My name is Elizabeth D., and I’m excited to be starting my first semester back at BMCC after 8 years. My major is Linguistics, and my long-term goal is to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. I’ve always been passionate about communication and language, as well as helping others. Using my interests as such helps me help others and maybe give a voice to those without (figuratively and literally) and make a real difference.
Outside of school, I work in retail and I enjoy staying active through fitness and yoga as well as mentally stimulating activities such as art shows, museums, reading and building Legos. After BMCC, I hope to transfer to Queens College to continue my studies in Communication Sciences and disorders. What motivates me is the idea of creating a career path that not only supports me but gives back to the community, especially children and families who need extra support with communication and learning.
I look forward to getting to know you guys throughout this semester, lets have a great one!
Online students need structure, and a study calendar is a great way to create it. Check your syllabus before your course kicks off, and commit to due dates on your calendar. Then, designate study times for each class, and stick to them. Set aside a specific block of time every day, maybe after the kids’ bedtime, or before you go to work. Sticking to her plan will help you juggle work, family, and multiple online courses without falling behind. If you can’t set aside a whole block of time, then think about periods of the day when you can take at least 15 minutes for uninterrupted study time.
Our colleagues over at Arizona State University made a great video on time management. Take a look:
Another video on time management tips:
Look Ahead
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to look ahead when taking online courses. Check your time management plan (you will be making one shortly!) for assignments that will be due, double-check for live events or in-person sessions for hybrid classes. Make plans to meet with your classmates online or to attend your instructor’s virtual office hours. Always know when an assignment is due, and don’t wait until the last minute to complete it.
Set aside at least one hour a day for each of your e-learning courses. Remember the videos you watched on the subway and the article you read while waiting for 20 minutes at the doctor’s office? That counts towards chipping away at that one hour a day!
Speak Up
If you struggle or fall behind, don’t stay silent. Remember your growth mindset; every problem is an opportunity to grow and improve. Think of it as a puzzle to solve. BMCC has instructors, counselors, tutors, and many other services here to help you get back on track. While your Instructors have deadlines for a reason and late work is not accepted, by speaking up, you will have an opportunity to refocus and improve your work moving forward. Extra credit assignments may be offered at the professor’s discretion. We help students with problems all of the time, that’s our job!
The worst thing you can do for yourself is to do ‘nothing.’
