Two weeks of instruction left, including dead week, and then finals. I can hear my head already pounding through these next three weeks, struggling to bring my grades up in the final stretch. At the same time, I can see myself walking out of my last exam, internally screaming with excitement, maybe actually screaming because I am so ready for summer.

Summer.

I don’t think I can count on two, or even three hands, how many things, assignments, errands, I have to do before the semester ends.

A pep talk before the end of the semester.

1. Don’t give up

Summer is near, there is so much more to look forward to on the other side. Just think, two weeks. TWO WEEKS. Summer is so soon, I can almost taste the lemonade sitting on my tongue.

2. Take any opportunities you can

Academically, if there is an extra credit opportunity, or if there is a programming you could be attending, go for it. Shoot for those few extra points that could make your grade that one-half letter higher, or just to show your professor you care, and they bump you up because you went to that event. These are the things that make a difference.

3. Go explore

There are two weeks of the semester left. Go do those things you have been wanting to do for the whole year and haven’t had time for. That water tower experience you have been waiting for, or the baseball game you haven’t made time for, this is it. Three weeks until you are free, and in the midst of studying, make some time for fun and check those items off your bucket list.

4. Plan

Plan out what you have going on each day to help you organize your thoughts and priorities. For me, I make to-do-lists for the next day so when the day comes around, I know exactly what to do. Busy day? Lay out your day, hour-by-hour. If your schedule gets thrown off, that’s fine, but it's always nice to have an outline of what you need to do that day.

5. Take time for yourself

This is CRUCIAL. For me, even just washing my face and doing a face mask is taking a little time for myself. Cooking a meal and listening to music, exercising, or dancing with my best friends the best type of study break that will help you relax and get you refocused.

We all want summer to come SO badly, I know. Me too. Follow these simple five steps and remind yourself how many class periods you have left to make your goals more attainable. Summer will be here before we know it!

Cheers and happy studying, Danni