The Scope
Driving up to Elkins Park from my Fishtown apartment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. This commute combined with an 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. day of classes used to make me feel like I wasted so much time getting frustrated at Philly traffic when I could’ve been doing just about anything else.
These days, I see my commute in a more positive light, and think of it not as wasted time (unless I’m hitting every red light there is on Broad Street), but as extra time to unwind, review recorded lectures, or learn something new. So, whether you have a longer drive like me or are living nearby in Elkins Park, here are some ways to maximize your commute to school.
Listen to podcasts and lectures
On days when I want to be proactive and productive, I’ll turn my notes into podcasts, or listen to a short lecture for some review.
NotebookLM has been my favorite tool because it only takes from the notes that I upload to break down concepts into a conversation between two people. This has helped me review for exams, prepare for labs and preview upcoming material.
You can also find plenty of educational podcasts online. Ninja Nerd and Crash Course are two easy options if you want to learn or review without staring at a screen.
Talk through clinical skills proficiency scripts out loud
Talking through my proficiency procedure during my commute has helped me immensely in memorizing what I need to say and do for each skill.
I’ll talk through the entire sequence: the purpose of the test, patient instructions, and procedure down to the lighting and timing. If I hesitate or forget something during this process, I know I need to review it again.
So if you ever see me practicing confrontation fields at a red light or talking to myself at the Dunkin’ drive thru, just pretend you didn’t…
Call someone to catch up or talk
Usually, my “productive” commuting is in the morning, and since the last thing I want to do after school is use my brain, I’ll use that time to call my boyfriend or friends from back home to catch up and rant about our days.
Listen (and maybe jam out) to some music
I tend to get bored really easily, so on days where I’m dreading the long drive, I’ll admittedly turn on my favorite sing-along songs (Glee covers, anyone?) to pass the time. Other times I’ll be normal and listen in silence too.
Audiobooks
If you need book recommendations, my recent favorites have been:
In the end, it’s important to remember that your commute time can be used in so many different ways, and it’s up to you how you want to spend it. As always, make sure you’re staying safe and aware on your way to school, and I hope these tips are useful for your next commute!
- Naomi is a first-year Accelerated Scholars Optometry student
