High school expected a lot out of you. Having to be at school early, stay there for seven hours, stay an extra two to three for your after-school activities, and then finally go home and stay up late doing homework and study for exams made my week exhausting. My body quickly learned to function on five or six hours of sleep, and that was on a good night.
Fast-forward to freshman year, and it’s time to make your schedule. You’re absolutely blown away by the fact that college actually uses that mysterious block scheduling you’ve always heard about but never got to experience for yourself. But wait...my math class is only offered at 8:30 in the morning. It’s only three days a week, though, so I guess I’ll just make sure to go to bed early the night before class so I’m not too tired in the morning.
Hah, good one. We'll see if that ever happens.
Regardless if you have a 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or any other “a.m.” class, waking up to your alarm is not something college students enjoy. I will say that Apple has greatly improved their alarm selections to include more peaceful and less jarring alarms that still get the job done, but that doesn’t make the physical and mental act of waking up any easier.
I am now a junior and if there’s one thing I’ve learned since being in college, I am and will always be a night owl. Going to bed early is just not my thing and neither is waking up early. Thus, the seven reactions we’ve all had in college once the tune “Radar (Default)” announces it’s time to get your butt out of bed because that required class was unfortunately only offered in the morning this semester.
1. Did I really mean to set it for 7:30 a.m.? Or did I ACTUALLY mean to get up at 8:30 instead?
Always wishful thinking because once you check your schedule, you remember that you indeed have that 8:30 a.m. class that “can’t be that bad.” Well, yep, it is that bad.
2. I can’t even understand my professor, so should I even bother going?
Attending a world-renowned university is an incredible opportunity. Cultural diversity is enlightening and it’s wonderful to see individuals from around the world coming to your school and collaborating on ground-breaking research. Most if not all of us have had a professor whose accent is just a little too hard to interpret to the point where you’re honestly not sure if they’re speaking English. I guess I’ll just read the textbook later. *sigh*
3. Aw crap.
‘nough said.
4. Is this the class I get 3 skips in?
And cue me frantically rubbing the sleep out of my eyes so I can look up the class attendance policy in the syllabus.
5. Snooze for another 20 minutes? I guess I’ll just grab a PopTart today, and I probably won’t shower…or do my hair…or…zzzzzzz.
From the time I plop my head on my pillow at night to me aggressively pressing snooze multiple times in the morning, my attitude takes a complete 180 from “Oh yeah, tomorrow I’ll look super cute” to “Looks like it’s another baseball hat and messy bun kind of day.”
6. Eh, I’ll just watch this lecture online at 2x the speed later.
Been there. Done that. Why did the academic gods create such a beautiful tool if I wasn’t meant to take advantage of it? Especially when you schedule a 7:30 a.m. class? The professor is pretty much asking for no one to show up. I mean, if I don’t show up, and no one else shows up, then we can all sleep in, including you, professor! It’s pretty much a win-win situation for everyone as far as I’m concerned.
7. Sleep is for the weak!
To achieve my goals and lifestyle changes for 2018, I’m living by a handful of quotes that will keep me inspired and focused. It’s been going very well, and I’ve accomplished a lot more than I did in 2017. I’ve tried to incorporate this one as some tough-love morning motivation, but it doesn’t always get the job done. I’ve honestly just come to terms with the fact that I will never enjoy waking up early, and that’s okay because naps are a wonderful afternoon luxury.
Kudos to all you who have mastered the art of waking up in the morning. Unfortunately, I'm still waiting to join the club.
