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1. "Legally Blonde"
When I decided to make this list, this was the first movie that came to mind. Almost no one inspires me more than Elle Woods.
For those who have not yet seen this movie (which I hope is very few), "Legally Blonde" focuses on the story of Elle Woods, who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law after he dumps her in an attempt to get him back. This may sound like a cheesy rom-com, but I promise you it is much more. Elle proves to herself and others throughout the movie what a strong, smart, and capable woman she is. If you are looking for motivation in your studies, this is the movie for you. Oh, and if you are a fan of musicals, I highly recommend checking out the musical as well - it is fantastic!
2. "Big Hero 6"
When thinking of motivational or inspirational movies, many Disney movies come to mind. However, I didn't want to overload this list with Disney movies, so I settled with just putting "Big Hero 6." I don't want to say too much about this movie because I want to avoid giving away any spoilers, but what I will say is that it is an excellent and heartwarming movie about the importance of seeking out family and friendships during hard times because nobody, not even a child prodigy like the main character, can handle everything by themselves. It's a cute flick that always gets me going. Highly recommend.
3. "Matilda"
Who here remembers our queen Matilda? If there is one thing to take away from this movie, it is the importance of resilience! If a six-year-old can value her studies above everything else at the risk of suffering bullying and abuse, then you can finish that essay you are procrastinating writing. I'm not saying you need to be a genius, but much can be learned from the bright and outstanding Matilda.
4. "The Imitation Game"
Speaking of resilience, let's talk about Alan Turing. "The Imitation Game" follows the true story of mathematician Alan Turing who during World War II, worked with a team deemed with the task of decrypting the German Enigma machines. As one can imagine, this was no easy task, and the team faced many challenges throughout the way. Due to the high level of secrecy during the war, the people involved knew that their extensive efforts would go unrewarded for years, but they dedicated their lives to it anyway. Thinking about that calms me down after slaving away at a massive final paper to then get a single check mark with the comment "Ok" written next to it. Just because your work isn't always rewarding, doesn't mean it's not important.
5. "Whiplash"
Another movie about, you guessed it, resilience. That is pretty much the driving force of this movie. I mean, you have to be pretty resilient to handle an absolutely wild and insane conductor like the one in this movie, played by J.K. Simmons.
Something that really moves me about this movie is how dedicated the main character is to his craft. We've all had that crazy harsh professor that we hate dealing with, but in all honesty, the main reason they are so harsh on us is that they want and expect us to do better. There is always room to grow, and if a professor or mentor is harsh on you, it is because they know you can do better. I say all this, but I don't know if I'd be able to handle a professor hurling a chair at me like in the movie. But it is fun to watch.
6. "Silver Linings Playbook"
This movie always leaves me with a warm feeling after watching. This movie tells the story of Pat Solitano teaming up with recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell to try to win back his estranged wife after being released from a psychiatric hospital. This movie stresses the importance of a positive outlook on life, and that while life may not go as planned, everything will work out in the end. This message is one I definitely need to hear during finals week.
7. "Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened"
So for this one, I took a 180 with the whole theme of resilience. While there are plenty of better, more motivating documentaries to watch, I prefer this one because it makes me feel better about myself. No matter how bad I screw up, it will never compare to the disaster that was the Fyre Festival. It's the kind of dumpster fire you watch and think, "How could this have turned out this badly?"
This movie motivates me to work my hardest because if I mess up, it could have a negative effect on not just me but so many other innocent parties involved, like in the case of the Fyre Festival. But at the end of the day, it's just fun to watch Billy McFarland crash and burn.
8. "Rushmore"
You don't always have to be good at school itself, as long as you are dedicated to something. Or many somethings, as is the case with the main character of Max "Rushmore" Fischer. While Max doesn't excel so much in his academics, he is heavily devoted to a variety of extracurriculars. When his life takes a downward spiral throughout the movie, he is able to pick it back up and throw all of his frustration into his playwriting. This isn't the main message from the movie, but it is what I am choosing to take out of it so I have an excuse for not being so good at my academics.
9. "Holes"
I don't really have much of a reason for putting this one on here besides the fact that I saw the poster for it recently and I had a flood of nostalgia wash over me. I guess there is a message to be gleaned from this movie, perseverance and upholding promises and the works. I'm not going to get into all that. All I am going to say is that it's a pretty darn good movie and a great way to waste time.
10. "Iron Man"
I've held myself back from writing any Marvel or "Endgame"-related articles lately, but if you think I wasn't going to make any mention of a Marvel movie during this list, you thought wrong.
For this entry, I am taking it all the way back to the beginning. A lot of people I know who watch Marvel movies now tell me that they don't bother with the first "Iron Man" because they don't think it's relevant. I think it's a tragedy for someone to go their whole life and not see this movie. The story of Tony Stark is truly compelling and while I have been going on and on about resilience during this list, none of the characters in those other movies hold a candle to Tony Stark when it comes to resilience. What does Tony do when captured and imprisoned by a terrorist group in a foreign country? Oh, just build an incredible suit of armor to fight his way out. This movie is the start of an unprecedented franchise and it all started with a bunch of scraps of iron. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.
Carla Viera
1. Will - Sleep
Me tucking myself in after not doing a damn thing all day.
GiphyI had and have so many morning classes that I haven't had a real chance of resting all semester. Apparently, I haven't learned my lesson because I have a plethora of morning classes and clearly not enough time to actually rest. But in the days leading to the first day of the semester, I will sleep in and not give a you-know-what. I'll enjoy it, all 6 days I'll have off.
