All Hallows’ Eve. Christmas Eve. New Year’s Eve. These are all evenings that are a reason for celebration. Families and friends dress up in their costumes and gather together to exchange treats, thanks, and gifts, all while gorging themselves with their family’s best (and worst) festive foods. Before you know it, it’s the new year. Fast forward a little more, and it is an eve that most would not consider a reason to celebrate; I’m talking about Spring Semester's Eve.
Whether you are prepared or not, it is here; Spring semester spares no one. It’s like a storm that is visible on the horizon after weeks of sunshine and optimism. At first, it seems so distant—until it isn’t. And when the storms hits - there are only two types of people: those that are prepared and will bunker down, or those that run. Ask yourself—which do you do?
If you’re not sure which you are it’s okay! I have developed a few questions that you can ask yourself which will reveal if you are a doomsday semester preparer or runner.
First question: Have you ordered/ do you have your textbooks? If your answer is yes, then good for you! You have secured the single most expensive important thing (outside of your own physical and mental presence in the class) that you will need to be successful in your classes. Bravo!
If you don’t have your textbooks, it’s okay! Sometimes students want to attend the first meeting of their classes to ensure that their teachers/syllabi/schedule/etc. works with their personal needs. I get it! This is the case for a handful of people. Then there are those who had no idea that you can view the required texts for classes prior to starting the semester. If this is you, I fear for you. Also, you’re welcome. Also, also, there is a chance that you are a runner.
Second Question: Do you know where your classes are located? This one is a little different because it involves knowing oneself a little bit, and possibly admitting weaknesses. This might put you in a vulnerable spot, but hey—a little vulnerability can go a long way. I will use myself as an example. I am terrible with directions—just horrible! Give me a map and I will end up in another town. Because I know this about myself, I always try to locate my classes days before the semester begins. On the first day of the semester, I (usually) don’t get lost because I make sure I am prepared.
Maybe you are good with directions and you aren’t worried about this aspect at all. I’m happy for you. However, if you tend to always end up running around on the first day of classes trying to locate where PB 101 or LAB 175 is, and you arrive sweaty and breathless ten past the hour, you are literally and figuratively (probably) a runner.
Sure, one excuse for this is that parking is crazy and can lead to delays. This is especially true in the first couple weeks of classes which brings me to my third question: Have you bought your parking pass?
Yes: Cool, you are prepared! No: Do you really plan on waiting in that line for a day pass? You and I both know that is the worst idea EVER. Just don’t do it. If you plan on driving to school and parking in the parking lot, buy a parking pass. Another (cheaper) option is to arrive early, park blocks away, and take a little walk. There is also public transportation (discounted for Fresno State Students), and my personal fav, the bicycle.
My final question to determine if you are prepared for the spring semester, or if you are simply just winging it and hoping for the best is: Do you have a pencil? I feel like this one doesn’t need much explaining. Some people feel that they don’t need to take notes; their method of learning is different than most, and that’s fine. But, please, bring a pencil to class. Just one. Just in case. If not for yourself, for the sake of seeming prepared.
Some people might ask why does it matter if students seem prepared or not. I think that this is very important. Being a student at a university is important to a lot of your fellow peers. It is something that many people (including myself) have worked very hard to achieve. By being and showing that you are prepared, you are announcing that you give a shit about something that I also give a shit about. Conversely, when you show up late to class every day, fall asleep next to me, and take all of my pencils, it makes me wonder why you are even there? Maybe ask yourself the same question.
From now on, let’s make Semester’s Eve a thing. It is a time to celebrate because we go to an amazing university and are receiving higher education, something that many people may never be able to experience. It is the time to start realizing our full potential. The best way to do that is to be prepared for the semester to come, and work hard towards making it the best semester yet. Here’s to Spring 2017!
