The 3 1/2 weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break have the potential to be the most wretched time of year. By my estimation there are about 75,462 final papers and projects, 23,015 quizzes for no apparent reason and an absurd amount of exams that somehow have to fit in before Winter Break. It's enough to make anyone want to pull the plug on Lighting of the Lawn.
But for all our sakes, please don't. Sometimes all the freaking holiday cheer that is supposed to accompany this time of year can make it all seem a bit worse. My roommate listening to Christmas carols and stringing popcorn garlands (or whatever you gentiles do) doesn't really put me in the right mood to write a 15-page paper on the narcotics trade in Colombia. It actually just makes me want to test my thesis. Plus who can enjoy the excitement of the last day of classes when it just signifies the beginning of exams?
There is a way, however, to get through it so you don't end up naked outside Clemons cursing Thomas Jefferson's name at 4 a.m. Been there, done that. So, here's my guide to get you through exams, semi-protect your sanity and get a modicum of pleasure from the pre-holiday celebrations before the grand escape of Winter Break.
Be semi-realistic: If you're like me, you think, "I have a whole empty day, so why don't I schedule 14 hours of studying?"Not only is this completely uncalled for, but there is no way in hell you're going to be effective even if you can manage to stay in the library that long. Your brain can only fit in so much information, so do manageable blocks, and afterwards ...
Reward yourself: Even for minor efforts. You finished reading 30 pages?Watch "The Hills" or "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" and eat a pie. One exam down? Give yourself the night off. You're writing an excruciating paper? Accompany it with a glass of Franzia. My 10th grade English teacher always said wine helps the creative juices flow.
Pamper yourself: I know this sounds really lame and Oprah-esque, but humor me. When you start getting really stressed and develop an ulcer and that crazed animal look, take a break. Get a massage at the AFC or just get in the giant hot tub. Scared of VD? Maybe the sauna or an online shopping spree would be more appropriate. A mani/pedi can also fix most things, although it makes me a little nervous when I see guys there.
Keep it in perspective: This also translates to rationalizing your procrastination like it's your job. Your grades don't actually, like, really matter. For the most part nobody's going to care if you get a B in calculus or whatever class you're stressing about. Grades mattered in high school so you could get in here. Now? It's just about the ride, man. Unless you're applying to med/law school or some other incredibly competitive job, this should be completely fine. If you are, you have my apologies. Otherwise, I've found most jobs don't actually care about your GPA at all, so at least pretend you're here to learn something interesting.
Don't compete: Occasionally this school feels like a very dysfunctional place, and exam time is one of them. Why on earth would you brag about spending 14 hours in the same carrel in Clemons? That's not cool, I promise. Furthermore, keep in mind that no one cares how much work you have. Chances are there's someone who has six papers and five exams within four hours. This doesn't seem physically possible, but someone's going to pull that stuff, so please just keep your mouth closed. I can't think of anyone who doesn't have a ton of stuff this time of year. Well, maybe the Comm schoolers (j/k).
If you follow all my advice, I promise you will do reasonably well on your exams and go on to lead a happy and fulfilled life. That's a complete lie, but I do think we're all going to be fine, so try to enjoy the cookies and other good stuff about this time of year. Try to remember there are still children that Angelina and Madonna haven't adopted, people with very nasty sinus infections, etc., otherwise known as problems bigger than your monster research paper.
This is my last little ditty for the semester, so I'll see y'all in '08.
Alex's column runs biweekly Thursdays. She can be reached at jospin@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 5 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
