We all know it's upon us. The part of the year where you don't know if you're still alive or just going through the motions. Finals week is one of toughest weeks in college, the other one is dead week where everything is due which is the week before finals. So, essentially, there are two weeks of hell upon college students every semester. Finals are a lot like grief, there are stages and everyone handles it differently.
Stage 1: Denial
We always think we have more time than we really do. A month before finals? No problem. Oh wow two weeks until finals? No sweat. Oh I can totally get that done is like an hour, I can put it off. Procrastination is the key. We do not want to think of the pain that is awaiting us. We repress it until it literally hits us in the face. We do not want to think about studying, we want to cling on to our happy times.
Stage 2: Anger
We are finally beginning to accept the fact that finals are upon us. We begin to blame the professor for making the final cumulative or knowing that he or she is going to make it difficult. We are also angry at ourselves for not preparing and not taking it seriously. We get so much work and so many deadlines that we may explode. Our friends don't mind us snapping at them because they are snapping right back.
Stage 3: Bargaining
Professors hate this stage because this is where all of us spam them with emails about extra credit or anything. We just fall short of getting on our knees to beg for any extra credit. It is not only professors that hear our pleas. We also start praying to the higher power above. Don't let me fail please or Jesus take the wheel on this exam is common prayers.
Stage 4: Despair
This hits usually the night before an exam. It's when you get into the mindset of no matter how much you study, you just don't understand. It's also when your negativity gets the best of you and you are convinced you are going to fail. It is a tough time for all students and is the indicator you need to take a break. Grab a pint of ice cream or go out to eat with a friend. This stage will pass.
Stage 5: Acceptance
This happens after the exams is over. You have accepted that you did everything you could and it is up to the professors now. You may go out to celebrate with friends now that the weight is off your shoulders. You made it through. You have survived the long nights and stressful days. You may get to go home and hug your pet, either because you know you did good or you may cry because that exam hit you where it hurts. Either way, you're done.
I hope all of you make it out alive.
