Keep Calm and Graduate…

So I am finishing my degree at the end of the year… was supposed to be this semester, however I deferred a subject to balance out my life better. Flexible study is one of the reasons I love studying at USQ.

I can’t help but think about next year. Life without uni? What is that? Lol. Do I stay home? Do I stay at my part time job? Do I look for a full time job? So many options.

The past few months, and many more to come have been filled of time spent applying for graduate positions and full time jobs for after I graduate. A hard truth to swallow, going to working full time, after years of balancing family/uni/work.  I can’t decide if the transition from uni to work is going to give me more time, or take up my time?!  All the same, I am excited at the idea of beginning my career in my chosen field (which for me is accounting). It almost feels as though a job offer will be comparable to winning the lotto, being rewarded for all the hard work I have put in to get my degree.

As I think about the job prospects that may be around the corner, I am also looking forward to the perks that come with it. The opportunities to buy a house and live off a full time wage are definitely worth all the effort and all night assignment writing. So I guess thinking about “what’s next” has assisted in keeping me motivated and on track to finish uni on a high. So much to think about!

Even though there is a whole lot to consider over the next 12 months, USQ have been extremely supportive. Offering avenues to apply for grad jobs, explaining what a grad job is (which is a job in your first year as a graduate by the way – usually with added support and training) and assisting with networking by organising career expos and online forums. There is definitely no excuse to not know what to do, where to apply or what my options are.

If I am honest with myself, I still do not know if I will accept a full time job offer next year. Crazy? No, I still have my youngest to think about, she starts prep in 2014, so another year with her, may not be a bad idea. Nonetheless, she has another 6 months of growing up to do. So to be sure not to miss any opportunity, I have applied (for numerous) jobs, and we will see what happens. Who knows I may even decide to stay at USQ forever and do a masters… Whatever the future brings, I know I’ll be ready. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

The A to Z of Inspirational Study

So Semester 1, has turned out quite busier than I expected.  For those of you that have not had a chance to read my previous blogs, I have now added working part time into my lifestyle equation. Which now means I have to figure out a way to balance my university studies, raising 3 children, being a good wife, running a house and working part time. In an effort to stay motivated to stick to my priorities, I have decided follow the trend of filling my home with motivational signs, reminders and sayings.  You know, those ones you can find with cute little sayings on them, or a list of words that work together to remind you of what’s important. I figure, that if something can help to keep you on track and focused, can’t be a bad thing. I enjoy the way a message can be summed up neatly (and memorably) in a sentence or two. Often, these signs are shared with my friends as they walk around my house, leading to a powerful insight of my ideals or create thought provoking conversations.

I want to share some quotes with you. ‘Study/Work/Life Balance’ is an overused term, and can be challenging for so many of us. Of course, the ideal balance between these important elements in our lives is different for everybody – it depends on what is important to us, and this shifts over time.  But the starting point must be deciding what we want it to be, for us, now. Then we can begin taking positive steps towards making it happen. For some of us, that is to study at university, for others, it may be getting that graduate position you want next year, or it could be as simple as wanting to spend more time with the kids.

Some of these quotes are profound, others just make me smile – I hope you enjoy these too. And do let me know your own favourite ‘Study/Work/life Balance’ quotes – to the comments below, so they’re visible for all to enjoy.  If one of these quotes really helps you, then post it in a place where you can see it every day as a reminder.

• “You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once.” – Oprah Winfrey
• “Action expresses priorities.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “The most important thing in life is knowing the most important things in life.” – David F. Jakielo              
• “Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it.  Establish your priorities and go   to work.” –  H . L. Hunt
• “Having children really changes your priorities.”  – Cindy Crawford
• “Good things happen when you get your priorities straight.”   -  Scott Caan
• “Nobody can go back  & start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

And my favourite!

• “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin

Remember to check out USQ on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) as motivational pictures and quotes are posted on a regular basis. They always help to keep me focused, and give me a laugh.

Can’t wait to hear your inspirational quotes!

USQ Career Fair Employer Tip

The University of Southern Queensland’s Career Fair is about building bridges to future career paths and helping students enter their chosen career after graduation.

