Preparing for college admissions is no small feat, and navigating the maze of academics, extracurriculars, and personal time can be a real challenge. In this article, Teen Coach Desiree Panlilio gives us insight into practical strategies for effective routines and realistic goal-setting.
Balancing Academics, Extracurriculars, and Personal Time:
Desiree gives us her insight into how balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal time is crucial when it comes to college preparation and how she helps her students. “My approach involves starting with effective time management. As adults, we often overlook the fact that time management is a skill that requires cultivation over years of experience. To instill this skill in teens, I encourage them to initiate the process by documenting their daily routines. The first step is for them to create a comprehensive outline of their typical day, including school hours and any extracurricular commitments. Within this framework, it's essential to identify blocks of time designated for specific activities, such as study periods during the school day.” The critical point of Desiree’s process comes when she analyzes if the student’s schedule is optimized for productivity. As she mentions, it can be easy for distractions like social media to take over study time. She works to help foster awareness of how time is currently being spent and identify opportunities to enhance productivity. “This serves as the foundation for fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over one's time, empowering the teen to make informed decisions about priorities. In doing so, we aim to strike a balance that optimizes academic performance, supports extracurricular pursuits, and allows for meaningful personal time. FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOBLO (fear of being left out) are real and have to be part of the discussion with teens.”
Strategies for Effective Routines and Time Management:
Having an effective routine can be essential for better time management and ensuring that students are prepared when they begin the college admissions process. Desiree expresses that creating an effective routine for better time management involves personalized strategies that are tailored to each teen's unique personality. One thing she emphasizes using is a comprehensive planner. She has even designed a detailed planner that has the specific purpose of helping teens focus on their goals and master time management.
Another crucial aspect Desiree mentions of honing time management skills is having an accountability partner. “As a teen life coach, I play this role by helping teens navigate deadlines for homework and the college application process, all while still ensuring they make it to Friday night football games. It's about striking the right balance. For a broader perspective, I recommend incorporating a large desk calendar. This allows for a more comprehensive view and can be color-coordinated, adding a personal touch to their organizational approach. While to-do lists are commonly encouraged, I emphasize the importance of taking the next step. It's not just about listing tasks; it's about allocating specific time slots for each item on the list. This targeted approach helps teens avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures a more systematic and successful completion of tasks.”
Common Challenges in Time Management Teens Face:
As students get more involved with future planning, academics, and social activities, it can be harder to find a balance. Desiree addresses these challenges. “One common challenge I've observed among teens in managing their time for academic and personal development revolves around the fundamental concept of time management itself. Teens who grapple with this can find it difficult to complete assignments and meet deadlines effectively. High school teachers may be forgiving but college professors and the workforce are not forgiving when it comes to meeting deadlines and expectations.” One particular challenge Desiree brings up is social media. As she mentions, it can be extremely easy for teens to succumb to the world of technology and social media whether it’s answering messages or being immersed in captivating apps like TikTok and Instagram. “What initially seems like a brief 30-minute break can effortlessly turn into a two-hour detour. To address this, I advocate for removing distracting elements, or as I call them, the "fun" stuff, from their computers. Additionally, placing the phone in a location where it won't be a constant distraction proves beneficial. While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media in fostering connection and entertainment, it's crucial to recognize its potential impact on sleep patterns and timely completion of assignments. Given that college admission deadlines are unforgiving and don't accommodate late submissions or revisions, instilling robust time management skills becomes imperative. This includes a heightened awareness of the time spent on social media and gaming activities.``
This comprehensive approach aims to guide teens in navigating the complexities of academics, extracurriculars, and personal development, ensuring a well-rounded and prepared transition to college. In our next article, we will look deeper into Teen Life Coach Desiree Panlilio’s insights regarding managing stress during the admissions process and the importance of self-care for teens.