Time Management Advice: Due 11:59

Samuel You

With OCSA’s unique focus on both academics and the arts, the students run on a very tight schedule – conservatory performances, extracurriculars and the late release from school means that there is much less time to get things done. Passersby, especially seniors, complaining about their workload is pretty common. When time pressure starts to affect quality as well as quantity, efficiency starts to become a forefront issue. Here’s what some OCSA war-torn seniors have to say about how they get the most work done in the least time possible. 

Rachael Vu (IM-P ‘24) finds that group work makes for better study sessions. “I enjoy having ‘study calls’ with my friends,” Vu stated, calling herself a “procrastinator,” but added that a group environment helps make work “more enjoyable.” Vu also emphasized the importance of music to her work. “I listen to jazz or lofi to help keep me motivated.” she stated. “It really helps.” 

A significant portion of the average student’s day is spent on campus, 8 hours and 15 minutes to be exact. With this in mind, outside work doesn’t have to be saved for outside the campus. Ryan Lee (CW ‘24) stressed the importance of this. “Creative Writing is like a 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th English class.” Lee stated, “so [the] homework can reach into the wee hours of the night. But CW teachers know that and give you as much time in class to do work. [CW teachers] also don’t mind if you do work for other classes because they know how much work teachers can assign.” Lee, when prompted for closing statements, responded with one word: “coffee.”

Gabriel Cho (BR ‘24) described the attitude shifts necessary to get your work completed. “I just have no choice but to finish on time.” Cho said, adding that “if you have closer deadlines, finish those first. Finishing deadlines as they come up will help you feel like you’re on track.” Cho furthers points made earlier about using class time. We’ve all heard it a million times by now, but as that test is coming up, attending Office Hours is never a bad idea. 

OCSA students have a lot on their plates. With conservatory on top of an already rigorous academic schedule for most, it’s a load not many high school students can say they handle. It’s not easy. It hasn’t been and it probably won’t be in the future. But remember, especially seniors, we’re all in this together, and we’re all going to make it.