Here we are at the start of a new adventure. This isn’t the semester that any of us had in mind, but no matter who you are or what you’re feeling, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Not only does that support come in the form of virtual tutoring, advising and counseling services – it’s here whenever you need it from our awesome faculty. To get you started
on the right foot, Harper faculty came together to share the five essential items
for succeeding in a remote learning environment.
Enrique D’Amico - A Dedicated Workspace
As we all prepare to work and study from home, it’s essential to have a dedicated workspace. Establish a place that's clean, clear and free of distractions. Put aside your phone and other devices, but make sure you have the tools you need to work effectively.
Ana Maria Contreras - Words of Wisdom
One place I look for motivation is in the wisdom of notable figures. Sometimes I'll write down an inspirational quote on a post-it note and put it in my planner or stick it to the frame of my computer. These quick notes provide me with a boost of confidence throughout the day and remind me that the task I'm working on is one more step on the path to achieving a larger goal.
Raeghan Graessle - Nature
It may not always be practical to study outside, so bring a piece of the outdoors into your workspace! Having a plant, flowers, a shell or even a picture of your favorite landscape can do wonders for your concentration. The fractal patterns in nature match the fractal patterns in your eyes, keeping you soothed, calmed and relaxed.
Karega Cooper - Stress Relievers
It's important to establish a work/life balance. Don't forget to set aside time to focus on the things that make you happy and relieve stress. One thing that relieves my stress is taking my wireless headphones and my soccer ball out back and kicking it around to my favorite music.
Rebecca Scott - Task Management Tools
Using a task management software is a great way to organize your life so you can feel confident that nothing will slip through the cracks. Whenever you think of something that you need to do, add it to your program, categorize it, and set a due date. If you do this every time you think of something you need to do, you won't have to use up any brainpower trying to remember all your tasks or having anxiety that you might forget something. There are lots of apps out there including Omnifocus, Todoist, Things, and more. My personal favorite is Habitica, a program that turns getting your tasks done into a game!
Whether you’re a new or returning student, you’ll have all the support you need to make the most of your experience at Harper College. Get started today.
