It can be so ridiculously hard to get anything done when you’ve got people talking around you (or worse, to you, since then you have to engage), foot traffic going past at all times, things going on outside that keep on distracting you, and way too many assignments that you can’t figure out how to prioritize. A good study environment would solve all those problems, right? Unfortunately, it can be ridiculously hard to find one of those, too.
As a new-to-Parker freshman, it’s been super hard to figure out what works for me to study and do work as I get into the swing of high school, especially in an unfamiliar place. I tried the library, but I have to say, I couldn’t get anything done. Maybe it’s because I’ve got a free period with two of my friends and we spend more time talking than working, or maybe it’s because Lower School is sometimes in there too, but I feel like there’s just too much going on in there to effectively study. I’ve even tried sitting in multiple places around the library to see if any were better, but that hasn’t worked either. The study rooms are a breeding ground for off-topic conversations, the sofas and the tables make it too easy to get distracted by what’s going on outside, and both are too loud with a lot of people in there to concentrate.
Besides the library, I’ve tried working at the tables facing the main gym, but when I’m there, I’m too tempted to look at the P.E. class going on in there when the material gets too boring. Distractions like these are a pain to everyone; they can cause a student to focus on things other than the task at hand. If I’m being honest, a good chunk of my work ends up being done at home.
However, the third-floor Catboxes have been a game-changer. There are usually fewer people walking past, especially during free periods when most students are in class. Without the constant noise of people in the area, it’s a lot easier to focus on what I’m working on. Also, there are fewer students sitting in that area in general, and those who are tend to be a lot quieter as they’re studying as well. When I do my assignments and homework there, I get more done, giving me more free time at home.
Not too long ago, I remember having thirty minutes in between my last class before rehearsal, and I settled down there to have a snack and review my script. Since most people had already left for the day, it was quiet enough that I was able to re-energize, eat, and get myself collected for the day.
The only downside to studying at the third-floor Catboxes is that it can (understandably) get loud during lunch because of how many people like to eat there, but if you don’t mind a little bit more noise for a brief thirty minutes, this could be the spot for you.
