[PHOTOSTORY 2: ADITL] A Day in The Life of an Economics Major

Kelsey Barwick arrives at the Henderson Library to meet her classmate, Laura Iscoa, to study for their economics midterm. "We've got a lot to cover and our week is super packed," said Barwick as she began to take notes.

As she confusingly begins to study, Barwick seems confused at her professor's powerpoint. She eventually started to understand the material and started jotting down formulas.

She says that her favorite way to take notes in class is on her iPad with her Apple Pencil. Then, to help her memorize, she wanted to create a study guide in her physical notebook.

Barwick's midterm is for her econometrics class with Professor Schiman. She says that it helps her to write her notes on his powerpoint to better understand the definitions.

"Without Laura, I literally would never get through my coursework. We both need each other to survive our Econ classes," said Barwick as she continues to study. Iscoa smiled as she was flattered by her statement.

Iscoa struggles with one of her problems, and Barwick quickly strives to help her and explain the mathematics behind it. Iscoa seemed confused but she was determined to understand the problem.

Barwick says that many students in the College of Business come to the library to study. "It's an all-time-favorite study spot, for sure," she said. "I guess it's just the easiest place to take notes in because it's so quiet and it's always fun to see recognizable faces."

Barwick and Iscoa share notes to compare and contrast their answers to the study guide. Iscoa said that she learns more when she discusses the material one-on-one.

The material she is seen here covering is profit maximization and supply curves. Her notes explained the graph and the formulas within it.

As she continues to create a study guide, Barwick discusses what her days are like during her free time. "I usually go hit my apartment gym," she said. "Or sometimes I like to play video games with my roommates, depends how I'm feeling."

"But most days I'm usually pretty busy," Barwick said. "I'm either stuck in class or stuck in the library for hours and hours on end."

Iscoa multitasks as she continues to look at material and listen to Barwick talk about her days. The two enjoyed discussing their personal lives as they studied together.

The girls take a pause from conversation to focus and avoid distraction. "We both have ADHD and we're medicated so we're super locked in today. It's an essential for me to be on my meds during my days at the library." said Barwick.

Iscoa helps Barwick with a question as she explains a formula to her. Barwick reached for the other end of the iPad so that she could see closely what Iscoa was talking about.

Repeating definitions out loud is what seems to help Barwick memorize information the best. She kept repeating them to Iscoa in hopes that it would help her retain information too.

"I used to be undecided, but then I took an Econ class as an elective a career in that was calling my name," Barwick said excitingly. "I'm not sure why but the logical side of it all just really intrigues me."

Barwick continues to talk about how she doesn't know exactly what she wants to do with her degree, but she hopes to get a job right after graduation. She also said that no matter what job she may end up in, she'll be satisfied because economics is fun for her.

Since sunset was approaching, the study pair began to wrap up their time in the library. They wrote down any last notes into their study guides before leaving Henderson Library.

Barwick and Iscoa finally leave the library after a long day of studying. The pair proceeded to walk towards the parking lot.

They shared one last laugh before parting ways. Their test is on Thursday at 10:10 a.m. and they are hopeful to pass this exam.