Let's do some breathing exercises. Breathe in. Breathe out. If you keep doing this, you will survive the exciting college experience we call finals.
If you're a student reading this, it probably means you are scrolling through Facebook, procrastinating or simply avoiding the enormous pile of projects and study materials you're supposed to be focusing on.
But no matter; this is a judgement-free zone, where you don't have to worry about me harping at you to buckle down and stay on task.
I know all too well what my fellow students are thinking and feeling during this difficult time of the year. Been there, done that.
As I sit here writing this, there are about a dozen other assignments, papers, study guides, and responsibilities that need my attention. Funny how this is basically a universal struggle for students just trying to make it to the end of the semester.
Just take some time now to hear some encouraging words and think about the good times ahead. When the end of the week arrives, it will be Christmas break, a time when you hopefully don't have to worry about homework, deadlines, or running to class in freezing temperatures.
I just want to let you know, wherever you are, whatever you are struggling with, you can do this. You can push through and accomplish all you need to. Just think of all the hard work you have put into this semester, and be comforted by the fact that it will all be over in a few short days.
Take a moment to think about the joyous time that is Christmas break. Time to spend with friends and family, do some baking, relax in front of the TV, go sledding, or simply do nothing.
This is the true joy of being on a break. (But not in the way Ross Geller would describe it.)
Nothing sounds better to me right now than to sit on a big, comfy couch piled up with blankets, drinking hot chocolate, and enjoying the company of friends and family - as long as they don't ask me how school is going.
It may be productive to look forward to the coming semester, or perhaps a prospective job for those of you who are graduating, but at least take some time off and enjoy being away from school.
As a student, I probably need to hear these words just as much you do. My time cramming for finals is almost over, but for many of you, it is just beginning.
If this is the case, don't lose hope. Believe me when I say that your college experience is going to fly by so much quicker than you think. So while this time of the year does suck, remember that it won't always be this way.
