It's that time of the semester when those free, unexcused absences are starting to look a lot like God telling you that you need that extra sleep/study time. As someone that historically maxes out their absences within the first month of classes as the incentive to force myself to go for the rest of the semester, I am here to tell you.
It is never worth the headache and usually results in a necessity to do more damage control than necessary. So here is a list of seven reasons why you should go to class.
1. But that dignity, though.
You don't have to go to your professor during office hours to beg for extra credit or late assignment acceptance if the assignments aren't late and you know what's happening in class and can do well enough to get a grade that reflects that.
2. You don't have to learn what you already know.
When you do return to class after being absent, you will feel like Andy Sandberg getting kicked in the chest by Taylor Swift. Except you're not Andy Sandberg and Taylor Swift is actually gastrulation.
3. It's time efficient.
The amount of time and work it takes to actually catch up after you've missed class literally steals time--arguably more--than that 1-2 hour class would.
4. Give yourself incentives.
Pick a person in your class to use as extra incentive. Maybe they have great hair. Or a great sense of style. Use your interest to convince you that you have to go to class to see them. That outfit isn't going to give itself a compliment. (Actually talking to them is optional, but may help).
5. Your wallet wants you to go.
Every class you miss costs you money. A lot of it.
6. Naps are better than sleep.
If you reward yourself with a nap after class, it will make going seem less bad. You'll also get to experience the bliss of sleeping in the Computing Center at Cox.You have to get up in order to lay back down again.
7. It's why you're here.
Just do it. Commit to learning. Show up. Go gaga for learning. Dive into that material and show it who's boss.
I know getting out of bed can be hard sometimes, but think about all that staying costs you: time, energy, money, dignity, stress...it's not worth it, bro. In most cases, showing up unprepared is even better than not showing up at all. I find that having friends who have similar class times as you or that are in your same class can be helpful, as you can study together and hold each other accountable for showing up. I have alarms set for 30 minutes before each of my classes and receive text and call reminders to get up and go. Figure out what works for you and stick to it. Your GPA will thank you.