In this video blog, employers share their tips for gaining employment after graduation with our students during USQ Career Fair.

What are your tips for meeting employers for the first time and securing graduate employment?

What to expect when you are expecting to start uni.

Brace yourself – semester one is about to begin! Right now is the time to finish enrolling in those upcoming courses, choose class times and find cute stationary. The USQ campus will begin buzzing again with students checking where rooms are, rushing in to print study materials and buy textbooks. And, if you are anything like me, you will also be promising yourself that you will be extra prepared by beginning to read these before the start of classes…this time.

This has always been my favourite time of the year. The smell and feel of new textbooks, bumping into friends on campus, enjoying a carefree coffee with friends at the hub and long chats in the quad are some of the joys experienced just before semester kick-off. Exams feel as though they are a long way, distant into the future.

After four years of study, I feel that I have perfected the art of preparing before a semester. I am able to confidently do what I thought I would never be able to do four years ago – find what I need, know where to go, who to see and juggle my really diverse study schedule which has included visual arts, mathematics and education courses. I have found that once you are into the uni ‘jive’ this becomes second-nature and a lot of fun.

This year however is a lot different for me. It is strange.

See, I finished my Education degree with USQ at the end of last year. I was so excited to be able to say ‘I am a TEACHER’. However, I am beginning to realise that this means that I no longer have pre-semester university preparations. I don’t have courses to enrol in, there are no new textbooks on my shelf and my friends have begun their new careers in various places throughout Queensland. Though post-university is exciting (I will also soon be moving to begin my career, a teaching position in Thailand), it is hard not to reflect on, and become nostalgic for, the life and routine of a university student.

So perhaps I can share with you what I have learnt. Provide some advice to those who are starting out for the first time. I always use ‘to do’ lists, so here is one for you –

UNIVERSITY TO DO LIST

Become a ‘yes-person’ (think back to Jim Carey’s character in Yes Man).

By remaining open to new experiences, you will surprise yourself and create some fantastic memories. I adopted this mentality early-on in my university career and as a result have met some wonderful people through volunteering, participated in an overseas professional placement in Thailand (as part of my Bachelor of Education) which resulted in the school offering me a position, have volunteered at a school in Cambodia, met a NASA astronaut, co-founded a charity, introduced Red Thread Bracelets to Australia, exhibited an artwork, regularly assisted at a local school, completed a number of additional vocational qualifications, became a guest education panel chair member and won a scholarship. I try to say ‘yes’ to every new experience and have really benefited from this. 

 [You never know where ‘yes’ can lead you..in this case, into a tiger enclosure in Thailand during an overseas professional experience]

 Buy your textbooks early.

It doesn’t happen too often, but sometimes the bookshop will run out of particular books. It can be difficult to catch-up with readings a few weeks into the semester.

Start your assignments early.

I always put my assignments onto my calendar, a week BEFORE they are actually due. This means that I always had the assignment completed a week before it was actually due. I cannot tell you how much stress was saved through adopting this strategy! An added benefit (from my experience) – if you realise last-minute that you have misinterpreted the assignment, you still have a week to fix it! This was my number one strategy and really helped me get through uni.

Do a library tour in O-Week.

These are free and so worthwhile. Pay particular attention to where resources and references can be found through the library database. The library has access to online versions of journals and other publications which you WILL NEED throughout your study. Knowing how to use these properly will save so much valuable time.

Read, post in and follow all of the forums for your courses.

There have been times when I have realised that I was really not on the right track with assignments or course content. These are sometimes a lifesaver! Usually, questions that you have will already be posted and answered.

Go to EVERY lecture and tutorial (on-campus or online).

This will help you stay on track, find study-buddies and assist you with assessment.

ENJOY UNI LIFE! It doesn’t feel like it at times (particularly when assessment is beginning to pile up), but your university career will fly by! Enjoy it and do your best!

[Taken on my very last day of uni, with our amazing lecturer, Warren]

Good luck to everyone who are about to start their study! Feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have any questions about being a student and preparing for your university life.

