29.01.2025 – The workload during the semester can feel like a lot, especially at a place like Harvard where expectations are high. With so many to-dos, knowing where to focus your energy and time on makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve found simple strategies, which made my load a little lighter and helped me spend my time more effectively. As readings took up so much time of my schedule last semester, I’ll dive right in with strategies that helped me to stay on top of them in a manageable time frame.
Also, I enjoyed the last week of holidays with skiing, dinners with friends, and baked goods, before diving back into classes this Monday.
- Assess the Level of Attention Each Reading Requires.
In some classes it might be sufficient to quickly skim through the readings, to focus on selected parts, like the beginning and the conclusion, or to listen to the readings. Other times, I had to engage with the material deeper. Evaluating the effort you need to put in, will help you allocate more time to other areas. - Listen to your readings on the go
This was definitely a game changer for me! I used the app Speechify to convert my readings into audio content, which I listened to throughout my day, while commuting to Harvard Medical School, while running or while getting groceries. For complex topics I started with reading a brief summary using AI platforms like perplexity.ai or notebook.LM, which allowed me to follow the audio better.
- Identify Readings Needed for Assignments
At the beginning of the semester, I made the mistake of listening to or skimming through readings that turned out to be essential for essays and assignments. This resulted in double the work. To avoid this, I now try to do myself a favor by planning ahead and reading those sections in more depth from the beginning. - Track The Time You Need to Read.
Knowing how much time you spend on the readings for each class, is extremely helpful! I tracked my reading time and identified patterns, which helped me to plan my schedule more realistically. - Be Kind to Yourself!
Don’t worry if it takes you a long time in the beginning! During the first weeks, I was completely overwhelmed by how much time I needed to read. Trust me; reading quickly is a skill that will improve. After some weeks you will ultimately get quicker! It helps me to make my reading sessions more enjoyable by getting cozy, zipping on a cup of tea, and reminding myself of the privilege I have to take time and read about what I am interested in. This shift in my mindset from a “must do” into a “privilege to do” makes a huge difference.
As I am writing about readings, the new semester and the readings have just started again, and I am excited to dive into my classes again. Here’s a little glimpse into my past week.
Weekly High, Low, Buffalo’s
High: This week I was finally on skis again! The best part? Warming up in front of a fireplace with friends and a comforting Matcha Latte! I also had the pleasure of staying at my friend Ayesha’s family home, where I got to enjoy quality time over delicious homemade dinners, evening games, and the company of an adorable dog I was surprisingly not too allergic to. Another highlight was baking a gluten-free version of Chinese dumplings. With weekly cold plunges, Sundays have become the glorious end to my week. Tea and the incredibly kind community of cold-water enthusiasts here quickly warmed me up after the plunge into 0°C (32°F) water.
Low: While I look forward to some of the spring classes, the bittersweet reality hit me: This is my last semester here at Harvard.
Buffalo: Turns out, I can tolerate some types of dogs, which feels like a small miracle. Also, skiing areas here are a little bit of a buffalo to me. I have never seen a ski lift without footrests or safety bars before.
Lessons Learned: The beginning of a new semester means a lot of organizing to get into desired electives,… This previous week reminded me again that with persistence and patience, we can achieve a lot!
Have a great week!
Liebe Grüße aus Boston
Sophie
Is there anything you want to know about me, my classes, or my overall experience? Feel free to leave a comment or reach out!