As a sophomore, I thought I had outsmarted the system by picking afternoon classes so I could sleep in. No more turning off eight alarms. No more zombie-walking to my 8 a.m. and wondering what the assignment even was. It was a perfect plan; I would be able to wake up late, have downtime and make it to my 2 p.m. class with time to spare.
If it wasn’t apparent by the title of this, it didn’t work. Sitting around all morning gave me time to calculate numerous reasons why I was not going to class. After the first couple of weeks, my “I should probably go” turned into excuses like “I could nap…I’ll get ready later…I could probably just look online.” By the time the clock struck 12, my motivation had disappeared faster than socks in a college laundry room.
That was when I realized the tall tale of why college students hate afternoon classes. I vowed never to fall into this trap again.
The real problem with afternoon classes is simply momentum. Classes in the morning, even the ones we all hate, like 8 a.m.’s, get us up and moving. Once we wake up, get ready and head to class, the day begins. Afternoon classes have a different effect. Anxieties about class often keep our relaxation away, but being productive isn’t an option without using too much energy. It’s like an endless loop.
To help avoid this catastrophe called “afternoon classes,” UNK offers plenty of alternative class times. If a 9 a.m. is offered, it’s absolutely worth it. Sure, it may be hard to wake up on time for these classes, but there’s a slight feeling of pride once class is over and others are still waking up. Suddenly, time is abundant in the day for work, hobbies, homework or even a nap. Morning classes help trick us into thinking we’re being productive, even if it is just an illusion.
The unfortunate side of things is that some majors don’t give different time options, but instead, offer only awkward class times. In those cases, it is of high importance to treat the class as a job. Get up early, do something productive like a workout and energize with a strong coffee to make it through alive.
But, if given the choice, do not fall for the trap of thinking “I will get to sleep in.” At first glance, afternoon classes may look like a gift wrapped in bows, but as the paper is slowly peeled away, the self-punishment inside is exposed.
So, instead, show the day who is boss by waking up and attending that 9 a.m. Then, when 2 p.m. rolls around later in the day, first, thank me for being a lifesaver. Secondly, enjoy a guilt-free nap because classes have been conquered. That’s the real victory.