What is your long-term goal?

I have one exam and one assignment to go. That is it. In one week, I will have finished my four year degree.

I was asked recently, ‘what is your long-term goal?’. For once in my life, I was actually speechless.

My ‘long-term’ (at least it had seemed long term) goal had consisted of working hard at uni, achieving the best GPA possible, finishing my degree and then passionately teaching maths and/ or art to high school kids somewhere.

However, when I was asked the question recently, I realised that the once seemingly massive task of completing my degree was almost complete. I had focused so much energy into doing well in exams, assignments, pracs and internships that somewhere along the way, I forgot that this was all leading somewhere.

I began thinking back to the reasons I began the degree in the first place. There are many reasons, but a few pivotal moments stand out.

When I was in middle primary school, I was truly over-excited about learning. I would come home, quickly open my homework sheet, complete it, parade around with it in front of my parents and then set about creating a ‘homework’ sheet for my younger sister to complete. I loved teaching her new things. Though I had waited a few years after high school to begin formal study, I think that becoming a teacher was predetermined.

This passion for teaching and sharing what I knew continued throughout my life. It was then extended through travel, where I realised my passion for teaching overseas as well as helping those who are less fortunate.

The passion still exists. The degree has almost been attained. So, where do I see myself in 2, 5, 10, 20 years? What will be in store for the Rickard’s, long-term?

I think the answer here is teaching internationally and participating in long-term volunteer/ charity projects within the country. Ideally, of course.

How has USQ assisted with this? I have attained (almost) an internationally recognised degree from a university which is highly regarded throughout the world for its Education program. It is because of USQ’s connections with partner-schools around the world that I was given the opportunity to teach in Thailand, as one of my pracs. I have been given great guidance from lecturers, have met a wonderful bunch of like-minded friends and have found my inner-confidence.

The journey has been challenging. This is felt most during exam block, the current time of this semester. However, I think it is important to be reminded that this is a road which is leading somewhere – to a realisation of your hopes and dreams, the achievement of a goal in which you have chosen.

For me, it is with an excited heart that I reveal the new chapter in which I am about to begin, thanks to my journey here…

I have secured a mathematics teaching position in Bangkok, Thailand!

Thank you for sharing the latter part of my journey with me through my blogs. All the best.

My secret skill: Juggling!

The dictionary definition of juggling is:

• to perform the tricks of a juggler
• to engage in manipulation especially in order to achieve a desired end
• to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements

The latter two relate to me. I have mastered the skill to juggle the responsibilities of family life, my full-time university studies, a casual job and my ‘me’ time. This, at times, leads to feeling like the star attraction in my very own ‘family’ circus, and my 3 girls are the ringmasters  ;)

I am sure that I am not the only one out there who feels this way at times, you long for the mid semester break, to have the chance to catch a breath just in the nick of time, only to start back again and sit through long nights of study before end of semester exams. You take a break and it starts all over again, a constant juggling act.

This mid semester break I had the opportunity to travel interstate for a ‘real’ holiday, at my family reunion.  It was a challenge to prepare my assessment early to ensure the time away was really a holiday. But it definitely paid out in the end. I cannot stress how important it is to ensure a good study/family/work balance together with fun and recreation. I think I had forgotten what it felt like to just sit and do nothing, listen to the waves – we were at the beach – and just spend time with the family. I even got a chance to go quad biking on the largest sand dunes in Australia with some of my family. Best fun I have had in ages!

It can be so easy to get caught up in the stresses and deadlines of uni life. However, by keeping on top of things, or when necessary, knowing when to let things go, we can achieve all we need to without missing out on anything.  There are occasions when I don’t get time to do the housework because an assignment is due. If I work late, I’ll order pizza for dinner, and if I have a kids soccer match to attend, I stay up late and study. It all balances out in the end. A bit of give and take, and a lot of quality time with the family is all it takes for me. My eldest daughter Chloe says she’d much prefer that I spend ½ hr doing something with her, then spending half the day in the same room on the laptop working. Quality time, not quantity. I wish I could say the same for work, lol. But there is nothing I can do about the time spent at work. Having said that, there are times I have to turn down a shift to ensure I am there for my family.

