Now is Not the Time to Let-Up

Yesterday, I was talking to another student. He’s looking forward to the end of the semester and appears tired of school work. He said this weekend will be a “chill weekend”. As I’m listening, a flashback of my freshman year appears. A few weeks before the year ended, I was burnt out and wanted to do enough to get by. My conscious wouldn’t allow me to finish with that mentality. It took words of wisdom to make me finish strong and give my best effort.

Students, now is not the time to let-up. With the school year close to ending, students choose to slack around this time. Since August, work has consumed their schedules and they want to let loose. Hang in there. There’s a month left of school and you’ve come too far to waste everything accomplished thus far.

This is the time of year where partying increases and more students miss class. It’s easy to follow the crowd. Before you do, reflect on what’s at-stake. Grades matter as much at the end of the semester as the beginning. Don’t think professors will slack in their teaching. It’s our job as students to have the same approach. It’s tough to study for tests when other students are outside throwing a Frisbee or drinking a beer. Just think: You have an entire summer to do what they’re doing. I’m not saying you have to wait to have fun; but prioritize. Get work done first, and then enjoy yourself. It’s the same thing you’ve done all year.

Every student looks forward to something exciting in the summer. It can be an internship or vacation. Let these things stay in the back of your mind. Allow them to motivate you as the year ends. At the same time, don’t over-think about it. You don’t want to get overexcited.

It’s also important to follow the schedule that’s caused success. Do everything at the same time. If you go for tutoring on Wednesdays, continue to do so. If you’ve been going to the gym right after class, don’t choose this time to wait at night. For one, it will take a while to get adjusted to the new schedule. The last thing you need with final exams and papers approaching is an adjustment. It creates more stress.

At this point, you may have to distance yourself from your friends somewhat. Everyone doesn’t have the same focus or approach to school. Some students party hard whether it’s the beginning or end of the year. If your friends want you to party the night before a test, say no. It’s easier said than done, but it’s the best option. In a month, you’ll be partying as much as you please. Don’t worry. They’ll still be your friends because they’ll ask again the following night.