Time Management

The Important Habit of Just Starting

Dr. Piers Steel's formula for motivation, found within the article

Motivation: I want to stop working jobs that are boring or that I don’t like, I have a passion for learning about diseases and ailments and I want to get paid for that passion.

Expectancy: as of the 2015-16 school year, OU has a 66.8% graduation rate. So the odds are a 50/50 chance I will graduate, and being a Senior with two years left I think that increases my odds. I am a first generation student, sort of; my grandmother had a Master’s degree in accounting, however neither of my parents received an education higher than high school. If I were to classify myself as a first generation college student, I am faced with the fact that as of 2011-2012 academic year only 11% of first generation college students graduated within 6 years of enrolling in school. While this lowers my odds, I don’t think I have much to fear. I completed two years at a community college and one year at OU; what that tells me is that I have the ability to succeed in college if I keep pushing forward for this last two year stretch. It might not be within 6 years of starting, but I think having changed my major a few times gives me an excuse to take a little longer. 

Value: the same reason for my motivation, I want to get paid for what I am passionate about. An additional value is that I can maybe increase the value of other people’s lives by working on medicine to fight infections and diseases – and bettering the quality of life is an invaluable achievement I hope to attain.

Impulsiveness: I would say I am minorly distracted if I get started on a task right away, but if I wait one to two hours to get started on my tasks, it is pretty easy to turn into three to four hours delay to whoops it’s midnight. I think the hardest thing is just getting started, but once I start it is very difficult for me to quit.

Delay: There are so many different rewards, I try to focus on the one closest at hand. If I take each assignment one at a time, and just focus on completing them as they appear I am much more inclined to start them rather than if I focus on the fact that (as of writing this) I am 383 points away from an A in this class. This strategy is actually what helped me get through boot camp, often in my head I would be repeating – 

Okay, I just have to get through breakfast.

Now lunch, I just have to get through to lunch.

Dinner is next, and even better, I get to sleep after that! 8 hour break :D

Keeping a bulls-eye focus on time like that really kept me from being overwhelmed at the almost 4 month long training. I use this thought strategy when I have a large list of assignments do. I write out all the assignments I need to do, but then only look at them one at a time and keep the rest covered until I have finished one. This way, I have several immediate rewards as I climb the ladder to accomplishing a large task – which is something advocated for in this and coincidentally the next article.

The Psychology of Checklists: Why Setting Small Goals Motivates Us to Accomplish Bigger Things

Checklists are by far my favorite way of accomplishing a task. My planner is my savior when it came to OU.

You can see more pictures of this planner and if you like it buy it here

Ever since I started using planners, the one above being my favorite, I rarely forget assignments and get more done on time. I often use a method where I write the assignment down to be “due” the day before it is actually due, as my own fabricated grace period.

My dad always told me growing up you are more likely to accomplish a goal if you write it down, and that’s basically what this article says! 

Something I also employ are colors – SOOOO many colors. Every class I have is in a different color, and this makes writing down all the dreaded assignments I have to do more fun. It also (for whatever reason) take some of the stress away when I look at all I have to do during a week when it is full of different colors rather than a big dump of black. 

The online checklists introduced in this article are great, and while I like the idea of starting to use one there is something about my current method that I really enjoy. However, I do admit that when I am not in school I really never touch my planner, so I either need to make it a daily habit or need to download a checklist app for my phone.

Summary

While I didn't learn a lot of new information, I got confirmation that my current methods of time management are working and good methods chosen. I have struggled for years to become successful academically, and it wasn't without many 'trial and error' (a lot of error) until I found a study and time management method that worked well for me.

Technology

The only tool I have had experience with on the list is Google Docs. Beyond writing essays and lab reports, I have never had to get creative with online content but I am glad that there are ample tools provided. Unfortunately, the one I was most interested in – Diigo – is blocked at my job so I will have to check it out when I get home. I plan on working on this class in my 2 hour break between lectures MWF, but a lot of the time I end up doing most of my school work at my job because luckily it’s a pretty relaxed environment.

Below is an image of Simone Giertz, an inventor of tools commonly called “Sh*ty Robots”. Here is a link to a compilation of some of her designs, if you haven’t heard of her before.

