Carrington College Blog

My Starting Point – Mayra Ruiz Gallegos – Make Time

May 13, 2014

Mayra Ruiz Gallegos It’s Mayra again! When I’m thinking about things to share that new students would find interesting, I try to come up with tips on things that I’d liked to have known when I started the Pharmacy Technology program back in October. That’s why this week I’m sharing my thoughts on managing your time. It’s an important skill to have when you’re juggling school and other commitments.

My Typical Day

Time management isn’t easy – I do sometimes feel that there isn’t enough time in the day to do what I have to do. I actually write everything down that I need to get done, or that I have coming up, on the calendar Carrington gave us. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t see something written down, then I’ll probably forget about it! For the most part, Monday through Thursday, I try to have a strict schedule for what I’m going to do, and I definitely try to stick to it. It’s the only way I’ve found to ensure that I can get done everything that needs to be done. Like most of you, my schedule is pretty full. I work full time; my current work schedule is 7am to 3:30pm. I go to class from 6pm to 10:00pm, so I try to get a work-out in after I get out of work, then go home and study a little before leaving for school. It does get hectic, I’m not going to lie to you, but if you set a firm schedule at the beginning of the week and prioritize what you need to do then I’m sure you’ll be fine. Outside of school and work, I try to schedule things like doctor’s appointments on a Friday, since I don’t go to school on Fridays.

Make Time to Study

After work, I try to study for an hour or so between 4:30 and 5:30pm before I go to school; I try to review what we did the day before. It helps me switch gears and get my brain into ‘school mode’ rather than ‘work mode’. At night, after I get home from class, I usually stay up studying until around 11:30/12 o’clock. Then of course I have the weekend. Unless I’m really bored and can’t find anything better to do, I won’t study on Saturdays! That’s my day! But on Sundays I’m back at it, at least for a few hours. I try to review what we covered the week prior, and prepare for the week ahead. I’ve definitely had to sacrifice time with my friends – be prepared to not have a life for several months – but it’s going to be so worth it! Don’t get me wrong, I still find time to go and hang out with my friends, mainly on Friday or Saturday, but during the week between work, school and study, and their schedules, we just don’t have the time.

Shut Out Distractions!

I like to study at home – it’s more comforting. I know I study better at home than I do in Starbucks or at school. I guess I’m in my comfort zone! Even though I moved back home while I go to school, I don’t see much of my parents; they’re off doing their thing and I’m doing mine. I see them going in and out the door – It’s like “Hi! Where are you going? School! OK, bye!” I have a little brother, well he’s not that little, he’s 20; and we’ve adopted a little girl from another part of the family. Amarani is my little sister now; she’s four and a real handful! We’re not used to having kids in the house, so she brings a lot of noise; toys are everywhere! We love her, and I love that she’s here, but it’s a big change! It’s definitely shown me that I don’t want to have kids right now! But when I need to study, I close my bedroom door, put some music on really low and hit the books.

Keeping It Healthy!

Here’s another thing I’ve discovered recently! Lately I’ve been on a health spree – a 30-day fitness challenge with a friend. Since I’ve been eating better (not eating junk food) and trying to do at least 30 minutes of cardio a day, my stress levels are a lot lower! Honestly, I don’t feel as stressed as I did before. I think trying to get at least one good healthy meal in every day has helped me a lot. Finding 30 minutes to get some air and do some exercise, even if it’s just a walk, also makes a big difference. I’m not saying you need to become a gym rat! But being healthier has definitely helped lower my stress levels! Build some health into your schedule – you won’t regret it! Thanks for reading – I hope some of my experiences are helping you! Until next time!

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