Congratulations! It's May. If you haven't already packed up your belongings to move out and sold your textbooks back to some company that is most definitely going to scam you, then you're smack in the middle of finals season. You're almost done with yet another school year -- but the operative word here is "almost." Before you can hurl yourself headfirst into the long-awaited summertime, you must prove yourself worthy of rest and relaxation. Think you've got a little bit of motivation left? Check this list to see where you're at.
1. Stage One: Business as usual
Everything is fine. You're getting your schoolwork done, managing your extracurricular commitments, and even getting a reasonable amount of sleep every night! Wouldn't it just be sensational if things could always be this way? The answer is yes -- it would be, but we all know that's not how college works.
2. Stage Two: A glitch in the matrix
Is it just you, or is school not what it used to be? Why is there so much less time in the day? Why have all your teachers suddenly become more difficult graders? Whatever the case, the burnout is building, and you're not sure if you can stop it in time.
3. Stage Three: Denial
You consider yourself to be a pretty honest person, but sometimes the realities of college life are just too hard to face. You're constantly rounding your grades up, and your "study breaks" are more like mini vacations that involve leisurely naps, plenty of food and two or three episodes of your favorite TV show.
4. Stage Four: Attitude is everything
What's finals season without a serious lack of perspective? You grumble "I'm so done" in your head at least 15 times a day, whether it's in response to a minor event (how dare someone sneeze on the silent floor of the library!) or kinda major (Whoops! Just failed a cumulative exam).
5. Stage Five: Panic! at the library.
At long last, you begin to realize that the semester is ending and there's nothing you can do about it. Why remain calm and get your work done gradually when you can freak out about everything all at once? Quick -- ask all your professors for extra credit even though there's no chance you're gonna get it! Cram for quizzes and tests in subjects you know nothing about! Try to make up for the previous four months of neglect with two weeks of intense dedication!
6. Stage Six: School isn't everything -- it's the only thing.
In a last-ditch attempt to salvage your grades and your academic reputation, you decide to dedicate every waking hour of your life to schoolwork. You sleep only when your body absolutely demands it, and eat at the most ridiculous hours of the day. Be careful -- your downfall is approaching.
7. Stage Seven: The point of no return.
Well...that didn't work. Those all-nighters you were pulling have led to bouts oversleeping and those long hours in the library have turned your brain to mush. Suddenly, binge watching your favorite Netflix show and making late-night trips to Cook Out seems a little too enticing. Consider yourself lucky if this stage hits you after most of your finals have already taken place.
