As we near the end of the semester, student and staff burnout is running rampant. What we all could use now are some tips on how to stay strong and power through to the end. Palomar’s community offered plenty of advice for staying motivated — from study tips to self-care reminders. Besides, everyone could always use some advice.
(Griselda Garcia)
Liberating Librarians
Palomar students come to the library for books and knowledge, whether it is checking one out from the shelf or talking to a librarian. Trust a librarian to ease your research stress; their knowledge of inner library workings and niche materials can help any student vanquish the end-of-semester scramble.
“I think organization is the biggest thing you need to work on, especially if you are doing research projects,” Adjunct Librarian Naomi Cano said. “You are writing big papers, so it is easy to get lost in the sauce.”
As keeper of the books and research guides, Cano’s advice to students was to combat those large, looming assignments with a consistent method of note-taking.
Fix-it Financial Aid
From solving money and financial aid problems to being a go-to campus guide, the financial aid desk has got you covered. Their specialists are familiar with all the ins and outs of getting through the financial aid maze.
“If you are a financial aid student, or are worried about enrollment, or are struggling with a class, always come in and check in with us about what your options are,” said Angie Martinez-Heffner, an enrollment services and financial aid specialist.
Martinez-Heffner recommended routine check-ups on financial aid and encouraged visiting SCC-1 at the San Marcos Campus if you have any questions.
Transfer Triumphs
What comes after college? More college! The Transfer Center is a useful resource for students looking to advance their education and achieve career success. It also hires student workers, providing them with work experience to earn money while they study.
“If you know the subject and paid attention, you know it — and if you don’t, you don’t,” said Antwone Montanez, a sophomore and student administrative assistant at the Transfer Center, stressing the importance of taking classes “day by day.”
As a student himself, Montanez’s advice was to make full use of the center to get a personalized education plan and for college application help. He recommended joining the Transfer Center’s Canvas page. Lastly, he said don’t stress about the pile-up of class work.
(Photo Courtesy of Anthony Beteta)
Valiant Veterans Services
The Veterans Resource Center is a study spot, support hub and community for military and military-affiliated students. Their specialists know just how to help students turn big goals into manageable steps, without
the burnout.
For the long journey to academic success, Veterans Services Specialist Anthony Beteta advised students to plan ahead, break assignments into smaller steps, and prioritize what matters each day.
He also recommended studying in a distraction-free space, using active-learning strategies, and taking short, regular breaks to stay sharp.
“Most importantly, take care of yourself, seek support when needed, and celebrate your progress as you finish the semester strong,” Beteta said. “Remember to take short breaks and get enough rest to keep yourself sharp and motivated.”
Strong Student Voices
The Associated Student Government (ASG) is the campus megaphone for students — showing up in councils, committees, and any room where decisions get made. Because ASG leaders are students too, they know the crunch firsthand and their advice lands where it counts.
“Surrounding yourself with people who motivate you and support you makes a big difference in finishing the year strong,” ASG President Yaretzi Hernandez said. “The people who surround you are often the ones who keep you grounded and inspired.”
Hernandez also reminded classmates to aim for consistency over perfection, keep tasks organized, and add a quick affirmation or to-do list to keep momentum going.