2. Won't - Procrastinate
Not meeeeee.
GiphyAs I've mentioned in one of my recent articles, I have really turned myself around with my academic life. I have struggled to get back from being a 0.8 GPA student to where I am now, nearly reaching 2.5. I've gotten where I am by not slacking on my classwork and really investing myself in my classes. I will soon be taking Stats in the summer (kill me) and I know I can't procrastinate. Wish me luck!
3. Will - Celebrate my Birthday
Just one night to celebrate! It would be...It would be SO nice!
GiphyI have been waiting all year for my birthday to come back around and I'm more than ready to enjoy my 22nd on June 22nd. Most of my past birthdays were pool parties. I used to spend 80% of my summer going to my pool and having my skin turn from caramel to cinnamon. This year, I hope to have a big party with all of my favorite people. And as soon as that weekend's over, I'll go right back to studying like nobody's business.
4. Won't - Cry
Literally me when anything good or bad happens to me.
GiphyI can be an overly-emotional person. I tend to cry at the littlest of things, not just sad things, but happy ones too. I'm trying to control my emotions and express them in a healthy and positive way. So for my mid-year resolution, I've decided to try and stop crying. Okay, okay, just cry less.
5. Will - Work
Me trying to keep my cool while being ambushed by customers.
GiphyI'll be starting a new job soon and I'm very excited to say that this job is going to really make me feel good. It's new and fresh and I believe that everyone deserves a fresh start after working non-stop in an underappreciated position. I will be working my butt off this summer, but I will also keep my classwork in mind. I don't know if I can go through with this "no crying" thing.
6. Won't - Work Out
Me...
GiphyI know you're probably thinking you read that wrong, but you didn't. I really doubt I'll want to spend an hour a day working out and exercising, I'm already wheezing just thinking about it. I'm honestly not trying to say I wouldn't work out if I had the chance... but I totally am. I'm not the exercise type, but I respect those who really like to willingly work out. I don't know how you do it, but keep going! I'll watch from the sidelines.
7. Will - Go to the Beach
Me the second I reach the sand.
GiphyI live in Naples and I have access to a private beach through my residence. I rarely go to the beach, but as I said, I want to try new things out. I'd like to go to the beach with my husband at least twice a month over the course of the summer and if I choose to, I think I'll start to go more often. I need to have a drink though if I'm willing to be outside, let alone in the sun.
8. Won't - Stop Re-Watching Mad Men
How I feel when I watch an entire season in a day.
GiphyI love this show and I know it's mostly dialogue, but it's an amazing journey of a show. So much can change in a very short amount of time. Imagine your life ten years ago, and then imagine your life ten years from now. Things are not only going to be different, you will also be different. This is why this show is one of a kind; it really brings things into perspective.
9. Will - Take a Trip
Me after I packed everything the morning of and I made you wait for 30 minutes in the car because I couldn't find my iPhone charger.
GiphyI'm hoping that by the time summer ends I'll be able to say that I took a fun trip. Wherever I end up going, I just hope I can look back and say that it felt good to let go and be consumed in complete joy. Whether it be a road trip with my husband or an impromptu trip with my girls, I know it's gonna be a perfect end to a long and hard-worked summer.
However you choose to spend your summer, I hope you have fun and stay safe. I'm excited about the things I have in store for me. What do you have in store for you?
I've asked around, done my research, and narrowed it down to give you all 5 tips to reduce stress during finals. There are different methods that work for different people; everyone is wired in their own way. But hopefully, these tips are of use to you all! Happy Finals!!
1. Be proactive and pay attention in class.
I know it seems self-explanatory, and I may sound like your mother, but pay attention in class.
For me, I've found it's easiest to stay attentive during class if I take notes. As it turns out, hand-writing notes in class activate the parts of your brain responsible for memory recall and force your brain to engage with the information. It's also helpful to organize and revise your notes after class! This will help you remember the information later on, and keep you from stressing and scrambling through a mess of handouts for information before the final!
2. Manage your time.
You can't procrastinate when it comes to preparing and studying for finals.
Start organizing your information and creating a study-guide a week or two before the final. I've found that the earlier I begin preparing for an exam, the less stressed out I am when it comes time to take it. I'm not suggesting you start studying 5 hours a day before the final. Looking over the information and learning it, little by little, in the week(s) before will help you not feel so rushed when it's the day before the final.
3. Test yourself.
I learned this trick during my first psychology class.
Our brains learn by making mistakes. You can take your notes from lecture and create online flashcards, practice tests, and other cool study techniques using a website, such as Quizlet! This has by far been one of the most helpful and effective studying tips I've learned in college! It's taken so much stress out of my study routine. I've been making better grades ever since I started using this trick.
4. Take breaks.
When you're studying for hours on end, your brain is going to get tired and stop taking in information.
That's when taking study breaks come in handy. Now--a study break is not scrolling through Instagram for Twitter for 30 minutes, and it's not gossiping with your friends. The goal here is to relax and refresh, not distract. Assuming you've been sitting; stand up and stretch. Try grabbing a coffee, tea, something to eat, or some fresh air to clear your head for a little bit.
5. Get rid of distractions!
Again, here's me sounding like your mom.
Put your phone away and find a place to study with the least amount of distraction. Nothing breaks your concentration, mid-study, more than a phone call from your best-friend, Snapchat from your boo, or that one loud person that's always in the library. When you can't study, that just leads to more stress when it comes time to take the final. If you're studying with friends, make sure you pick the friends that actually help you study. The ones who will talk the entire time about anything and everything, other than the material you're studying? They aren't your best bet.
