AN IPAD

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

I cannot overstate the importance of an iPad for graduate school. I use mine with an Apple Pencil Pro to take notes, annotate course readings, scan documents for digital submission, and more. The versatility of the iPad is unmatched.

As a student during my K-12 years, I never took a vested interest in learning, only doing the minimum to get by. However, studying my interest in communication has allowed me to experience the fun that learning has to offer.

Over the past several years, I have grown as a scholar in the field. I first earned my bachelor's degree, and in just a couple of months, I will earn my master's degree and begin a doctoral program. This experience has been nothing short of amazing.

But if there is one thing I have learned about academic success, it is that you have to find a rhythm that works for you. No two students are the same, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

Some thrive with handwritten notebooks and physical planners, while others prefer digital organization. For me, having everything, including my notes, calendar, books, and assignments, all in one place has been a game-changer.

My iPad serves as my academic command center. It keeps me organized, ensures I never misplace essential documents and makes studying more efficient. Instead of juggling multiple notebooks or flipping through stacks of papers, I can seamlessly switch between lecture notes, readings, and schedules with just a few taps.

Graduate school is demanding, but finding the right tools and habits can make all the difference. Whether you use an iPad, a traditional notebook, or a combination of both, the key is to discover what helps you stay engaged and on track.

For me, the journey from a disengaged student to an eager scholar has been about more than just earning degrees; it has been about discovering how I learn best. And that, more than anything, is what makes all the difference.

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