Initial Thoughts on Assignments

I am most intrigued and minorly intimidated by the storybook/portfolio project. While I don’t have a hard time making conversation, I have never tested my abilities to write stories. I paint in my free time, but that so far has been the extent of my creativity. However, as I have moved through these first few assignments my nerves have been put at ease because it seems not only does the class move in increments but also that there should be plenty of time to work on the assignments (one of the reasons I started working ahead).

Never before have I had a class that required a blog, and the closest thing that I can compare this class so far to is one I have mentioned several times - Gods and Heroes in Art. That class was composed of weekly quizzes and art commenting assignments with a few tests and a final paper at the end of the semester. In it we composed our thoughts of three art pieces and how they represented a moment in a story. It’s a stretch, a long one, but that is probably the most comparable class I have taken.  

As far as extra credit is concerned, I think the most appealing are extra reading and Wikipedia trails. I always carry at least one book on me and more than once I have done something similar to a Wikipedia trail; but instead of clicking on other articles it would usually be clicking on other people or events mentioned in the initial post.

Overall, I am glad I am taking this class; I need something fun to balance out the heavy workload I am taking this semester (Physics II, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, and all the labs that go alongside them). In addition, I still have one non-western class needed for my degree and maybe if this class goes well I will be taking the online Indian myth class next semester!

As I said, in my free time I paint. Below is a photo of one of my more recent and less serious art projects - Space Cactus. I was experimenting, trying to learn how to paint galaxies and threw the cactus in for fun (also love the plant in general).

Growth Mindset Response

In response to Carol Dweck TED Talk, "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve"

“Not Yet” verses “Failed” as a method of grading, with emphasis on how the “Not Yet” students learned better, is at its core a representation of human evolution. What is a distinct difference between humans and every other organism (besides opposable thumbs)? Language. Our ability to communicate lead to the ability to form complex societies that lead to where we are today. Language is more than just communicating what is happening; it is ideas and concepts that we have often associated deep emotional meaning too – depending on what’s being said.

Not Yet indicates that you still have the ability to accomplish something, your efforts are not in vain.

Failed indicates you are at an impasse, you must start over as your last attempt was pointless.

In response to Carol Dweck, "Make Challenge the New Comfort Zone"

One of my biggest accomplishments for me was graduating boot camp, and to myself I personally reference this a lot in ways like “Well if I can get through boot camp then surely I can pass Organic Chemistry”. I attribute positive thinking as one of the things that helped me pass O.Chem with great grades (in addition to studying almost as much as I breathed). I truly believe if you can force yourself to think in a better light about your own abilities, then you will always do better in difficult situations than if you had been down talking yourself such as “I’m going to fail this test” or “This class is just too difficult to pass”. If there isn’t a moment you can think of when you overcame the odds, just telling yourself the opposite of those past two phrases will improve not just your grades but your ability to come back from failures; and over time, encountering difficult problems may be an ignition of enjoyment rather than apprehension.

In response to the Alfie Kohn article 

(TBH, I skimmed it)

The largest reason attributed to people failing O.Chem is that they try to memorize instead of understand the concepts being taught. Similarly, Kohn describes this method as the problem with our education system; that we are memorizing and dumping information rather than really learning what is being taught. While I understand and can agree with some of Khon’s opinions, it isn’t as simple as having a positive attitude – which is where I come to partially disagree with Dweck. Positive thinking is important, but having the ability to accept your failures is just as, if not more, important. I saw a fundamental change in my life when I started accepting my responsibility for things. If my boss at work yelled at me it wasn’t “what the hell is their problem” it was “what did I do and how can I not let that happen again”. Not allowing others to be in control of your emotions and actions as well as taking control of the situation entirely, I believe, gives the power back to you.

I received an A in the first semester of O.Chem, but a B in the second semester. While I whole-heartedly want to blame the terrible teaching methods and trickery when it came to exams, at the end of the day it was my fault for not getting that A. I can call out more than once when I was watching Netflix instead of reviewing mechanisms, or when I didn’t study for an entire weekend and only finished assignments that were due. Making it my responsibility allows me to learn from myself and do better next time; but positive thinking is a critical aspect of performing better when the time comes.

Kohn makes a great point though – a positive attitude can’t help you if you do not have the tools needed to perform. Also, that too much positivity can back fire. I heard about a study on the radio that ultimately said you shouldn’t tell people your goals until you’ve accomplished them; when a person says they are starting a new diet, sometimes just the praise for thinking of doing it is so rewarding they end up not starting it. While these are good points, he poses no tangible solution and while we search for them, I think we should use all the tools we do have at our disposal.

