Mrs. Sanchez: Hi, sweetie. How’s the studying going? Hector: To tell you the truth, Ma, not very well. Mrs. Sanchez: Really? What’s the problem? Did you miss some of the assignments? Hector: No, Ma. The problem is the noise. There’s so much noise I can’t concentrate. Mrs. Sanchez: Oh, I’m sorry. But you know your father, he thinks he can’t hear. So he turns the volume up all the way! Hector: I know. It’s just hard to concentrate. That’s all. Mrs. Sanchez: OK. We’ll try to keep it down. Victor! Turn that television down. Your son is trying to study. Hector: Hello? Naomi: Is that you, Hector? What’s wrong? Hector: Nothing. It’s just that—I was trying to study! Naomi: Well, excuse me! You must be having a bad day. Hector: Yeah, sort of. I have to study in my kitchen. Naomi: What’s the problem with that? Hector: My parents! They love to watch the TV with the volume turned all the way up. It’s hard to concentrate. Naomi: Sounds like you need a quieter place. Hector: Yeah, you could say that again. Naomi: What about studying at the library? Hector: That’s a great idea. But when? My schedule is crazy. Naomi: So is mine. That’s why it’s even more important to be organized. Hector: How do you do it? Naomi: For one thing, I actually write down a schedule. Hector: You write a schedule showing where and when you’re going to study? Naomi: Yes, I really do. It helps a lot. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, for example, I study at the library from four to six. On Friday mornings, I study here, at home. I follow the same schedule every week, no matter what. Hector: It’s almost like having a job. Naomi: It is like having a job. That’s a good way of putting it. You wouldn’t be late for a job, would you? Hector: Of course not! Naomi: And you wouldn’t skip a day of work, either. Treat your studies in the same way, and your grades will improve. Hector: That’s a great suggestion, thanks. Naomi: Well, now you know what you have to do. So go do it! If you get organized, you’ll feel more productive. Trust me. Hector: I’ll give it a try. What have I got to lose, right? Naomi: Good luck. Tell me how it’s going later on. Hector: I will. Talk to you later. Hector: Hey, Naomi. What’s up? Naomi: Oh, I forgot to mention one really important point. Hector: Really? What’s that? Naomi: Don’t forget to make time for your friends, too! Hector: That was at the top of my list.