Knowing your priorities and planning your time will help you stay in control. I ask myself, is what I am doing now going to matter in the long run? Is it going to make my life easier or more difficult? Does it really matter if the dishes are not done until morning? When necessary, there are things I need to take out of my ‘juggling’ act to make my time as a uni student more successful without hindering my family, work and recreational time. What are some things you could take out of yours, even if only for a short time, to help you through when needed?

Dreams start early

As a father and having worked for a number of years in children’s theatre and after-school care, children have often amazed me with the confidence they have in talking about what they are going to be when they grow up. They never say “What I would like to be if this happens or that happens”, or a thousand other qualifications, but simply: “This is what I am going to be”. Sure kids change their minds, some more than others, but the dreams held by a child at a given moment in their lives stay alive as real and achievable goals.

With a little help from my double-trouble twins (OK a lot of help!) we came up with a story as viewed through the eyes of a child, which reflects the above phenomenon – how dreams start and where children believe the dreams will take them.

So what happens along the way to some of us that causes us to forget our dreams or put the dream off until tomorrow. “Tomorrow” – that place of the future where all sorts of wonderful things are going to happen if you ever actually get there? To a child, having a dream turn into reality is as natural as falling asleep, night follows day, eating an apple or a pear, or putting mud on your face. It is a natural expectation for a child that if I say it, I will do it.

So I asked myself “Why did I wait so long to make my first dream come true?” And then I asked myself “Why did I wait so long to move on to the next dream…” (I’ve always been one of those kids that has a lot of dreams) “…knowing that dreams can become reality”. The answer was clear. Unlike a child, I lost confidence in my dreams, so much so that even after achieving one dream I still doubted whether I could turn another dream into a reality. I was afraid of shadows and the shadows returned again – shadows that were no more than tree branches scratching at the windows. Then, as with the first dream, I opened the window, I stepped outside the door, I went beyond my familiar comfort zone, and I started to climb that new tree, the very tree that scared me. And I thought what would have happened to my dreams if I stayed frightened of the shadows, and what would have happened if I didn’t find this new tree to climb. The answer was clear: a different reality would have happened, different to the one I that the child inside of me who dares to dream wants in his life.

At USQ we have the possibilities, the courses, the degrees, the international reputation to help you turn your dreams into reality. And you don’t have to do it all on your own. We have the people to help you negotiate your way through the shadows. Lecturers, librarians, ICT support, Student Relationship Officers, Learning Centre Staff, students, a whole community waiting to work with you toward your dreams. A place where once again you can have the confidence to believe that your dreams are a natural expectation.

This is Lindsay Nicholson, father of three, husband, former lawyer from another life, current USQ Bachelor of Science (Psychology) student, signing off and wishing you happy dreams and prosperous realities. The eye lids are feeling heavy. I think I will go and have a dream. Nighty night…

Nearly there, nearly there…NEARLY THERE!

Hi!

As I am a preservice teacher, it will probably come as no surprise that I like to talk. A lot. In the classroom, out of the classroom, to big crowds, to little crowds… to anyone who will listen really. So in light of this, I have created a short recording – of me talking   I hope you enjoy it!

NEARLY THERE!

Uni at 50 – An Exercise in Choice, Determination and Hope

I kept a journal during the first semester of study after 30 years and thought it may be of interest to other mature aged students ;

Journal of  Semester 3, 2011 by Vicky

26.11.11

Week two and I have decided this experience is too much of a roller coaster emotional ride to not start a diary.  The decision to start Uni was not difficult, having toyed with the idea for some time.  Extreme circumstances that force our lives to change direction, independent of our own choices also offer opportunities that other-wise seem too difficult to create ourselves.

The excitement of having made the decision in total confidence, “Yes, this is what I want to do” gave way to the process of gaining entry via QTAC. How I will finance the whole course is still a mystery at this stage. Not really giving much thought to my ability to actually pass the course requirements.  Informing friends and family with enormous enthusiasm was met with all manner of reaction from ‘Good on You’ or ‘Not my choice of topic’ to shock as friends (of similar age) contemplating themselves attempting such an endeavour.