In summary (TL;DR)

There are many methods to learning - and while one may work for some, the same one might not work for many others. I believe that combining acceptance for your failures with a positive attitude to the prospects of new challenges is key to succeeding.

Now, here below are two funny (IMO) and slightly applicable quotes from a character on the TV show New Girl, turned into a bad motivational poster.

Browsing the Storybooks (Storybook Favorites)

Zeus's Ex-Lovers

The first on the list was the first to catch my eye - I took a class called Gods and Heroes in Art my first semester at OU and it was not just engaging but hilarious. I also took a broader mythology classics class before that, though it barley covered Greek mythology. When you first hear about Greek mythology and the Gods people worshiped, you expect them to be about holier-than-thou entities that makes good choices (for the most part) like other religions that people follow. Oh me, oh my, this is not the case. Greek mythological stories are more like a high school soap opera but with a death count. They are emotional and ridiculous but generally have a moral to their story if you search deep enough. My first semester I learned all about the marital atrocities that were essentially Zeus's hobbies and learned about the vibrant women he scorned. 

Beyond my initial interest in Zeus and Greek mythology in general, I liked the take the author had on making them human with no superpowers. The introduction was very realistic with the description of the characters as they would appear in real life; Zeus, an egomaniac womanizer. Hera, a bold personality who will not hold her tongue nor weapon. Aphrodite, passive but all too eager to participate in the drama. I appreciate the author's notes at the end, although I understood most of her references without them, they are an excellent tool for those who have no background in mythology. I personally loved the method the author used to tell the story - starting in the middle and then leading up to the background; it pulls readers in faster if they get thrown head first into the drama and makes them want to know more. 

Fun fact: Cuckoos are considered a social parasite (as defined by Carl Zimmerman in his book "Parasite Rex") or a brood parasite (as defined by the Wikipedia page where I found the image below, here) in the animal kingdom. These are animals that either lay their young with another parent's offspring or just kick those kids out and leave their own behind - in the end the foster parents know no difference, even as the new offspring grows to not only be a different species but often much larger than the parent.

A Cuckoo bird being raised by another, much smaller species of bird

Nine Lives of a Cat

The appeal of this storybook was simply that I love cats, and upon opening this storybook I loved the quotes at the beginning of every story. Interestingly this story had the opposite format from Zeus's Ex-Lovers, as the author here distinctly states they do not like the tactic of diving right into the action. Their method, of providing first person narrative with a mysterious opener followed by a constant timeline was equally appealing and made me want to keep reading. I personally like first person narratives, but I prefer when the narrator doesn't explain things and you learn as you read about what is going on with clever cues or conversations. In real life, you aren't providing background for the situation because you already know the situation and there isn't an audience watching. Writing in this manner makes it even easier for me to immerse myself in the book's reality. However - this style would not work for this story because it is an explanation for the existence of life as it is now, so I believe the author chose a great storytelling method of providing background and explaining the situation to the reader. 

I assume this is still a work in progress or that my Internet has failed, because the storybook ended after Muezza's tale. I was actually disappointing because the black plague is what sparked my interest in my major, microbiology, and I was excited to read their story relating to it.

Side note for recommendations: The quote on the introduction page reminded me of the movie Death Becomes Her, a 1992 "fantasy/horror"(really a comedy) about two women who take an immortality potion that is less than perfect. It's a hilarious and unique movie, but if you decide to watch it I would advise against watching the trailer (it gives away most of the funny parts and is essentially a summary of the whole movie). 

Death's Story

How random and lucky did I get to pick three different stories with three completely different storytelling styles? This author's method of pulling you in literally pulls you in and makes you apart of the story. It was also the shortest of the three, making it the one I have the fewest words for. Death as a somewhat mortal entity is a concept I have come across before, most memorably in the TV show "Supernatural". In it, the characters come across several reapers that can be killed and eventually meet Death, who also can be killed. The show is wonderful in my opinion because of its unconventional approach to the creators, destroyers, and participants of life as all of these previous stories have done. Angels aren't always the good guys, Demons can sometimes be helpful, and every supernatural creature you've ever heard of and more is explored through the in-depth story of two brothers who hunt monsters. If you enjoy mythology, I think you may enjoy this TV show (all current 13 seasons are on Netflix [with about 22 episodes per season] so its binge worthy).

