Struggles of registering for classes, balancing work load

Written By Shannon Hartnett, Co-Opinions Editor

As the semester comes to a close and I begin to register for classes for next semester I am really torn about how I feel about the fall semester. I feel overworked and surrounded by homework. I mean in a sense I did it to myself. I picked my classes last spring knowing the work-load was going to be high, but here I am anyways. Between homework, actual work, picking my sister up from cheer practice and going to the occasional pumpkin patch, I am tired. Personally, I am tired of saying “sorry I can’t, I have homework.” I know that these are the demands of college, but I just need a break.

Hence, I cannot wait for Thanksgiving break, even though I will probably be studying for most of it anyways. As I register for classes, I keep in mind how tired I am right now and how this affects what classes I should take. I really urge anyone who just registered for four English classes to reconsider, or to the person who just signed up for a 6-9 class, who also commutes, maybe check for other options. These things are perfectly do-able, until its the middle of January and you have four papers due that week and you are sitting in class until 8:57 at night. You may think you can write four papers in one night, but I assure you the results will not be too pretty. 

As students, how do we find a balance between successfully completing our classes and safely navigating the rest of our busy lives? Sadly, I don’t know. I hope the spring proves to be better than what I have going on now, but only time will tell. Another thing learned; however, is that the professor makes the class. When you go to sign up for that night class, look at who is teaching it. If you only hear praises about the professor, maybe the late-night learning won’t be bad. If you look at the instructor and you know that the professor has a habit of keeping students until a minute past the end time of class, maybe reconsider. Some people may not have a problem with this, but if that’s not you, maybe try to take something else.

I have had my fair share of classes that are hard to finish. I think I contemplated dropping a couple of them at least a dozen times. Thankfully, I persevered and made it through, well, at least almost. I really need to learn to not make things harder for myself than they already are.

The bottom line is that the professors, homework and class time, these are the things that will make or break a semester for you. College is hard enough. You don’t need to willingly throw yourself into something you already know you are not going to like. Talk with your advisor to try and make a solid plan you know you can stick to and work with. Above all – don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are a bunch of professors, advisors and older students that would be more than glad to answer questions and help you out. Stay strong Point Park students, we can do this.