Drawing by Nicole Grady
Ariel Weinstein/Staff Writer
If you look on the internet for ways to focus more during homework or studying, you will find endless tips and suggestions.
I learned to focus by growing up in a house full of noise. A brother who plays the drums, two siblings who bounce a ball loudly around the house, another sister who sings and two older brothers who always have some story to tell me in the middle of my work.
Add onto the craziness three dogs, my mom telling me to pick up my laundry and my dad reminding me for the millionth time to backup my computer. That is my typical study space.
Although it may sound as though there is no hope for good grades in that environment, being forced to work in a setting like this helped me learn to focus.
Don’t get me wrong, it took me years to master the skill of blocking out bouncing balls, banging drums, high pitch singing, barking and parental interruptions, but I can honestly say I came to college with one of the most valuable skills one can posses – the ability to work in any setting.
I feel that if a student can learn to block out noise and chaos, they will not only have a skill to focus more on homework, but they can carry this skill to other aspects of their life.
People study using different tactics. Everyone needs to find what works for them then they need to stick to it. Only then will they be able to accomplish everything they want and more.
I am in no way saying to go write your history paper or take your online final exam at a club or sporting event, but maybe do some reading in the dining hall or outside in the lounge of your dorm where people are talking. Get used to noise.
I know quiet and isolation helps us focus because there are little to no distractions, but I honestly feel that if a student slowly puts himself into a slightly noisy setting, their brains will have no choice but to focus more.
Little by little, you will have the ability to do homework, study or read pretty much anywhere. I feel this is so important because it trains you for a work setting.
At an office there will be people walking past you, phones ringing, nonstop talking and you will find yourself in the midst of chaos. Focusing on your work may become painfully frustrating because you cannot handle any noise as you try to work.
However, if you train your mind to block out noise starting now, you will eventually have the ability to do anything you set your mind to in any setting.
Maybe you don’t have the luxury of being completely overwhelmed by siblings, parents or pets, but I am sure you will be just fine going outside. Master the art of focusing anywhere and everywhere.
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