Zombie, or nursing student? The world may never know when semester begins to close. We walk around with a glaze over our eyes, backpacks bulging from the twelve textbooks we're required to own, quad-shot in hand to compensate for the lack of sleep. But praise the man upstairs, because the torture is almost over with. Well, until next semester. Nevertheless, until week one comes back around in a few weeks, I will enjoy my freedom. But first: FINALS. It's like ripping off a Bandaid, let's just get it over with, please, as soon as possible, before another mental breakdown. And even though the syllabus says the end is near, what are the signs and symptoms of the end of the semester and how can you cure them?

1. Everything hurts

Thanks to walking a thousand miles to get to class, carrying 300 lb. books all over kingdom come, and on top of that going to clinical where don’t even think of sitting down...

2. You’re in denial

This is the end? Wait? Where am I? Did I even learn anything this semester? Did I remember to eat? There is no way it’s over! I feel like I’m waking up from a really long, stressful nap.

3. You’re starving

No time to eat resulting from the constant need to: sleep, study, write a paper, go to class, etc.

4. You’re convinced you have every disease you’ve learned about

Headache? Cancer. Tired? Hypothyroidism. Mild stomach ache? Bleeding internally.

5. You’re exhausted

I don't even remember the days when I didn't need to study before an exam. Studying is like a getaway from doing assignments and going to class. Feels like I'm already on a vacation.

6. You have NCLEX review books, compression socks, and/or colorful pens on your Christmas list

Want to get a personalized gift for a nursing student? Give me Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX Review. I'm broke! Do you really expect me to buy these essentials for myself?

7. You haven’t seen your friends in like, weeks

Unless you are referring to my cohort-mates, professors, textbooks, flashcards, and the guy at the coffee shop on the way to class and clinical, then I see my "friends" all the time.

8. You’re laundry is pilling up

I don't need clean clothes anyway right? I'm working on building up my immunity.

9. Studying is you’re preferred free time activity

Like we said, THIS IS A "VACAY".

10. Your Netflix is stuck on “Are you still watching?”

Yes, kind of. I mean I fell asleep six hours ago and then forgot to close the window before I left for clinical... But, YES I AM STILL WATCHING.

11. You’re coffee cup(s) are overflowing

The real "Liquid Courage" to get through nursing school exam weeks.

12. You’re actually excited for next semester

Clean slate. New professors. New topics. Brand new (not cried on) syllabi. And one step closer to graduation.

13. You NEED these next three weeks off

You have made it all this way. Now, sleep! Eat! Be with friends and family! And congratulations, you're one step closer to your dream! Stay strong, you will make it through!