By Raquel Diaz/reporter

For students like Ibrahim Ghali, the struggle of getting to school and finding time to study is a constant hassle.

“I think mostly everybody’s major interference with school is work,” said Ghali, a SE student. “I work 9-7, and it’s hard to squeeze in studying on top of raising my son by myself.”

An average TCC student should study at least two hours a day, according to a survey of 20 professors.

“I don’t study enough, probably only two hours a week,” said SE student Matthew Berger. “I work nights, so I don’t have time after school to study and do homework.”

SE student success center employees agreed that the number one excuse for students not turning in or completing their assignments is work-related.

SE student Sarah Dimas agrees that finding time to study is the hardest part of college.

“I only study five hours a week, and that is way less than I want it to be,” she said.

TCC does offer a variety of aids for all students. With a range of math and science labs, writing centers and tutoring, TCC’s success centers, career centers and advising and counseling centers hold multiple informational workshops and resume help.

Berger said he is committed to his busy and demanding job although it puts pressure on his schoolwork.

“TCC does offer a lot of help, but I am unable to utilize the programs because I work so much,” Berger said.

The SE success center is designed to help students who have a hard time trying to focus and stay on track. Lack of focus establishes a mental block, and students begin to get nervous. 

Dimas advises new students to always plan ahead.

“Take advantage of the labs and prioritize,” she said. “Try to focus on one subject at a time because thinking about everything at once can be overwhelming. Stay positive and always try your best.”

New students and returning students are encouraged to speak with counselors and advisors to help stay on track with their classes.

“It’s easy to get discouraged with school when a million things are going on,” said SE student Marie Flores. “Just never give up. Whenever I get a chance to study, I put my earphones in and clear my mind. Just find something that works for you and stick to it.”

Berger’s advice for new-to-college students with busy work schedules is blowing off friends on the weekend and putting in time to study.

Some students return after being out of school for more than 20 years. Many attend TCC while working three jobs, and numerous single mothers and fathers are breaking backs to stay in school.

Flores said every day is a new day and one day closer to being done with school.

“We all need some encouragement from time to time when we go somewhere new or return to something we are struggling with,” she said.

Ghali said all students face challenges.

“Everybody is fighting something,” he said. “And most of us are sacrificing personal plans to be here — not just the students but also the teachers. I’m just trying to make it.”

Time management is a problem that students need to work on.

“Never wait until the last minute,” Flores said. “Always get it done and out of the way. Pulling an all-nighter is never fun. Just ask around.”