As the end of the semester nears, many of us run wild like chickens with their heads cut off.
Why?
Because suddenly the reality of semester’s end comes crashing down about our heads. Four papers due for three different classes. And…oh yeah, five finals to study for, and those notes we meant to take would really come in handy now.
And, of course, the fault lies with everyone but ourselves: the teachers assign too much homework; the social life of a college student is very demanding; family responsibilities (who me?) are just so darn pressing…
REALITY CHECK
The teachers almost always assign the big projects at the beginning of the semester in order to give us time to complete them properly; other students have been known to help with the note taking problem, and social lives are meant for people without the demands of a strenuous class schedule. We’ll give you the family thing.
Why is it that everyone gets stressed out at the end of the semester?
Most students need to get it together. Yes, college may be a time when you’re finally considered an adult (by some standards), and you don’t really have to go to class if you don’t want to. But since you are considered an adult, you need to take responsibility.
You are in the real world now; class will go on without you; deadlines will pass without the teacher hounding you; classes will end, and no one will come looking for you. The grades are in the mail, remember?
If you have a problem in class, the teacher will happily help out, but the first step comes from you. It is your responsibility to organize your time, meet deadlines, research projects, write papers and study. If you have trouble with any of these, ask a teacher or counselor for help. That’s part of their job. Consider a study skills class or peer tutoring next semester if you need major help.
And so, as the semester end draws dangerously near, look closely into the eyes of the erratic-acting student stumbling down the halls toward you. It’s probably one of us.
12/10/98