Winter Quarter Vibe Report
Written by Kelsey Vickers. Graphic by Avery Melhado.
A new quarter and a new year call for reflection and reevaluation. Some habits simply do not work, and I am determined to make the switch. As they say, nothing changes if nothing changes.
In: Planners
I used planners serially in high school, but since then, I’ve depended on calendars and to-do lists. I don’t know why I ever strayed. A planner holds all my tasks and events in the same space. Honestly, I use all three now, but there’s no such thing as too much organization.
In: Getting Ready for Class
This may seem like a no-brainer, but when I have to choose between ten more minutes of sleep and my outward presentation, I always choose sleep. I rarely wear jeans past week five. Unfortunately for this night owl, when I wake up in time to get ready for the day, I am more alert and engaged.
In: Community
SCAD has introduced me to some ofthe most accepting, welcoming and understanding people in my life. I want to contribute to that culture and be a more active participant in classes, clubs and friendships. Although my social battery protests, I am also putting in an effort to welcome new people in the same way others did for me.
In: SCAD resources
I have become hyperaware of the fact that I only have five quarters left until graduation, and I intend to use every cent of my tuition. I have been hand-sewing since I learned how to for a 3D Design project in 2024. I’ve been experimenting with it since, customizing things I had been ready to get rid of. I’m ready to move on to more advanced work that requires the sturdy stitches of a machine. I also want to start recording and editing videos of my life to help cope with my semi-irrational fear of losing my memory. Thanks, SCAD, for Eckburg and Adobe access!
Out: Procrastination
I don’t just mean homework. I constantly find myself waiting for the perfect mood, the perfect location and the perfect time to start anything. I have unread books I bought three years ago because I “have to read them when it feels like fall.” Everyone knows Savannah feels like fall two weeks out of the year. There is no perfect time; there is only now.
Out: Perfectionism
Perfectionism exacerbates my procrastination. I find myself frozen when beginning an assignment or project out of fear that it will not be perfect. I even did that with this article. Starting is the hardest part, and if not, something is always better than nothing.
Out: Homework past 9 p.m.
At SCAD, all-nighters are more common than math classes. I adapted to the culture, but the truth is, it should not be the norm. When I allow myself to work late at night, it enables me to procrastinate more, and the work I produce is far from my best. My writing is so much better when I’m not wishing I was watching “New Girl” the whole time. Allow time to rest so work doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Out: Rushing
I am ready to erase “chronically late” from my definition of myself. My lateness has conditioned me to feel perpetually rushed. I even feel stressed when I lie in bed. I enjoy life significantly more when I give myself the time to live it.