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My Favorite (type of) Places

When asked what is my favorite place, my mind goes to the sunroom of my grandmother's house that I grew up in; it had 4 giant windows, two on the back wall and one on each side with one being a sliding glass door that lead to the backyard. My grandma, Sharon, lived on a 5 acer plot of land surrounded by trees - so hidden that you had to be careful when leaving because a car on the main road might not see you coming. While this is my mental go-to spot now, as a child at night it terrified me because if the curtains weren't drawn then all you saw was dark forrest (this is where my love of horror movies comes back to bite me). I loved that room more so because of the surrounding greenery and sunshine that filtered in and I hope my future house has one (but if it doesn't you can bet I'll be budgeting to build one). My grandma passed away February 29th, 2016. While the house itself is still standing it definitely isn't the same without her.

Below is the only photo I could find of the room; in it you can see my mid-yawning cat Jazmin. The sunroom was also a guest-room (reason for the bed in-between the two back windows).

This was taken with a kodak camera, early 2000's.

I don't really have favorite places so much as favorite situations. I love all of the quiet study areas around campus that have Friends-styled mismatched furniture, or just being surrounded by books in general. I love the energy in the room when a live band is playing (The Deli is a wonderful place in Norman to go for local music [if you're over 21]). I really love kayaking - the combination of being in the water, sun, and surrounded by trees is amazing. And of outdoor situations, I love sitting around with friends and just looking at a campfire (provided I have plenty of mosquito repellant). My favorite holiday is the 4th of July simply because I enjoy fireworks and barbecues so much.

The best example of what I mean, and one of my favorite situations: when the house is empty or everyone else is asleep, and you're up early on a cloudy morning drinking coffee watching the rain fall. That calm feeling of content, nothing-on-my-mind is one of my favorite places to be in. I guess what I am getting at is that my favorite places are less locations and more states of mind.

Below is a photo of my favorite coffee cup - it happened to be raining today so I figured why not take an attempted artistic photograph of it outside.

I bought this cup and coffee from a local vendor that was selling their product on campus one day - while not my favorite coffee, I love the cup.

Introduction

Subjectively Fun Facts

My name is Selena; the name Selena comes from the Greek deity Selene, goddess of the moon.

A marble bust of Selene by an unknown artist. Image found here.

Image found here from the 1940 issue #42 Batman comic book.

However, the reason I was named Selena was because my at-the-time 14 year old sister was really into the Batman comic books and loved the character Catwoman - whose name was Selina - and suggested the name to my parents.   

My hobbies and interests include:

• Reading (almost anything)

A complete collection of Lovecraft stories and my favorite Agatha Christie novel were some gifts I received last Christmas (also a microscope, thus the reason it's included in the photo I took).

• Movies (specifically horror/thriller and comedy)

Some of my favorite horror/thriller movies (Image sources: Get Out, Sinister, and The VVitch [you may need a translator for this one]).

And some of my favorite comedies (Image Sources: Death Becomes Her, Deadpool, and Superbad).

• Playing with my dog

Some photos of my dog I took.

• Kayaking

Me at the Tahlequah River, taken yes with a waterproof Kodak camera and then uploaded.

• Painting

If I am feeling particularly uninspired I find painting memes entertaining (personal photo)

Speaking of animals specifically, I had a cat named Jazmin for 16 years and my dog, whose name is Angel, just turned 2. I'm not a cat or dog person, I'm just an animal person (reptiles and fish too).

(personal photos)

Objectively Defining Facts

I was born in San Diego, California but moved to Norman, Oklahoma two weeks before my second birthday so I'm pretty much from Oklahoma. I was raised by my Buddhist, Marine father and my paternal Jewish, not Marine grandmother. I have two sisters that are one and two decades older than me and an uncountable amount of cousins from California to Georgia.

As you probably have guessed by now, my major is Microbiology (Professional) and I am minoring in Chemistry - but that is because the professional degree (as opposed to the standard degree) requires more than 15 hours of chemistry; although I would have wanted to minor in chemistry regardless because if I wasn't majoring in micro, chem would be my second choice. My interest in this field began when I learned about the black plague in 6th grade; it was immensely interesting to me how something no one could see with the naked eye could wipe out millions of people and have such a monumental impact on culture and society. Once graduated, I want to be apart of researching and curing diseases that affect our world today. I definitely want to further obtain a masters degree and maybe some day even a PhD on the subject.

Fin.