For many college students, it's finals week. That means lots of emotions, panic attacks, and probably a good cry or two. We say that we are stressed because of our tests and final grades, but the truth is that finals week always brings a whole lot of other feelings too.
There is, of course, the obvious. You've probably waited until the last minute to start studying or writing that final paper. That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that your overall grade is completely dependent on this final grade. You keep kicking yourself for not starting sooner, and saying, "Why didn't I keep up with my chapter readings?" At this point though, its too late to change those decisions. It's better to stop dwelling and beating yourself up, and instead make a plan for how to proceed.
The stress of your grade riding on this final just makes you sick. It makes the idea of eating or sleeping sound selfish because your grade-and future- matters more. You're living on Starbucks and peppermints to keep your brain awake. You may have even resorted to some kind of stimulant. Believe it or not, those are the worst things you could do. Cramming and trying to keep yourself awake actually causes you to retain less information. Getting a good nights rest and a healthy meal gives you more brain function and allows you to comprehend and remember what you're studying. Taking a 20-minute break when you start to feel delirious also allows your brain to remember the information it has just gone over.
The delirium you have created for yourself creates even more awful feelings inside your head. You create horrible scenarios. If you can't pass your finals, then you may not pass your classes. Not passing your classes could put you behind or make you lose your financial aid, and your dreams of having an awesome and successful job one day is gone. These feelings are completely valid, I know for a fact. But that doesn't make them true. You have options, you just have to find them. Seek out your advisor for some advice on how to proceed in the future. Check in with financial aid and try to appeal your scholarships if you are going to lose them. You always have options, you just have to take the initiative to use them.
Finals are probably also making you completely second guess your major. You're thinking that it's too hard and you'll never be able to make it being a doctor, lawyer, dentist, accountant, or whatever it is you want to be because you can't even pass your chemistry final. Well, unless you're majoring in basket weaving, then any major is going to be hard; that's kinda the point. You may just be thinking that it isn't what you want to do anymore. That is okay. It's okay to not be entirely sure what you want to do. You're only 18-22 years old. You don't have to have it all figured out. What's important is being happy, and if anatomy class isn't making your heart flutter, chances are neither will med school.
You can pass your classes. And if you can't, then you can try harder next semester and from this point on. It's up to you to make a difference for yourself. If there is anything college has taught me, it's to use my biggest resource: myself. You are the only person who can truly make sure your life gets better, and that starts with changes. Sit down and make a study plan that incorporates time for your job and extracurricular activities. You may have to give up that Thursday night party or Saturday game, but those are sacrifices that are important for your future.
Overall, don't let this week make you lose your mind. It's not the end of the world, and there are always options. They aren't always ideal, but nothing really ever is, so be thankful for the ones you have and use them.
