During exam week, it is easy to focus all of our energy on our own needs. I need to make this grade to pass the class, or I need to finish this project by then, or I won't have time for this. It becomes about all about me, me, me. We forget that there is another important person in our life going through the same things: our roommate. Here are five things you should tell your roommate during exam week.
1. It will all be worth it.
All of the long nights, impossible papers, and tests that are nothing like the material you studied will all be worth it in the end. The impossibility that presents itself as college will be over soon, and you get to start your life in the field that you worked so hard to become a part of. It is encouraging to hear that this is all temporary and it will be worth it.
2. Your grades do not define you.
Your grades do not determine what kind of person you are. I know you, I live with you. The C's, B's, and A's that you receive at the end of the week do not show how many hours you spent in the studio, how much money you spent on your projects, the number of tears you cried due to stress. or how hard you work to get ahead. So, you had a bad semester, start fresh next semester and try again. You are more than the letters on your transcript, you are my roommate and so much more.
3. You can do it.
This is not the end, its just one stepping stone. Yes, it's hard right now. Yes, it seems impossible, but I know what you are capable of. I know that you can do it. You have just a few projects, a few presentations, and a few tests left and then you are free. You can do it, and so can I. We can do it together.
4. Everything will be okay
Your semester was hard, probably the hardest you have had, but it will get better. You have things to look forward to: new classes, new schedule, new phases of life. In the end, you will be okay. I know you will. This trial that you are in will come to an end soon and everything will work out. It always does, and this semester is no different.
5. I believe in you.
I believe in you. I cannot stress this enough. I have watched you work tirelessly on projects, papers, presentations, and tests. You have done all of your school work and still made time for your friends, for fun, for work, for everything you want to do. I have no doubt in my mind that you can do absolutely anything you put your mind to. I am beyond proud to have you as my roommate.
My roommate is an incredible person. She has to deal with the stress from all of her projects and exams and listen to my complaints about my projects and tests. Not everyone has an awesome roommate, but we all could benefit from a little encouragement this exam season.
