Spring break is right around the corner and you know what that means: sleeping in, seeing friends, lots of yummy non-dining hall food, and if you're lucky maybe a vacation to some place warm. But, unfortunately, until then there are still classes to attend, papers to write, and textbooks to read. If you're reaching a point in the semester where you're a bit burnt out and feel like hiding in your bed watching "Fuller House" until spring break, then here are a few inspirational quotes to get you through. Get out of bed, put on some (semi) clean clothes, and take that 8 a.m. head on (with a cup of coffee of course). It's the home stretch!
"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Aristotle.
Higher education as we know it today may not have existed in the time of Aristotle, but the man sure knew what he was talking about. It may be hard to stomach that 9 a.m. lecture or that late night marketing class but just imagine how it will help you in the future. Think of yourself on graduation day, in grad school, and landing your dream job. Dealing with the weird kid that sits next to you and burps the whole time is worth it.
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Henry Ford.
If there's anyone who embodies hard work and the American spirit it's got to be Henry Ford. Take some advice from the Model-T building, assembly line inventing American entrepreneur and inject some positivity into your day. You CAN write that paper on Vietnam war poems if you believe, have a good attitude, and stock up on K-cups.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time." Thomas Edison.
Among Thomas Edison's brilliant inventions like the lightbulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera were numerous failures such as cabinets made from cement and sound motion pictures that could only be watched through a peephole. Had Edison not kept trying after his failures we perhaps wouldn't have had his brilliant inventions when we did. So, take some advice from the New Jersey native and try to ace that Chemistry exam even if you've consistently gotten a low D. Who knows, this could be the moment it clicks!
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of the most respected presidents of the United States, certainly knows what it's like to hang on when things get rough. He was the one left with the task to clean up the destruction of The Great Depression. If this semester has really kicked your butt so far and you don't know how much new effort you can put in, just hold on. Soon enough you'll be relaxing at home or on a beach home and you'll come back rested, relaxed, and with a fresh desire to succeed.
"The powerful play goes on and you will contribute a verse." Walt Whitman
If there's anyone who knows about contributing a verse then it's definitely American poet Walt Whitman. Remember Whitman's poignant words when you feel like hitting snooze and skipping that one class that you just can't stand. You're story, your verse, is going to be out there anyway, might as well make it a good one.
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." Prof. Keating in "Dead Poet's Society."
Thank you to Robin Williams for a spectacular portrayal of what it means to be a great teacher. If you're feeling a little disenchanted or hopeless about your major and feel that you'll never have an impact because you aren't doing Alzheimer's research, or becoming the next President of the United States, or training to be a doctor than just take a moment and think of Prof. Keating's words. Just because you aren't changing the world in the conventional way doesn't mean that your work won't make a world of difference to someone out there.
"No one is you and that is your power." David Grohl.
David Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana and founder/frontman of The Foo Fighters, surely knows a thing or two about being powerful and awesome. Take it from this hardworking rock and roller that you have the power to do everything you've ever imagined. We all have times when we feel as though we'll never be the best in our department and so, what's the point in trying? Grohl is here to say that you may not always be the best but you will always be you and that is just as much, if not more, powerful.
"They will try to close the door on you, just open it." DJ Khaled.
DJ Khaled, everyone's favorite DJ and inspirational Snapchat star shares bits of wisdom and knowledge every minute on his snap. If anyone knows anything about standing up to 'they' then it's surely DJ Khaled. When you've gotten to a point in the semester where it just feels like your kind of stuck, remember DJ Khaled. They don't want you to win, they don't want you to succeed, but you will. Plus, you know you can always just open up snapchat and hear at least of minute of inspiration tour bus talk at any time of the day.
"Just keep swimming" Dory in "Finding Nemo."
There's no quote more inspirational or appropriate for this time of year than everyone's favorite Ellen-voiced fish, Dory. Just a few more classes, a few more assignments, and a few more nights of dining hall food and we'll be at spring break. Hang in there everyone! And if you ever need a break, just remember that you can always watching "Finding Nemo."
