Newsletter Resources

Note to Self: There Really are Only 24 Hours in a Day

(est. 2 min read)

Author: Luisa Benton

I remember very clearly learning facts about time when I was in elementary school: the number of minutes in an hour, hours in a day, and the like. I memorized those facts and could recall them easily. But memorizing facts is one thing, and living your life based on facts is another. When we are children, we don’t need to manage time; it just kind of ‘happens.’

Fast forward to college. It was the first day of my Introduction to Psychology course. Most likely, I had arrived a few minutes late, and, most likely, I was only half listening to Dr. Price because I was running a list in the background of the 428 things I needed to do that day. Dr. Price was going over the usual first-day-of-class things: the syllabus, the assignments we would be graded on. But then, he passed out a piece of paper that would change my life. On the paper was a table with 24 rows and 4 columns labeled ‘Actual, ‘Must Do’, ‘Should Do’, and ‘Unnecessary.’ The rows each had an hour of the day, with either a ‘PM’ or ‘AM’ next to it. We were told to think of a typical day in our lives and start filling out the chart. In the ‘Actual’ column, we were to put things like ‘sleep,’ ‘work’, ‘attend class’, ‘study.’ I started filling out my chart. For some hours I put ‘sleep.’ Then I marked out some hours for work, for being in class, for studying. I began to notice that my ‘Actual’ column was not at all actual. I had run out of hours but not things I ‘needed’ to do! And I couldn’t associate specific hours of the day with certain activities, outside of attending class and working, which involved places I had to be at certain times. Sometimes I went to bed at 1 AM, or even 2 AM, if I had assignments due. Sometimes I would get so exhausted trying to study or do an assignment, I would go to bed and set my alarm for 4 or 5 AM and then try to get up to finish my work before class. All too often, I would oversleep and then wake up in a panic, realizing there was no way I could finish my work in time for class. I just stared at the page, trying to figure out where to put things. It was impossible. My days were random, scattered, rushed. Outside of mandatory things like working and being in class, my days were like a Jackson Pollock painting: splashes of things all over the place, chaotic and jumbled.

I returned my attention to Dr. Price. He was advising us on how to fill out the ‘Must Do’, ‘Should Do’ columns. He talked about how much sleep we needed, how often we should eat, and what we should eat (soda and a protein bar for breakfast? Not the best). He talked about the importance of ‘down’ time and ‘breathing room.’ He said the things I had thought there was no way I had time for, like the right amount of sleep and healthy food, would actually make my time more efficient. I was usually so exhausted that my time spent in class and studying was almost useless. I could not remember much, and I was always distracted thinking about all the things I needed to do before crashing into my bed at whatever time that could happen.

While it wasn’t easy, and it definitely took some time, I memorized some new facts, reminded myself of some I already knew but had been ignoring, and started living by them. My new planner (get a planner and use it every day!) became my best friend. So, here are some facts that helped me make some life hacks, little changes with big results:

There really are only 24 hours in a day, and some of them need to be spent sleeping, eating well, and, metaphorically (or literally!) smelling the roses.

I can’t be productive or present if I’m exhausted and hungry.

I’m not and don’t need to be Superwoman.

I can’t squeeze 36 hours’ worth of stuff into a 24-hour day, period.

On Grit

(est. 2 min read)

Author: AP Graduate Kali Bailey

I remember when I started this journey back in the fall of 2019. I felt nervous, anxious but determined. I had made the decision that I was finally going to finish my bachelor’s degree. Jay was my success coach and was a great resource, keeping in contact with me every step of the way. After one of our calls, he sent me a follow-up email which included an inspirational quote that touched me: "Grit is that 'extra something' that separates the most successful people from the rest. It's the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel in order to stick with our dreams until they become a reality." Travis Bradberry

I found it so valuable that I made a note of it and placed it near my computer for future encouragement. When I was working through my modules, reading multiple chapters; I would glance at the quote on the wall as motivation to get this done. With three very active kids, and a full work schedule, I would need a ton of grit to earn my degree.

Grit allowed me to be intentional with my degree. I wanted to feel good about what I was doing, because doing it just to do it wouldn’t be enough. Being passionate about my goal helped fuel my stamina and perseverance.

