It was quite the reality check when the first email in for the semester from a professor was entitled, "First Day Of Class Assignment". Here we go! Back to the grind. Some of us feel like we're right in the middle of chaos, or others are bouncing into their final semester of their college career.

Have Your Voice Heard: Become an Odyssey Creator

This semester, I don't want to go into it all with too many high expectations or anticipations about what may happen. Life always throws the unexpected anyway. Thus, I simply conjured up a few plans of how to start back up the semester with as much ease as possible.

1. Organize your notebook

Clear out the notes from last year and, if necessary, keep what may be helpful for any upcoming classes or events in the future. I have a big, three-ring binder for saved notes from previous semesters. Whichever system works best for you with notes, get ready to buckle down and write/type them up like a champ.

** Keep watch for my article on "Most effective ways to take notes" if you struggle at all with retaining information or staying organized.

2. Make to-do lists

And make multiple. I have lists for everything: groceries, school work, work schedules, and miscellaneous/knit picky things that I don't want in the back of my mind anymore. If you write them down and see them, guaranteed it will be easier to keep track of and refer back to.

3. Reconnect

Make an appointment with your advisor whether or not you think you need to. Make sure everything is in order and that there are no random (unexpected) surprises kicking off the new semester. Reconnect with other professors and friends as well. Catch up and keep the networks rolling.

4. Keep calm and _____

It will be more or less frustrating and seemingly shocking to go from a lengthy Christmas break to booted right back into the school schedule. So do yourself a favor and remember to take care of yourself with sleep, exercise, good food and down time with friends and family. It will absolutely help ease your way back in.

5. Set this semester's goals & objectives

"New semester, new you" right? Get back into the grind with, not as much expectations, but objectives to accomplish some goals this semester. Whether it is financial saving goals with a new job, staying in better touch with certain people or just staying on better track with assignments and personal agendas.

6. Refresh & Reboot

Update social media accounts, online portfolios, resumes, etc. After a long break like Christmas, there are usually a few things subject to change and be updated. Stay up to date with the changes so that you will appeal to viewers.

7. Restart & Regain

Seek and find your motivation- stay on track with it. Be at peace with life's unpredictability. Don't be lax and enjoy what you're doing; and MAKE SURE you are doing what you want to do.

** Favorite quote from Steve Jobs: "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

Best of luck with the start of a new semester!