As I think back to my first semester of graduate school, never has the phrase “Time flies by” resonated so strongly with me. To be transparent, after a concurrent medical emergency several years ago, I would not have imagined myself enrolling in let alone applying for graduate school. However, Summer 2022 provided me the opportunity to take a step back, reflect, and take stock of inventory regarding my career interests and what I wanted to pursue next. After identifying that I wanted to pursue a degree where my background in healthcare, specifically nursing, intersected with a brimming interest in technology, I took the leap and applied for the MS of Informatics Program at San Jose State University’s School of Information (iSchool). In Spring 2023, I was pleasantly surprised to discover an email notifying that I had been accepted into the program. While I did know that the Informatics program is an accelerated program with most classes running on an 8-week schedule, I do wish I had prepared myself more for the shock of those first 8 weeks in my first semester. Below are some of the lessons I learned on how to more effectively manage my time, energy, and work in that first semester.
Lesson #1: Take breaks!
Reasoning: Though this seems intuitive, taking breaks can become especially challenging when it seems like you have settled into the flow of things. However, it is in these moments that you need to take time to pause and recharge, so that you can be your fully present and engageed self in whatever activity – school, work, or at home – you are involved in.
Lesson #2: Make time for movement.
Reasoning: Whether it be stretching, going on a walk, or more strenuous activity, allowing yourself to partake in some form of purposeful movement not only activates one’s body but also one’s mind as well.
Lesson #3: Review your notes to reinforce key concepts and other important points.
Reasoning: Once the semester gets up and running and you’re working on several papers, a presentation, and whatnot, it can be especially tempting to gloss over reviewing one’s notes as a means of trying to save time and use it towards new learning. However, since new information often builds on key knowledge and concepts, it is imperative to make it a habit to carve out the time necessary to go over the old information as it may help to solidify and understand connections to newer content.
While these 3 lessons may seem elementary to some, I believe that integrating such habits would have lessened my stress and enhanced my overall experience in my first semester.