With the offer from USQ, only one week after my QTAC paperwork was completed, still a high level of excitement but gradually as the 14 November, 2011 approached, terror set in.  Everything is “on line”, My Gosh at this stage I don’t even ‘face book’.  What’s a forum???

I am so in love with Nathan at the UCT.  Tried to do my first CMA, no receipt came up on the screen which I am supposed to print out, was the submission successful or not??? No idea, in the mean time realized I had two out of the three questions wrong.  What a start, am becoming overwhelmed.  Finished Assignment one and started Assignment two, completed all the reading for module one and two, came to do the exercises and absolutely no recollection what-so ever of the chapters.  I really need a different strategy.  My sister tells me with a chuckle, “at least you won’t get Alzheimer’s.” A bit late for that, I silently believe I already have it big time. 

“There is lots of help available”, well now is the time, I’ve got till the end of week three, second of December to drop a subject. In six days I have to change my attitude towards my computer, bring my technology skills forward approximately 20 years and work out what I am supposed to be doing.  Stay calm, you can do it.  The snob in me tells me other people in their 50’s go to Uni.  The target is 51% at this point.  Hoping for some divine intervention or minor miracle.  Started a study group on Wednesday’s in the Uni library with the treat of  buying lunch ie Tuckshop and what do you know, the refectory is closed for renovations during the third semester.  Not being superstitious!!!! This is not a sign.  Best line of attack is to call Roxanne (SRO) and make an appointment for Monday to get a few pointers. I need to get all the stomach butterflies flying in the same direction.  This old girl will test the system.

Some very useful advice from bemused friends and work colleagues include;

• Having a specific place to study
• Have a sprig of rosemary on your desk (something to do with remembering)
• Good luck with that
• If you’re looking for a case study I’d be a good candidate
• Treat Uni as a job ie working hours (having been in private business I know what that means)
  

3.12.11

I have decided to stick with the two subjects after all. Means nose down bum up. Went and saw my SRO, study group going OK. Got one assignment submitted, another due on Monday, nearly done.  Spent all day Thursday with computer problems, will have to work out a way to avoid this added stress, especially with assignments due.  It is very difficult to put total trust in technology when there is so much depending on it working properly.  I decided to work on all assignments from the USB from now on.

Gradually think I am getting better organized and have a system in place to relocate paper work, a filing system of sorts.  My brain seems to be tuning in more although fine details are going to be a problem for recall.

19.12.11

My desk is a disgrace. I kill trees at a great rate of knots.  The assignment from hell is due in a few weeks and Christmas is upon us.  It is intimidating to read the forums and sets off a series of doubtful thoughts as to whether I am up to date or not.  Read all the chapters, remembering is another question.  It was wonderful to actually talk to someone at the TLC re the assignment.  Jillian will review what I have done on the assignment on Wednesday, which is a great confidence boost and motivator as what is not done by then I am on my own with.  I am struggling with the “Virtual” side of the forums at this stage. Forty hours a week on two subjects or courses seems excessive. Am thinking would have been a better option to have started semester one on campus next year.

It is wonderful to have met up with another student and have phone conversations, perhaps a sign of my age or just the loneliness of my circumstances catching up with me.  Jillian actually smiled at me.

With the stress of my first substantial assignment and the weird behavior of this virtual world stuff I am beginning to wonder about this whole Uni thing. I am supposed to be enjoying this experience.

21.12.11

Sitting in the library and feeling great having ‘virtually’ completed the assignment.  Jillian checked it and showed enough interest to want to know the result (great for self confidence). I am getting on with reading the chapters and plowing through modules.  Is wonderful to have the week spare of additional readings to revise and catch up, Christmas is coming up.

I don’t really know at this stage how may memory for the detailed content of modules will go, exams will show.  My kids give the impression that Mum at Uni is a bit of a joke, I hope they can be proud of me on Graduation Day.

