—Midterm Blues
Written By : Annalisa Frumento
In college there is a balance between work and play, and the balance is often wavering, and never entirely constant. This pattern is fun for a bit, especially freshman year syllabus week, but gets draining after a while. As a junior, I am used to the pace of things now though. As the semesters continue to fly by and things are ever changing, one thing remains constant. The stress of midterms around this time of year will always stay the same. It’s about time I accepted that, but for some reason I just don’t want to! The stress of grades coupled with the springtime showers leave the impression of everlasting dismay. This isn't the case though, in fact the struggle now is what makes the satisfaction so amplified at the end of the term.
All of the classes (that I willingly signed up for and pay for, btw) ramp up at once and it feels like I’m drowning in a boatload of information from all sides. My Spanish professor needs me to write an essay, my history professor needs me to memorize the facts of the Tudor period, and my Calculus professor needs me to at least attempt to understand the material… As for me, I have no clue where to start, and I still need to you know, live my life somewhat soundly? My brain feels like it’s overheating, and no matter how many times I have been through this, it doesn’t prove to get any easier. There’s got to be a way though, because this stress won’t cut it any longer.
In moments like these, it’s hard to see the big picture. What is currently getting me through is the acknowledgement of my dedication and remembering how good it feels to be rewarded by it when everything is said and done. Is it easier to skip those mandatory review sessions? Yes definitely. But I won’t, I will attend them and ace my exams! To show up for yourself is to put yourself in the position to be better, especially when your future rides on it.
I can do this, and so can you (if you’re even dealing with this that is…). Remember why you study, whether it's for your dream job, or to fulfill your passions. You deserve to see yourself succeed. These affirmations are helping me get by, and strengthen my academic resilience, it really can be that simple. Be sure of your abilities! But if you really can't be, ‘Crash Course’ on youtube is here for us if all else fails! Absolutely no shame in asking Hank Greene for help, I know that all too well.