Crunch Time!
By JJ Ossola
IV Leader Editor, Dec 7, 2006
We are in the final days, my friends. Not in the biblical
sense (sorry, “Left Behind” fans) but in the academic timeline.
Unfortunately, for most students, there is no clear
grade in sight. We have possibilities and probability. You know, I could get an
‘A’ if I do good on the final, but I am probably going to get a ‘B’ or ‘C.’
This could lead to some overdue stress in a stress loaded
season. Buck up, little camper! Times are tough. So you should have done your
christmas shopping in October when you had loads of time. So you should have
worked more hours in August even though it was so darn nice out. So you should
have gotten those extra credit things done in September.
It’s too late now, or is it?
Yes, it is, but you can make the best of the situation by
making yourself a clear plan of attack.
Step one: prioritize. I would recommend that you get all your
notes out and the syllabus out. Organize them, look them over, and if your grade
in that class is horrible, contact the instructor. Find out if there is any
extra credit before going to beg for some. Ask if you can turn in a late paper
or assignment you missed. You will probably get turned down but it’s a shot.
Step two: learn to sacrifice. It’s only for a few weeks. Tell
your boy/girl friend that you can’t hang out this weekend. Tell work that you
definitely need your exam and the day/weekend off to study. If you go out for
something, don’t make it an all day ordeal. I’m not saying, study 24/7. I’m
saying study, take a break, and then look at it again. The rule of thumb is, if
you don’t know it by the day the test is given, you’re not going to learn it 15
minutes before the test!
Step three: when it’s over, if you’ve actually tried hard, it
doesn’t matter what grade you get because you put in the effort. Reward yourself
and get ready to do it again! See you all next semester.
Happy holidays and stay safe!