Wednesday, April 29, 2015

So Close to the Finish Line!

It's the time of year again when tensions are high at RSU! The last week of classes is halfway over, and finals are quickly approaching. Everyone is frantically working on final projects, papers and presentations. I don't remember the last time I didn't have something to be working on. It can all be quite overwhelming. So if you're new to the finals week stress, I'll offer a few ways I like to cope!

1. Actually Manage Your Time. This may seem obvious, but it's the one I have the most trouble with. I always seem to be putting things off until the last second, but when you have a lot of projects/exams in a short amount of time, it doesn't seem to work well. Lately, I've tried to always make sure I have study/reading materials with me, so when I have a little bit of time, I can be working. And always keep a planner! I promise, no matter how much you think you will remember dates/times/deadlines... you won't.
Sunset over the Library
2. Follow the Directions. If you think something is not going to be your best work, at the very least, make sure you follow directions. If you get a hand out, read it more than once. If you're given verbal directions, take really good notes. If you're unclear on something, ask your professor. You would be surprised how many mistakes you can avoid by doing this. Time and time again, I've heard professors say how much they hate receiving an assignment that didn't follow the guidelines (wrong size margins, wrong topic, etc). Not only will they be annoyed, it will costs you points.
3. Take Care of Yourself. I used to think that the solution to mountains of homework was staying up until 3 in the morning and drinking energy drinks. As I have learned first hand, it never pays off. Not only will you be exhausted, you won't be able to focus in class and it will show in your work. It's a much better idea to get to bed at a reasonable time and eat (at least somewhat) healthy. Even if you can't seem to stay away from ice cream, at least make sure to eat 3 square meals a day.
4. Take Some Time for Yourself. In between the piles of work, try to make time for at least a little bit of fun. Your emotional well being is just as important as the physical! I've found that if I can take even 15-30 minutes in the morning to drink a cup of coffee and listen to music, I feel better about my day. Even if it's only in small doses, find times to do the things you enjoy. Yesterday, my friend Hayley and I took a walk around RSU, and it put us in the best mood. Sometimes I forget how beautiful our campus is, and it's nice to get out and appreciate it. We couldn't help taking pictures of the sunset!
5. Make Time for Others. Whether it's through volunteering, or even just making time for friends and family, it will make you feel less stressed. Sometimes I can get so focused on myself, I forget others exist. Thankfully, I have great family and friends who will force me to be social! This week, I've tried to make it a habit to call my parents more often and spend more quality time with my friends. Monday, I went to my friend Jerry and Bethany's spring band concert after I realized I have never seen them perform (because I'm an awful friend!). The concert and jazz band put on a Night at the Movies concert, full of songs from soundtracks from movies such as The Incredibles and Star Wars. It was so amazing to see! It was honestly one of my favorites events I've been to.

Even during the stressful times, there can be time for fun! These tips have helped me, and I hope they're helpful to you as well!

Gabby G.

Peak of the Week: Got an A on my presentation in my Humanities II class!