Hello everyone:

Every once in a while, students will complain that I have given them an assignment due date on a major holiday. You’re right, that stinks. But there is a very simple answer to the problem: work ahead.

Now, don’t work so far ahead that your instructor hasn’t had time to give you complete instructions, but try to stay a couple of days ahead of the game so that you aren’t working through Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, or the 4th of July.

By being a bit more organized, you can get the task done far enough ahead to be able to enjoy your family and friends without the looming deadline. Do this by working backwards. What is the deadline that you would have to meet in order to be comfortably ahead of the curve? When would you have to be finished writing? When would your research need to be complete? When must you decide what to write on?

Some students get all in a tizzy over things I can’t control. The school calendar is one of those things. I didn’t make it up and sometimes I don’t have control over the syllabus. But, with a little planning ahead, you can enjoy the Easter egg hunt or participate in Black Friday.

Best,

Dr. Sheri