I once was a culprit of bad grades. I blamed it on my ADHD or being “sick,” but really I was just lazy. My grade point average isn’t horrible, but it caused me to lose my HOPE scholarship for a year. With my determination to get my scholarship back, I managed to turn my grades around. If I hadn’t recognized my lethargic attitude towards my education, I would have never had the chance to get my grades up.

In my second semester, I was constantly sick or felt ill, so I used that as my excuse for not going to class when I was capable of going. I made every excuse in the book so I wouldn’t have to go to class. But who did I have to convince that I wasn’t just lazy — my teachers, my sorority sisters? No, I was trying to convince myself that I had a real excuse. Once I finally realized the difference of being sick and feeling lazy, my grades started turning around. This past semester I made it on the Dean’s list because I overcame my laziness and went to class. Once you get in the habit of making it to class, it becomes easier.

A new semester is about to start: new professors and classes. You have a clean slate each semester. Make this one the best by going to your classes and putting in more effort than you have in past semesters. College doesn’t have to be a struggle. We are only making it a struggle by procrastinating. If we truly care about our education we will make it a priority. Education should be the main focus while we are in college; I mean that is what we are paying for right?

You must put your education first if you want to succeed. I’m involved Greek life and I love spending time with my friends, but in these four years of college, those two things aren’t my main priority. My education will always come first. I truly do care about being involved in my sorority, but I make sure I get my schoolwork done before I volunteer for any extra activities. My education and my activeness in my sorority will help me with my future career.

Go get a planner and start setting reminders on your phone. Make an hourly schedule so you can know exactly what you’re doing each day. Ask your friends to plan specific times to hang out instead of just randomly getting texts, so you can make sure you get your work done. Learn how to use time management in college so that way when you are in the real world you aren’t as frazzled about getting your work done.

So no more excuses and just do your work. Put in some effort and get off your butt. Time management is key to success. There are girls in my sorority who have two or three jobs and are on the executive board. If they can do it, so can you and I. This semester I’m striving for all A’s, and I hope you will work to improve your grades as well.