A Senior College Student's Pledge

So I have been struggling off and on for a little while at school and I think I figured out the problems.  If you don't include the external factors that hit me hard the past couple of years (death x2, moving, getting sick a few times)...there were several internal factors that I let affect me that I probably could have handled better (worrying about people I didn't need or have the energy to worry about, being someone's therapist for free) and I think all that burned me out and I just didn't care anymore.

However, this semester taught me a lot.  It made me remember who I am and where my values lie, and I kind of pushed those under the rug.  I want those back.  I want those up high for everyone to see and experience along with me.  My motivations for being and staying in college also got swept up under the rug, but those need to be where everyone, especially I, can see it!  Who I am and who I want to be have been in the shadows for far too long!!!

So, I am going to sign a pledge right now and I am holding myself accountable for it.

I, Liz Stephens, pledge to be a better college student starting May 7th, 2015 (because that's when I go to Spain), taking a break between when my paper is due and when I go back to school in August 2015.  I pledge to be a better college students in the following ways:

* I pledge to always have homework and reading done on time or before.
* I pledge to study at least 30 mins a day for each class.
* I pledge adopt better study habits, including how I study and when I study.
* I pledge to ask for help when I need it, and not when it's too late.
* I pledge to have a voice and when I'm working with a group, to voice my concerns as the arise and to do my fair share and even a little more when it's approriate.  I pledge to take leadership when needed and to motivate my fellow teammates to finish projects on time with understanding and kindness, but not letting them take advantage of me.
* I pledge to be mindful of my own emotions and feelings, and not to push them away, but to be in control of them.
* I pledge to take breaks as needed, but not to take excessive amounts of or prolonged breaks.  I pledge to set a timer and to work hard at building my willpower to come back to homework.
* I pledge to aim for high grades and to not settle, even when it seems too difficult or even impossible.
* I pledge to do the very best I can and not give up when it gets hard!

I pledge this day, April 26, 2015, to hold myself responsible for these promises.  I will add pledges as needed but I will not subtract any no matter what.