Finals week is in full swing, or just around the corner. You know what that means: the library is about to become your best friend and your worst enemy. Even as a frequent all-semester library goer, the atmosphere of the building itself changes during the week of finals. Walking up to the collegiate building towering over you, you have such high hopes for yourself and the knowledge you're about to experience. However, you leave that same building a few hours later and the wave of defeat washes over you. Time in the library can be tough, and if you're like me the hours turn into stages of disintegration; much like these:
1. Determination
You've got this. You packed your book bag to the brim and you're ready to kick some final's butt. You carefully pick your spot of conquering, (unfortunately, it's not your usual spot because some library newbie doesn't understand), you sit down and look at your to-do list. Confidently, you begin.
2. Pushing Through
The online quiz you just took (that had nothing to do with the material covered in class) just about killed you. It's been a few hours and it seems that only three things have been crossed off your list. You give yourself a mini pep talk about how you really do need that degree, and that even though Cs do get degrees, you should probably aim a little bit higher.
3. Coffee Break
If you're like me, you walked through those library doors with a full 20 ounces of coffee, but that just won't cut it today. While in stage two, you started bribing yourself into finishing your tasks. You finally finish that paper you've been procrastinating, and dang it, you deserve to treat yourself! Go ahead and get the large, and add a few extra shots of espresso for good measure.
4. The Break Down
You've been playing it cool for a few hours, the coffee shakes kicked in about a half hour ago, and your hand is cramping so hard that you begin to believe it could fall off. You're just about to hit "submit" on your 500 word discussion board, and the ever-wonderful university wifi (that probably half of your tuition goes towards) fails, and all of your work is lost. Crying on the quiet floor of the library is acceptable right? Good. Because that's what you're doing. Let the tears roll, everyone who hears or sees you fully understands.
5. Throwing in the Towel
With all the strength you can muster, you wave the white flag of surrender. Your shirt is tear and coffee stained, and you're convinced you have arthritis in your hand. Half of your to-do list remains unchecked, but hey, who needs that A anyway? Cs really do get degrees...right?
Happy studying my friends.
