DA: Hello, my name is Dayanara Arroyo and today I’m going to talk to you all on how to stop procrastinating because, well, it’s the end of the semester for spring and finals are already on the way for students. Studying might be tiring or even hard to begin with.

DA: I’ve been there many times as it’s embarrassing to admit, but let me tell you there’s methods on how to lock in for the end of the semester. Tip 1.

DA: Admit that you can’t make a change until you make those adjustments yourself. You cannot believe in the fantasy of, “let me do it later,” or “I have lots of time on my hands.” Because in reality, you’re pushing yourself to be lazy.

DA: When I was in high school, I had to watch TED Talks for my English class and let me tell you it was way better than writing an essay.

DA: This one TED Talks spoke to me at the time. Her name is Laura Vanderkam.

DA: She explains how to gain control of your free time. Literally, the title of the video.

Laura Vanderkam: “I don’t have time” often means it’s not a priority. If you think about it, that’s really more accurate language.

LV: I mean, I could tell you I don’t have time to dust my blinds, but that’s not true. If you offered to pay me $100,000 to go dust my blinds, I would get to it pretty quickly.

LV: Since that is not going to happen, I can acknowledge this is not a matter of lacking time. It’s that I don’t want to do it.

LV: Using this language reminds us that time is a choice. And granted, there may be horrible consequences for making different choices.

LV: I will give you that. But we are smart people, and certainly over the long run, we have the power to fill our lives with the things that deserve to be there.

DA: Tip number two. Take action immediately.

DA: So after analyzing, it’s time to take action. Plan on studying ahead of time before finals.

DA: If it’s like a last-minute study to cram everything in, chances are you studied too late, and your brain cannot take last-minute information like two weeks before the test, so your brain takes time adjusting to new information.

DA: Place a timer ahead of time. For example, let’s say you’re on a couch watching TV, watching your favorite show. Mentally, you tell yourself, 10 more minutes.

DA: It’s less likely you’ll take action, so you pull out your phone and put 15 minutes and place the phone down.

DA: Why 15? because most likely, you’ll keep adding more time. So have that extra five minutes to yourself.

DA: Once the remaining timer goes off, then turn off the TV, which might take some strain, but it’ll feel rewarding after. Then set 30 minutes onto your phone for studying to limit distractions.

DA: Turn off any devices in your surroundings. Tip three.

DA: Go to a less noisy area if home isn’t a great place. If you cannot find an area to study at home, I suggest going to the Cerritos Library to study.

DA: I usually go there before going to class to review assignments. I’ve seen students at the library lock in or even listen to some music while studying as well.

DA: I feel like whatever fits your niche, you should go for it as well as study differently.

DA: For me, I can’t study if there’s noise outside or around me. It distracts me completely.

DA: For my cousin, she’s already used to the noise, so she can turn on the TV and study at the same time. She also studies at CSUN.

DA: To time yourself, I suggest using vibration only timers, or highly recommended using a computer or device in search of the time you want to study while music plays in the background.

DA: If you’re stuck on any course material you’re studying in, I recommend contacting your professor or even go in-person study hours at the Success Center.

DA: Tip number three. Reward yourself.

DA : After studying, you need time to relax and to take time for your brain to rest and to get ready for the upcoming finals.

DA: Pat yourself on the back and remember to breathe. Being confident in yourself would determine your success. Buy yourself a latte or cold brew, an ube, a nice calming tea, something that relaxes yourself.

DA: Take some time to study in groups and friends to make studying a better experience.

DA: Career Services is actually hosting a de-stress coffee and treats on May 11th and May 12th at 9.30 a.m. to 2 o’clock p.m. in Multipurpose 201.

DA: After finals, you can take a relieving breath knowing you’re finally done for the semester.

DA: That’s the ultimate reward and key to success. Thank you for your time.

DA: I wish the best of luck on your finals. My name is Dayanara Arroyo and have a good one.