I would like to note that this journey was not smooth by any means. I was beyond exhausted, and there were times I wondered if I could even reach the finish line. Times when I would fall asleep while reading on my laptop, and times when I would wake up early and work on assignments while the kids were still asleep. I would bring my books back and forth to work to get a few pages read during my break time. I even downloaded the digital book apps on my phone so I could read on the go. I would cram so much schoolwork in my downtime that I could not think anymore, literally. Or the few times I had no choice but to churn out final projects within two days. While I succeeded, completing this in two days isn’t ideal. Consistent daily work is a more effective way to reach educational goals.

One of the most important lessons I learned on my journey was knowing when I needed to take a break. Afterall, I wasn’t completing my degree in a traditional manner. I wasn’t a young adult with no additional responsibilities. Taking a little time off when it was needed helped me persevere to the end. The goal was to finish my degree; it would have been pointless if I burnt myself out. This was a long journey, not a fast sprint to the end. When I took small breaks from school, I took the time to take care of myself. I likely would not have finished if I didn't take a moment to breathe. A break is based on what an individual needs. It can be a couple of days, it might be a whole semester! Just don’t give up! Taking a break is better than completely stopping.

Looking back on the challenges and the sleepless nights, I appreciate how hard it was. Now that I am finished, I can look back on what I overcame to get what I wanted. It took grit to get me to the finish line. I am a much stronger and more confident person today than I was yesterday.

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Join Peter Marshall and John Masla-Jablon as they kick off their podcast, "Learning is Living". They dive into their college experiences, emphasizing the importance of dedicated study spaces and balancing social life with academics.

GRIT Award Winner: Rachel G.

The GRIT Award honors a student who has persevered through significant obstacles, while maintaining a strong commitment to education and exemplifying strength, adaptability, and continuous pursuit of academic and personal growth.

From Rachel: "During the most trying time of my life, when everything around me seemed to be spiraling out of control, I found an outlet in school. My divorce, a painful child custody battle, and the immense financial hardship of legal fees left me feeling adrift. Amidst the chaos, I found solace and purpose by throwing myself into the one thing I could control: my grades and advancing my future. Pearson Accelerated Pathways became the lifeline I didn't know I needed. My success coach was a beacon of guidance, patiently listening to my concerns without judgment and helping me navigate the daunting task of continuing my education. They met me exactly where I was, showing me that moving forward was possible if I took my classwork one small bite at a time. This simple, yet powerful, approach transformed my perspective. My grades became a testament to my resilience, a tangible symbol of my ability to overcome adversity. Thanks to the support and tailored pathway from my coach and Pearson Accelerated Pathways, I have been able to build a brighter future for myself and my daughter, even when it felt like everything was falling apart.”

Accelerated Pathways Leaderboard

The leaderboard is a place to celebrate learners who have successfully completed the highest number of courses in a quarter. This newsletter will celebrate the winners from Q2 2025.

Don’t see yourself on there but want to? See how you compare to the leaders and then make a plan on how you plan to get on that leaderboard! Why not you!

Tran

10 Courses

Congratulations to my student, Tran, on completing 10 classes in the first half of this year! Your dedication, perseverance, and consistent hard work are truly inspiring. It’s been a privilege to support you on this journey, and I’m excited to see what you accomplish next as you look to take on even more classes before the end of the year!

Ana

5 Courses

Despite having a busy schedule, Ana has managed her courses exceptionally well and now has only one class remaining. That's fantastic progress! Ana mentioned that the key to her success has been her ability to balance her time effectively. Her dedication and time management skills truly set her apart and demonstrate her commitment to her academic goals. Congratulations, Ana, on your impressive achievements!

Donnovin

5 Courses

Donnovin successfully completed all eight courses in his degree plan within just five months. This is a remarkable achievement for anyone. What makes this even more impressive is that he accomplished it while working a physically demanding, full-time job. Donnovin exemplifies the determination and resilience of adult learners who refuse to let obstacles stand in the way of their goals

Humair

5 Courses

Humair has done a fantastic job of maintaining consistent communication with me to stick to her goals and complete her classes successfully. She is always scheduling a call with me as soon as she finishes a class in order to keep the momentum going. She stays highly motivated to keep moving through her courses no matter what.