For most of us, April is our last full month of college before summer break, so let's make sure that our last month of the school year is the best one yet! Here are eight keys to making the final month a successful and memorable one:
1. Take time to recharge.
This key goes first and foremost on the list because, in the words of Dj Khaled, it is a "major key." The organizations you're involved in are probably gearing up for their final and possibly biggest events of the semester, and, if you're like me, you may feel like you're constantly running around campus trying to make it to meetings and events. Despite your busy schedule, please take time to recharge. Go outside, practice a hobby, or just sleep if you need to. Taking time to relax is essential to being your best self in your job, classes, and all of your organizations.
2. Don't rush the semester.
Rushing time is something I catch myself doing quite a bit, however, in reality, I don't want to rush my undergraduate experience. Although school can be overwhelming, we should try our hardest to put things in perspective and appreciate where we are right now.
3. Enjoy each day.
This one goes hand-in-hand with key number two. Based on the amount of homework you have for some classes it would seem like "they" (your professors) don't want you to celebrate each day. In order to really enjoy each day, however, you have to put things in perspective, pace yourself and, as cliche as it sounds, believe in yourself. Last semester there were difficult assignments and you still made it through. Although there are difficult assignments this semester you can make it through again. You can do this!
4. Be intentional about your friendships.
Take time to meet up with the people you keep saying you want to hang out with. Being intentional with your friendships is part of being intentional with your time. Invest in the right relationships, which are always worth pursuing, and you'll be happier at the end of the semester than you were at the beginning.
5. Stay invested.
At the end of a race, it's sometimes typical to want to slack off if you haven't paced yourself well. To finish the semester strong, however, you need to stay engaged in your classes, organizations and work so that you'll finish strong. If you're too overwhelmed, then cut things out, but if you can handle it, continue to work in the same spirit of excellence that you started the semester with. Rise and grind, right?
6. Try something new.
If there's something you've been meaning to try all year that you haven't for some reason, then go for it! Go on a hike, attend a concert, or go to a new club meeting. If it isn't too late, try something new that you've been waiting to do.
7. Put yourself out there.
Although this article is largely about enjoying the present, another key to success is putting yourself out there now to benefit in the future. Seek out and apply for summer jobs and internships. Even if you've only been in school for a year or don't feel qualified, it is good to pursue opportunities that will stretch you.
And last but not least...
8. Reflect on your year!
This is a major key. In the midst of all of your busyness, stop and take time to reflect and journal on your year. College will stretch you, push you and challenge you in many ways. It's valuable to think about what you've learned this year and how you can implement it into your daily life in order to grow.
These eight keys are important to finishing your semester in the best way possible. Finish this semester strong and get ready for "anotha' one" soon! And to all of the graduating seniors reading this, congratulations and bless up!
