Letter From The Editor

To the reader,

I can’t say I like the phrase “wasting time,” because everyone has different interests, so there is no definitive way to “waste” one’s time.

Instead, I’d like to suggest to you that people use their time for good and bad purposes, and some people do more than they have time for. Last semester, I spread myself too thin, and justifiably reaped the consequences that I will never forget.

I am writing this letter to say this: you don’t have to do everything. Get good grades now so you can move on. If you’re doing too much to get good grades, it may be time to cut certain things from your life, such as…

One: holding a job. To pay tuition, I needed a job. My jobs included a coffee shop and being Editor in Chief of this publication, neither of which is stress-free.

I spent a lot of time and effort to make the money I needed to attend school. In fact, I found myself sleeping less because of both of these jobs. For the coffee shop, I was required to be up at five, which isn’t exactly easy for anyone.

Two: participation in athletics. As young, bright college students, we are continuously hit with the same advertisement: life is all about the way our bodies are shaped. A six pack set of abs, toned arms, and a sharp jawline are what you need to succeed.

That said, going to the gym, while partly contributory to health, has its negative effects. If you focus too much energy on it, you can become sick. There is such a thing as a diet that is too closely regulated.

Three: chasing Mr. Brightside. If you’re too invested in a relationship, or the possibility of one, or the lack of one, you may be wasting your time. If you’re stressing out about Friday’s date instead of studying your biology, or any situation like this, you need to rethink your mindset.

The anxiety that this type of behavior costs can be deadly to you and your schoolwork. However, if you are in a healthy relationship, more power to you. Don’t get carried away.

Four: involvement in music. Last semester, I was involved as the piano player for two bands. As it turns out, a lot of college students at HVCC spend time on music.

I found this trick to work: limit your time at rehearsals. If the guitarist is going over his part, you should be flipping through flashcards.

Five: taking too many classes. This is subtle, but destructive. My friend just told me she decided to take 20 credits (all chemistry and biology) because it would allow her to “graduate earlier.”

While it may seem like a good idea at first, taking 20 credits is more than just what fits on your HVCC WIReD schedule. Imagine the final exam prep, papers, class times, homework, and labs, all the time you still have to study.

Think before you load on 20 credits. Incidentally, if you are in this situation, you may want to consider withdrawing from a course and taking it next semester.

I write this because I learned these lessons the hard way last semester, by becoming sick for a long period of time. I hope this is helpful for you all.

As always,

Go Vikings!