Being busy is probably the one quality that all college students have in common. Whether it is classes and labs taking up a student’s time, or a particularly strenuous part-time job, it is no secret that college students have their hands full.
However, that busyness does not always mean getting things done. Often, busyness includes hanging out with different groups of friends, attending lectures or watching 30-minute YouTube tutorials. But does this busyness count as productivity?
Productivity is mostly academic based. If a student isn’t completing assignments, but they are busy at work, they are not being productive. That mostly comes down to what college students are typically aiming for. Why would a student spend so much money on tuition school isn’t going to be prioritized? So, in that sense, anything that takes up a student’s time that is not school-related falls under the category of being unproductive. An entire article could be written about the specific ethics and reasoning behind being busy, but that would be considered unproductive. Nevertheless, school isn’t everything. Just because someone is getting their labs done doesn’t mean that they are living a fulfilled life. Being self-fulfilled is just as important as doing well in school.
For example, a test was recently finished a few days late. Luckily, the professor was understanding, and only a few points off for lateness. Was last week busy? Of course! But was it productive? Absolutely not. A lot of my time has been taken up by work and classes, but a lot of time was wasted. Spent way too much time watching TV then doing any of my assignments, and obviously, the test. This busyness of being surrounded by work and wanting to watch TV consumed my need to be productive. Despite not getting anything done, there was little regret. I was watching a show I really like! I was having a good time.
This is important to take this into account when balancing life with school. Being productive is always important, but don’t be worried about taking a break and just be busy. No one will judge you for having the ability to stop studying or assignments and fill your day with playing video games. Being busy is just as important as being productive, if you think they are one in the same or the opposite. Having the balance and the skills to be productive and busy is not something many people have, but it’s important to develop.
Tilly Magness can be react at [email protected]
