Chronos or Kairos?

Advice from a PhD student who got lost in time

by Giulio Bajona (adapted)

I am Giulio Bajona. It's 8 am. I brush my teeth in the bathroom. I look at my phone. I see 5 minutes. I
finish. I put my toothbrush away. My phone rings. I go downstairs. I think about breakfast.

Three years ago, I started my PhD. Before, I did other things. I worked and went to school. They all
had rules. There was a job to do, a time to finish, and someone to help.

But my PhD was different. They said I had 3 years. I had to write a book. They said it was easy. But it
could take 4 years. Things could change. I had to decide.

No one helped me. I made my own plan. It was hard. I forgot time. I could take breaks. I didn't know
when it was day or night.

I take a long time to do things now. I use timers. They help me remember time.

In Greece, they had two kinds of time. Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is hours and years. Kairos is
special moments.

People say we should have more Kairos. But for me, it's hard. I forget time. I work too much.

I need both Chronos and Kairos. I need time and special moments. That's why I use timers.

If you are like me, remember time is important.

Time Management: Tips for School (Chronos) and Relaxation (Kairos)

Plan your day like a schedule. Start early and finish at a good time. This way, you can have time for
yourself. Remember, your body follows a 24-hour cycle called the 'circadian rhythm'. To keep this
cycle, have clear times for day and night and get enough sleep.

Take breaks during your school day. One helpful method is the 'pomodoro technique'. Work for 25
minutes and then rest for 5 minutes. You can adjust this to suit you better. The idea is to have a plan
and take breaks.

Enjoy special moments outside of school too. Different things work for different people. For me, it's
exercising, spending time in nature, listening to music, and drawing. Others may enjoy being with
friends. Find what makes you happy.

In Conclusion

Our sense of time can change. Maybe in the future, I'll look back at my school days and feel happy.
But now, as I'm in school, I find comfort in knowing that life keeps moving forward.
Glossary of new words for A1 students:

1. PhD: This is Doctor of Philosophy, which is a high-level academic degree.

2. Circadian Rhythm: This is the body's natural internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and
repeats every 24 hours.
3. Chronos: This refers to time in terms of hours, minutes, and years.
4. Kairos: This refers to special moments or opportune times.
5. Pomodoro Technique: This is a time management method that involves breaking work into intervals,
typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
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Answer the following questions

1. What is the main difference between Chronos and Kairos in terms of time?
2. How did the author manage their time during their PhD studies?
3. What technique does the author suggest for managing time during schoolwork?
4. What advice does the author give for maintaining a healthy balance between school and relaxation?
5. Why does the author emphasize the importance of both Chronos and Kairos in managing time
effectively?

Step 1: Read the story carefully. Take your time to understand what is happening.

Step 2: Read each question slowly. Try to understand what the question is asking.

Step 3: Read the story again, but this time look for the answers to the questions. Pay attention to the
parts that talk about time and how the author manages it.

Step 4: Write your answers. Try to use simple words and sentences. You can look back at the story to
help you.

Step 5: Check your answers with a classmate.

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Writing Your Daily Routine Story

In this activity, you will write a story about your daily routine at home, incorporating the concepts of
Chronos and Kairos. Think about your typical day at home. Consider the activities you do regularly and
the time you spend on each.

● Write about the activities you do throughout the day. Include details such as meals, chores,
homework, hobbies, or any special moments you cherish. As you write, try to incorporate the
concepts of Chronos and Kairos into your story. Think about how you manage your time
(Chronos) and any memorable moments or experiences you have (Kairos).

REMEMBER: This is the structure of the story:

Introduction: Start by introducing yourself

Main Body: beginning, middle, and end. In the beginning, describe what happens first. This could be
waking up in the morning, starting a new activity, or going somewhere special. In the middle, talk about
what happens next. Describe any actions, events, or conversations that occur.
Conclusion: In the end, conclude the story by wrapping up the events. Mention how things end.