The hardest part of school is the beginning and the end of semesters. You know what I'm talking about... either that time where you're just ready to be done or that time where you get into class and freak because you already have homework on the first day. The second of these two is what I'm feeling right now and it has hit me harder this year than any other. I knew it was coming and I knew there would be homework on the first day. I even knew there was reading I had to do the day before classes started. So, I don't know why I felt like I had just had the wind knocked out of me when Alan, the head of the program and our teacher, told us we would have a test on Monday, one week from the first day of class. But it wasn't just one test, it was a test in each of our radiology classes. I had to kick my brain into gear and get my booty studying so I could do alright on my tests. I studied and studied and luckily did alright. Here is my advice to you. Have fun during summer and let your brain rest while it can, be ready for anything when its time for school to start again and DON'T do the Radiology program unless you are ready to study all the time because three tests a week on one day with minimal points and an elevated grading scale is not so easy. I also recommend getting a planner; you'll need it. It's probably not a bad idea to practice these tips for ANY major. As for the end part of the semester, we should keep in mind how hard we have worked throughout the rest of the semester and remember not to give up even though we are ready for it to be over. It’s like whenever I’m at cheer practice and its conditioning time. I know I’m tired and ready to go home but I can’t give up yet because I’m almost done and in the end I know it will make me stronger. If we don’t give up at the end of the semester, in the long run, it will be better for us and afterwards we’ll feel good about ourselves and glad we did it. It is better to look back and think, “Wow! I’m glad I did that! I’m so proud of myself!” than to feel regret or to even have to say “Oh well!” One of the things that I have found helps me stay focused but also allows me to have fun is participating in a school sponsored activity such as cheer. This helps me to make friends and have fun. It also assures I keep my grades up and helps with time management. Find something that can do the same for you! Just remember, no matter how difficult this seems to get, we can do it! Good luck to all in those school and lifetime "adventures" we chose to put ourselves through. Enjoy them!
Sarah :)
I am a firm believer in taking a break. For me, I work year round so I only get small breaks from work. I am also a Mom year round and again only get small breaks for "me" time. When I started back to school though, I realized that I needed downtime to help me get through the stress I put myself under during the semester. Some students excel by consistently working year round, but I am not one of those students. I need time to de-stress, not think about tests, spend quality time with my son and family, and even have a little "me" time. The summer off is a great way for me to feel better about the rest of the year and helps me feel confident that I'm doing the right thing to further my life and to show my son that education and love for learning are important.
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