How I did it: Momentum and steely determination.

I was pursuing this goal alongside "pay down my debt"... which means I had little to no free time, no social life, and was stressed to the max. However, I will always do whatever it is that needs to be done in order to reach where I need to be. That said, I will never do this again. By that, I mean working two jobs, participating in the reserves, and having a long distance relationship all while striving for A's as a full-time student. It's an exercise in self-torture. I'll certainly be planning my schedule and workload carefully next semester.

I don't remember who it was, but someone said it can't be done. I'm not sure whether that hurt or helped my motivation. Either way, here's a big "screw you".

Lessons & tips:

• Assignment triage! What is the most important? Complete that first. This is probably the *most vital* thing I could tell you. If your schedule is anything like mine was, take this to heart. Two things due in the next two days? Finish what's due first. Then work on the next.

• Just do it. Procrastination isn't going to get you what you want. What are you avoiding?

• Start on the right foot. Studying for that first test or quiz and doing well sets an important precedent for both yourself and your teacher. Once you have a decent score to start from, all you have to do is keep it from dropping. Don't fight the uphill battle by trying to raise grades. It's a lot harder. Think defense.
  
• Ask for help. Pick your weakest course and find someone that does it better. Feedback from teachers, tutors, peer mentors, friends.
  
• Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. You can. I did. It sucked. A lot. But it can be done. Trying is the first step to succeeding.

Resources: Friends, classmates, people that have been through the class before. Teachers. Learning centers. Books. The internet. Personal motivation.

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Dec 17, 2008, 11:38AM PST | 1 comment | 7 cheers