Talk about distractions and procrastination a whole new chapter by itself, yesterday had to play search and rescue to two calves who fell into a 3metre full of logs left over from the flood at Withcott and now an writing this journal instead of reading page 602 in the text book, still lunch time now and today is my tuck shop day!!!

Just struck “First-year medical student syndrome”

4.1.12

Christmas was more difficult than expected.  Got sick and lost the catch up week to revise first half of the semester.  Getting geared up for exams, thinking that it may have been better to start first semester 2012 on-campus instead of externally or even only doing one course to get the hang of study, still really enjoying the material even though it seems a large volume of data to get through, exams will tell a story.

Seem to be getting better with brain function.  Definitely need to practice organizational skills. Goal setting really helps, life distractions still a constant battle.  None of us exist in isolation remember I am studying psychology and doing a major in life.  I am very much looking forward to the break after exams.

19.1.12

Getting towards the pointy end of the semester, feeling anxious about exams and getting the final assignments finished.  Having been ill over Christmas for 2 weeks feel behind as I had planned to revise during that time.  How’s this for a distraction, have a romantic interest, really Vicky you are 50 years old, messing with my head, teenager stuff.

Looking back organization and management were a major problem.

30.1.12

One big assignment back and feeling rather disappointed 20.5/30.  I had spent an enormous amount of time on it and got the draft checked by TLD.  I had found the assignment extremely difficult to work out and in the results sheet there seems to be no place for a positive comment, something must have been OK with it.  I am going to the TLC to get Jillian to go over the mark sheet with me.  I know we are at university level but self esteem and confidence are still important for first year students, not to mention 50 years who haven’t studied for 30 years.

Have finished all the course material and did the last years exam an am feeling nervously OK  51% is the target mark, to just pass would be awesome.

Have lost some time dealing with personal stuff, anniversary of the flood and all that went with it, somedays are diamonds and some are just stone.

Have managed to get all assignments in on time, got course material read and have really enjoyed the content.  The examples of all the concepts in the PSY1010 text are just so good and helpful to understand, thanks Lorelle (author of the text).

I have found it difficult not having interaction face to face with cohort; I guess encouragement is what is missing. You are doing OK or a pat on the back sort of stuff.

Here I am procrastinating again by writing this diary, all good, back to work – Hey I missed the mens tennis final last night to study!!!

5.2.12

Night before first exam and feeling rather nervous, trying to think rationally and stay calm, do my best, have a go.   Could have revised better, I think I should do a study plan next semester as seemed rather erratic in reviewing the whole material.

Could have done without the romantic interest four weeks out from exams!

6.2.12

One down and my nervous system is coping a beating. I think I went OK yesterday and now need to concentrate for next exam on Wednesday.

8.2.12

Second exam  today and my son is having his wisdom teeth out at the same time, very difficult to fit everything in and the conflicts for time are very difficult to manage let alone trying to concentrate and focus on the study.  With lots of divine intervention things will be OK.  Once again trying to control maladaptive cognition (impressed, I learned something in PSY 1010)

Results

Got an A for both subjects and what a ride.  I was totally thrilled and surprised knowing what chaos had preceded the previous three months.  My adult children seem to be taking the whole thing a bit more seriously now.  Have the added pressure now to maintain these results but now can discount the question of my ability.  Will tackle semester 1, 2012 with a renewed level of enthusiasm and hopefully will be a bit kinder on my nervous system and the famous last words to be better organized.  At this point it is doubtful if there is actually such a thing

I have gone on to complete first semester 2012 in a much more relaxed manner and with more confidence and to my delight have maintained my academic level.  It is much easier to get started into the semester as I now know how the study desk works and don’t panic when someone says “look on the net”. Happy to do this blog as I know what my nervous system went through in my first semester, but the good news I survived and am here to spread the word that anything is possible.

Cheers, Vicky

(PS. Romance is still on track albeit via Telstra)

My time

Hi, my name is Clare. I am studying a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accounting at the University of Southern Queensland, Springfield campus. As this is my first blog, I thought I’d start by giving you an insight into my week as a Mum, a student, an employee and a volunteer. So you can see just how much you really can achieve, I think you may be quite surprised!

