Finals Week Thoughts

Inner Monologue

I think you should take a quick break from studying for that final, writing that essay, or watching that episode of Friends. Insert yourself into my thought reel during this week, and see if maybe you relate to some of these struggles and celebrations, too. 

If you read my travel blog last semester, you may have noticed a similar post, "Thoughts while going through airport security." There's a small twist, however, on this post about finals. It will all be an internal dialogue with myself.

Have you ever told a friend, "A part of me wants to do this, but another part of me thinks the opposite"?


That's how I felt this week.  Here's a little glimpse into my inner thoughts.

Thoughts during finals week...

KEY

Responsible Me

Carefree Me

Me: Why didn't I finish this paper 3 days ago?
Me: I could continue typing this study guide or I could crawl back into bed and sleep forever. 

Me: I always say I'd rather work on projects and papers than take an exam. I love writing papers.

Me: You wanna take that back now?

Me: Thank God my professor gives us the essay questions ahead of time.

Me: Wait, what's an NGO again?

Me: This Deep Focus playlist by Spotify is just what I need right now...

Me: I also need an Oreo. Make that two. Dipped in milk. Covered in white fudge.

Me: Dang it, I forgot my wet clothes in the washer for over an hour. I should probably wash my sheets at some point, too. Laundry sounds more fun than writing a media plan report.

Me: You know what would also be more fun? Planning my Europe trip.

Me: *2 hours later* 

Me: Alright, back to studying. What's an MNC? What even are human rights? What does poli sci even have to do with advertising?

Me: Probably a lot, actually. I just don't feel like connecting those dots right now.

(Chef Jim and Chef Sam made snacks at the house. Everyone goes to the house.)

Me: *2 hours later* again

Me: Really, it's time to study now. You know this. You can do this. You're almost through, just keep pushing, take plenty of breaks, and do the best you can.
Me: You're right. I've got this.


Too #blessed to be stressed

One of my friends posted this on Facebook this week, and I want to share because I completely agree.

"Look, I get it. Stress is real. I feel it too. But if you're paying for an education, study hard and get it. Don't whine every day for an entire semester and not put in any work. An education is something some people are so willing to pay for and not get. Don't waste everyone's time asking questions straight from the textbook. Just read it. Learn to study."

Heading into the season of giving it's even more imperative to me now to pay attention to other huge problems going on in our communities, not just the problems of students, like trying to hit the word limit on an essay or failing to memorize finance formulas.  It's not to say those concerns don't matter. Of course they do. But what also matters is putting others before ourselves when we can, even if that means asking your friend more about how their finals week is going more than you talk about your own.

Sure there are lots of places I'd rather be or things I'd rather be doing.

I'd love to be riding a moped through the hills in Bali.

I'd love to be playing paddle ball on the beach in California.

I'd love to be reading a book on the L in Chicago as it speeds over the river. 

I'd love to be sitting on the back porch at home with a cup of tea in hand and a puppy on either side of me.

But I'd also be happy writing and studying in the lounge of my apartment building.
I'd love to be eating at the GPhi house and laughing with my friends in the city of dreams.
I'd love to be making miracles with my DM fam and teaching others on campus about our cause.
I'd love to be walking across the Horseshoe marveling at the fallen leaves & Christmas decorations.

 
photo credits: above: @uscdancemarathon
left: @uscgammaphi , below: @uofscadmissions                   






Through any stress, I'll be better for it, and this busy week will make all the upcoming trips and parties and fun times all the more valuable.

Any lack of sleep or worries I encountered this week will surely make all the desserts and drinks at home that much sweeter. It'll make all the times spent with my family and friends that much warmer.

Finals week is stressful.  And that's because college is stressful. There's no doubt about it.  Our generation goes through a lot more stress in a college environment than other generations have, and each person has different internal and external pressures pushing them to do well.

Luckily this semester's finals weren't too tough for me.  I know I worked hard this semester, and I also had other priorities that were just as important to me as my grades. I'm glad I allowed myself to spread out my time to do those things, even if I didn't get an A on a paper.

Personally, I've actually always enjoyed finals week, from high school up until now.  Sure, I spend a lot of hours in the day working on projects and papers or reviewing for tests, but I also have a lot more free time than I would in a normal week with work and meetings and going out.  I have more time to simply relax, do laundry, watch Christmas movies, catch up with friends, or something else I might not have had time for earlier in the semester.

I remember being a freshman in high school and sitting in the little theater hearing from a panel of senior girls.  One thing I'll always remember them saying was this.  To enjoy every moment-- even every bad test, rough day or sleep-deprived night.  We hear that all the time, from our parents and friends, to "live it up and make the most of every day," but sometimes we need a reminder.  That rings true even more now for me than it did then.

No matter what your own personal dealings and struggles are with pressures of grades and the chaos of finals week, I hope you'll take some time to enjoy it.  I hope you'll think about what you're grateful for. Think about all the positive things you saw and accomplishments you made this semester, and about everything you're lucky to have.

Happy Christmas break to all and to all a glass of wine and some extra sleep.

Be excellent.

xoxo
Jo Jo