Beyond frustrated

[Draxula]

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This is my first Spring semester as a freshman and my frustration still lingers. I had a rough Fall semester and barely got by with a 3.0 GPA. I brushed it off and told myself I would come right back up but here I am, halfway through the semester and still struggling. Anyone have an experience on something that "struck" them which caused a shift of direction academically? Tips, maybe? Thanks 🙁

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Are you drinking too much? Are your classes too hard? Are lacking motivation? All of the above?

What's troubling you?

 

[Inbone]

Do you do anything in your free time? Workout, weekly things with your friends?
Do you have a job? Working too much?

 

[Draxula]

I have a job and I think that is what's killing my GPA. I close Monday and Tuesday which means I go in at 3:30, and I leave at god knows when (it's a car dealership so I can't leave until the last customer puts a down payment). It's really stressful and I can't get anything school related done in the time there. Last night I got home at 11 PM because of my job and I barely got through my homework. I have school Tuesdays and Thursday so if I have a quiz on Thursday, I only have time on Monday and Wednesday so cramming obviously takes place. I try starting everything early but that's easier said than done when I have a million other things to do. >.<

 

[Inbone]

Ok. Well I definitely understand your frustration. The key to working while going to school is going to be time management. You have to make sure that you are using your time as efficiently as possible. Whenever you have breaks between classes go to the library and study or do homework.
Personally I did my best in school when I found some time to workout during the day. Even if it was only for a quick run it really helped me focus and helped keep me motivated.
Find something that helps you focus all day and gives you motivation. And get a planner that has the hour breakdown in it. Write out your entire day in there.
If none of this works for you I would try to cut down on your hours at work. I had to do that a couple semesters when I was taking some harder classes. You can start to fall behind then before you know it you feel like you dug yourself a hole that you can't get out of.
You're also a freshman. College is a lot harder than high school. You actually have to study. But once you learn how to study it gets better. And you have 3 years to fix your GPA. Getting B's your first semester of college isn't a bad thing.

Be efficient with whatever time you have.
Find something to do on the side that helps you focus.
Find new ways to study.
Work less.