My days start off with the early morning school rush. If I am organised enough, I am up first to get some washing out and housework done, and maybe even fit in a cuppa before the kids start harassing me to do their hair or yell ‘Mum, where are my shoes?’ If I’m really lucky I may even get a morning shower, ha-ha!  Most mornings I do flying solo, as my awesome hubby [Luke] is a registered nurse and he is in and out with shift work.  But my girls know what they need to do, it is the same everyday! Get dressed, brekkie, teeth, hair, shoes and socks, pack their bags, make beds, and get in the car. Below is photo of my 3 beautiful girls [Jennifer, Chloe and Hannah] on our way to school, and judging by the fact their hair is tied up, and their smiles, this would appear to be a successful morning of getting ready for school on time

Once the 2 oldest girls are dropped at school, Hannah either goes to kindy, travels with me to uni, or hangs with Dad. Hannah is so flexible, and has been coming to uni with me, on occasion, since she was just one week old. The University of Southern Queensland has been great with the need I have to bring her, I just needed to fill out a form and arrange permission with each of my lecturers, easy!

During my day I either attend lectures, study, do assignments or housework, and when I can get it, free time for me!!! Each week I put one whole day aside for housework, you know the boring stuff. I also allocate the day after an assignment is due to do something special for me. There are of course other things that pop up, but the key is to be flexible. Sometimes it’s just a case of day swapping. Like if my girlfriends want to catch up on a study day, but I have a free day tomorrow, I swap them around. Below is picture of a typical day studying at home.

Notice the snacks?! I can’t get by without them

At 2pm, I am back in the car picking up kids from school, we get home anytime between 4pm – 6pm depending on which after school activity it is that day, sometimes I think my kids have more of a social life than I do!  Once home we start the homework/bring in the washing/dinner/bath/bed routine, which keeps me busy until 7:30pm. This is probably the busiest time in our household, everyone home together trying to get a million things done.  When Luke [my hubby] is home this time of night is much easier for me.

Once the kids are in bed, and I have had some time hanging out with Luke, if he is home, I catch up on the day’s events via the News or Facebook. At this stage I am usually pretty tired. I find that, for me, this is NOT a great time for me to attempt to study or do readings, having said that, my nights are also really busy. Mondays and Wednesdays I try to go for a run when I can. Thursdays I play netball for the USQ Firebirds in the Springfield Lakes comp., and Fridays I volunteer at Shiloh Rangers [like scouts] where I run the high school girls group.  However, every night, whether I go out or not I aim to print tomorrow’s lectures, make the school lunches for the next day, plan tomorrow night’s dinner and check my calendar for any upcoming assignments or bookings I have to make sure I am still on track with everything.  Here is a picture of the calendar in my kitchen. In a place where I can always see it. For some reason it fills up very fast!!!

This all makes me sound VERY organised, but really, when you add in the odd shift at work, a sick child and weekend get together. Life becomes VERY busy indeed. I feel that as long as I keep grounded and take each day at a time, trying to stick to my schedule, I can get it all done and done well. I’d like to finish by giving you some practical tips of ways you can organise yourself better to get the most out of your day.

1. Get a calendar and use it. No use getting one, and it just looking pretty on the wall!
2. Plan ahead of time, look at doing a couple of things the day before, like put the washing on at night ready to hang out in the morning, or make school lunches the night before, or planning tomorrow’s dinner.
3. Get your kids [if you have some!] into a routine, and then you won’t be wasting your time reminding them what they need to be doing. They will feel a sense of accomplishment when they do it all.
4. Allocate days to study, shop, do housework etc.
5. Make sure you know that family comes first. If you support them, they will support you [especially when that assignment is due and you have been ignoring them for the last 24hours!]
6. Don’t talk about getting organised, DO IT!!! You’ll find you have more free time than it looks on paper, and you’ll LOVE IT!

I hope this gives you some motivation to re-organise your busy schedule to make sure you are excelling in ALL areas of your life, whether that be studies, family, work or whatever it is that makes you, you!

If I can do it, you can. Take Care.