get. Many students, however, don’ t know how repayment works and how many years they may spend paying off their loans. An important part of your education is educating yourself about the structure of the loans you take on to pay for that education. Sit down with a financial advisor to get a firm grasp on the debt you’ re taking on. Also, like Tara did, consider an on-campus job. Working on-campus will cut out potential transportation expenses and help you stay more focused academically.
3. Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Solution: Juggling a job, 15 to 18 credits, relationships and extracurricular activities is extremely difficult. Without proper rest, students are vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. Decide what is important. Prioritize and schedule events, games, meetings, social events, and studies accordingly. Also, be aware of your options when getting a job. Universities often offer jobs that fit into a student’ s schedule. Be like Tara!
4. Depression
Solution: What comes with multitasking? Increased stress levels which can evidently take a toll on your emotional health. Some find temporary relief in partying which, in excess and in the long run, may contribute to depression. If stress and depression are an issue, seek professional support. Many campuses have free counseling programs for students. Counselors are trained to listen and help students get back on track.
Dareece Polo