Well, looks like it is about that time again folks...
The dreaded "I can't do anything because I have no life," otherwise referred to as (cue the dreaded horror music...)
MIDTERMS!
Now, I am not sure how you all are doing, or how many classes you are currently enrolled in, but I know for me, it doesn't matter. I will forever stress no matter what.
Today I opened up my Blackboard site, which is the site where all my online work is posted. After looking at what the first class was asking for, which is a 50 question online test with only an hour to do it in, I panicked!
Next class: three essay questions that are extremely detailed (especially if you didn't take good notes when reading).
Fuck!
I closed the Blackboard down; I could not look anymore. I took a deep breath, a sip of coffee, played some music and got to work.
Recently, I acquired some tips that work for me. Here is my haphazard attempt at sharing them.
1. Flashcards!
I have revolted against using these since elementary school, however...damn it, they actually do help you! After every homework assignment, I write down the important stuff on flashcards. When it comes time for exams and quizzes, If you don't want to write them down physically, you can actually go to a website called www.quizlet.com where you can type in what you want your flashcards to say and then save them or print them out. Pretty genius! Makes me feel like I somewhat have my shit together...word!
2. Sleep!
Oh my God guys! Who does not love sleep? Listen, I promise you, at some point, you will need that sleep! Going to class half dead is not cute nor is it healthy. Get at least six hours of sleep so that you can accurately function. Your health is more important than any test. Never forget personal care first.
3. Coffee!
OK, OK, I admit it, I love coffee much more than sleep. The stronger the better! If the coffee is free, sign me up! While coffee may help you, just don't overdue it on the java intake, then you may never sleep!
4. UNPLUG!
OK, so yes, this is in big capital letters for a reason. This is my biggest problem, and yes, here I am writing a blog online...! Once I go into study mode, I put my phone on silent, sign completely out of my Facebook, Snapchat, etc., turn off the TV and just go in full force. This is hard for many of us, but it has to be done. You will focus and concentrate so much better!
5. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE
This is another hard tip to practice. Again, another bad quality I do occasionally welcome into my life, OK, maybe more than I would wish to accept. Here is the thing about procrastination, though: it comes back to bite you in the ass, and it hurts. Some people never really come back from it either. Procrastination is that one thing that can stress a college student out more than anything else. The attitude of 'Oh yeah I still have time, it's due in the morning' does not ever pan out well. I write this because it has happened to me, and I do not want you to make the same mistake. This semester I am in four classes and making up three incomplete grades at the same time. Though I did get sick, I still procrastinated and that probably led up to me becoming sick and too stressed out. Please learn from my mistakes!
Hopefully these tips help you out a little. I am not the perfect student by far. I have a lot of adult responsibilities and take on far too much sometimes, however, I am pretty anal when it comes to my grades and have a great sense of pride in my work and commitments. Try as hard as you can to push yourself to your potential. You will not be sorry, and if no one has told you today...I believe in you and know you can do it!
