College might leave you feeling like a small fish in a big ocean. The high energy enthusiasm we started with sinks into deeper waters with every passing day. As the Holidays approach us, there is a common ground amongst students in regards to emotions towards final exams and approaching due dates.
Looking back on the past few months, here is an accurate interpretation of the past fall semester in terms of Disney-Pixar's Finding Nemo (and the sequel, Finding Dory).
1. First Day Of Chemistry Lab - Choosing A Long-Term Partner
Forced to quickly analyze our options of suitable lab partners for the semester, we are left to our abilities of judgement based on who we think "looks smart". We can thank our high school social subgroups for our abilities to judge others within seconds- however 90% of the time inaccurately; so if you see a kid wearing an "I Heart Chemistry" shirt, stick to him like glue.
2. Studying With A Friend Never Works Out
Reading a sentence for the fifth time and laughing hysterically seems lighthearted in the moment, until it shows up on a test. Even though you're both in the same class, it's not always the best idea to cram with your best friend. (Especially when they are as lost as you are.)
3. Taking The Exam
No matter how many times our professor went over that one concept or equation, when it's printed in front of us, we may as well have never seen it before.
4. Finding A Parking Spot
If you didn't own a bike in the first week of the semester, I'm willing to bet that you do now. Student's move their cars as the final resort- if you have overnight parking, you are one of the lucky ones.
5. "How's College Going?"
The question we all see coming every time we visit home. We don't know how to relay our mixed feelings into words, this type of love-hate relationship is a foreign language to our parents and is something only our peers can understand.
6. Sleeping In Your Own Bed
It's hard to complain being home for a weekend after countless all nighters and below-par meals. Undoubtably, however, is the satisfaction of sleeping on a mattress independent of a slippery sheets and large enough to roll over in.
7. Class Is Cancelled
Suddenly there is an empty time slot in the day with no pre-commitments, and the possibilities feel endless. With unlimited options, all you want to do is sleep.
8. Food Hall Meals
Taking a scoop of that mashed up something and hoping for the best is the new norm. After the first bite, your taste preference becomes invalid and your primal need for food takes over. This is the best squishy mush ever.
9. Stress Eating
When your room mate or your parents make a subtle remark regarding eating healthy while you're on your third chocolate bar. They don't understand, they never will.
10. Persevere
The semester is coming to a close and we are all on the same boat in terms of stress and excitement. Just remember to finish strong in respect to all the hard work we've already put in; and of course, as our favorite fish always sings, "Just Keep Swimming".
