<ne of those people. You know, the people who sit for endless hours in the evenings in Upper Sayles while attempting to do homework. I haven’t exactly pinpointed why I do it, but I’ve done this almost every day throughout my Carleton existence.
Considering that Sayles is, well, Sayles, it is no secret that the constant distractions there on weeknights make it less than ideal for serious studying. However, through my impressive amount of experience as a Sayles Dweller, I have compiled some tips for academic success amongst such mayhem.
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any changes in your grades upon your reading this article.
1. Sit at one of the real desks. I know those couches are super soft, but there is a 9 out of 10 chance that zero productivity will happen on them. Even the cushioned chairs with the little desks attached are a dangerous option. Sit in one of the actual seats with the full desks and you are ready to go.
2. Avoid people. This may seem bizarre for me to say, since this is all taking place in arguably the most social place on campus. But non-academic socializing (other than brief interactions) on your busy nights is a slippery slope, a slope that I have gone down far too many times. Thus, only sit with friends if you’re actually working together, like as partners on a project. Furthermore, avoid the area around the pool tables, as the noise is elevated there and you’re guaranteed to get distracted.
3. Listen to music. Or don’t listen to music, whichever works for you. Do I really need to explain this one?
4. Find a way to incorporate the scenes of Sayles into your academic work. If you’re a studio art major, sketch that kid trying to stretch the cheese within his quesadilla a foot apart. If you’re a SOAN major, observe the buying interactions in Sayles Café in relation to Marxism. If you’re a chemistry major, combine all the drinks in the soda machine and then test the properties. This tip combines your work and your environment. What could be better than that?
5. Accept that you’re in Sayles and that no matter what else I say, you will not get anything done there.