As we move toward the celebration of Independence Day in the United States, it provides a moment to reflect on the accountability that comes with independence. Students who will be starting college this fall are in the midst of the summer liminal space between the structure of high school and the increased freedom of college. Many of them may be excited about becoming more independent and making more of their own decisions about how they spend their time. 

The flip side of the enticement of freedom is that it increases accountability. When freshmen experience academic struggles in their first semester, it is often directly related to the fact that the "free time" they thought they had was not as "free" as it seemed. Instead, the more accurate statement is that the student is "free" to decide how to parcel out their responsibilities within that time.

Coaches meeting with transitioning students, or freshmen early in the semester, can ask questions that illuminate the accountability that comes with the increased independence of college. 

• Look at your schedule and see the times when you are physically or virtually in class. Other than sleep and mealtimes, how many hours of "free" time do you have a week?

• What are your responsibilities each week with coursework, work, and anything else you value such as working out or spending time with friends or family?

• For any course, if you multiply the credit hours times 2, that equals how many study hours you may want to spend on that course outside of class. Thinking about this rule of thumb, how might you map out a regular study schedule for your upcoming coursework? 

• Who do you want to be as a college student? 

• What does taking accountability for your time mean to you?

Inviting students to identify their responsibilities and locate them in time is inviting them to grow and learn. We invite you to grow and learn with LifeBound as well.

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