[Herald Challenge] Using the Gap Time Between Classes Effectively with the DKH Reporters

   At Dankook University (DKU), how do Dankookians (Students of Dankook University) spend their time during the gap periods between classes? Beyond attending classes taught by professors, Dankookians can engage in various activities and exchanges during the gaps between classes. However, for Korean students, this free period between classes is a novel experience, as they have been accustomed to continuous class schedules from their previous schooling. So, let's explore how reporters from the Dankook Herald (DKH) utilized the gap periods during the past five days.

▲ Reporter Yoon was studying her majority at the cafe placed near DKU (Photo from DKH)

   Reporter Yoon recognized that her usual routine of watching YouTube videos during breaks was not productive. To improve, she spent the past five days utilizing these gaps for focused studying. This involved reviewing class material and memorizing vocabulary in cafes on both campuses. In Jukjeon Campus, Reporter Yoon studied at ‘Beautiful Coffee’ in Business and Economics Hall, as well as at ‘Rehoboth’ in the Graduate Schools Building. At Cheonan Campus, she studied at ‘BluePot’ in Humanities Hall and ‘DCafe’ in Yulgok Memorial Library. While these cafes lacked complete silence due to conversations, they offered spacious seating and no time restrictions, making them suitable for short study sessions. Reporter Yoon acknowledged the challenge of maintaining focus within a limited time and suggested that Dankookians seeking to utilize breaks for studying might find success with activities like memorization and review, which are well-suited for shorter intervals.

▲ One of the Books That Reporter Lee Read during the Last Five Days (Photo from DKH)

   Reporter Lee recognized that her breaks were often spent taking naps or scrolling through social media. Inspired by the proverb 'Many a little makes a mickle,' she dedicated the past five days to exploring how she could utilize these gaps productively. Gathering approximately 10 hours of gap time, she managed to read two novels and make progress on playing the guitar melody. To stay motivated during post-lunch drowsiness, she found it helpful to choose books she was genuinely interested in. 

▲ Reporter Lee was practicing to play the guitar. (Photo from DKU)

If the library lacks a specific book, Dankookians can request material purchases through the online service. For guitar practice, she suggested following tutorials on YouTube and lowering the speed to 0.5x or asking for help from other club members. Club rooms are usually more crowded between classes, so those who prefer practicing alone may want to stop by early in the morning or late evening.

▲ Reporter Jeong was walking DKU’s sports ground after lunch. (Photo from DKH)

   Reporter Jeong noticed an increase in sedentary time after the start of the semester. To maintain consistent physical activity, he decided to utilize the gap time between classes for workouts over the past five days. When the gap time was not that long, he took short walks, and when he could afford it, he used outside facilities to do boxing or weight training. 

▲ Reporter Jeong was boxing at the boxing gym near DKU. (Photo from DKH)

After five days of consistent exercise, he found that incorporating physical activity during these intervals was manageable, but excessive workouts left him fatigued and affected his class performance. Instead, he recommended light walks or stair climbing within DKU’s campus as a better way to refresh and clear the mind. He also mentioned that taking a light walk for about 30 minutes after a meal might help with weight loss, and digestion, and enhance focus during classes. For Dankookians feeling tired at the beginning of a new semester, integrating light exercise into their off-lecture time can lead to a healthier lifestyle.

   As demonstrated by the DKH reporters' experiments over the past five days, strategically using these short breaks for specific goals can bring significant productivity. Despite the inherent challenge of shifting focus during class gaps, Dankookians can undoubtedly enhance their use of break time by adopting the activities recommended by the DKH reporters.