Exponent Editors Share Their Study Essentials

I am becoming increasingly panicked as my last semester draws to a close. In a last-ditch effort to become the productive student I’ve always wanted to be and finish strong, I asked my fellow editors about their study essentials. After hearing about the habits and items they rely on to get into a productive mindset, I’m ready to take on the last few weeks of the semester. I hope that after reading, you will be too!

Marquart Doty — Opinion Editor

For me, the biggest study essential is positive thinking. During every task, a voice in my head tries to convince me I can’t do anything. So I have to calm that voice. I sit in a quiet corner, take some deep breaths and make a list of what I can realistically complete. I often self-sabotage by cycling between Instagram and Twitter every five minutes and posting every single thought I have, so another essential is putting screen time limits on my phone and blocking all distracting websites on my computer.

Amanda Fulton — Editor-in-Chief

A few study essentials for me are a cup of tea, a snack and a cozy place to sit. Often, however, I find even when I have all of my study essentials with me, a new problem soon arises: the urge to open a new tab and do something else. This can be a deep and evil valley of fragmented attention and reduced productivity. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a way around that part yet beyond sheer desperation and despair once deadlines creep closer, so I invite anyone more able to focus to email me tips.

Molly Houser — Culture Editor

A study essential for me is recognizing that I will not be productive in places that my brain does not associate with school, like my room or kitchen table. I have 100 percent tried in the past to set up a cozy area in my living spaces, but I have very rarely been able to truly lock in. When it comes time for me to study or complete an essay, I head over to the library, a coffee shop or my desk in the Exponent office. When my brain associates an area with productivity, I am more likely to actually be productive.

Will Malizia — Sports and Outdoors Editor

I don’t have study essentials. I simply lock in. If you keep waiting for the perfect moment to be productive, it will elude you like a dream fading at sunrise — like footprints to a rising tide. It isn’t about feeling motivated. It is about having the granite resolve to move forward despite your pain, boredom or disinterest. Motivation is temporary, but discipline lasts forever.

Olivia Hamill — Graphic Designer

My study essentials are my planner, caffeine and headphones. I love making lists and find that when I write my projects down and set a schedule, they are easier for me to manage and finish. I ingest an unhealthy amount of caffeine and will always have my headphones on as I listen to music.

Gus Yeager — Managing Editor

Background noise is key. I throw on a movie and will listen and occasionally watch a scene or two. Having this stimulus really… helps… wait, no way, I totally forgot that dude died in this scene, that’s wild… that’s kind of a cool shot… what was I doing again? Eh, who cares, I’m watching “Interstellar,” whatever this was can wait.

Connor McLean — News Editor

I need my huge noise-cancelling headphones. With my beastly headphones, I can tune out any of my roommates or coworkers desperate to disrupt my train of thought. When I put them on and start blaring house music, you know I’m getting my work done. My other core need for studying is water. I drink lots of water so I can get lots of study breaks.

Lela Haslup — Graphic Designer

I often write down a task I've already completed to check it off, which helps me gain momentum. After that, I chase the joy and satisfaction from that initial checkmark until my to-do list is empty — but nothing will ever compare to that first check.

Kelly Hammaren — Photo Director

Since my junior year of high school, I have had two study essentials: calming wave music, and Haribo gummy bears. The gummy bears serve as my effective reward system. Crashing waves help me stay focused and relaxed and reminds me of home.

Whether you’re fueled by caffeine, discipline, gummy bears or “Interstellar,” take comfort in knowing that we’re all figuring it out together. Let’s finish strong — or at least finish.