Here I am: a college senior just starting her last 3 college courses before she is turned out into the real world. I am having so many mixed emotions about this semester. As I stated in one of my past articles, I have already finished my core classes for my Communications Major, so this semester is strictly pushing out the last few classes for my Business Minor.

This is all unfamiliar territory that I am stepping on but thankfully, this will help me in the real world. With my little time I have left at GCU, it seems all so surreal, it feels like I just started there but here I am 8 semesters later! All that aside, it has only been a week back on campus and I already feel like I have no energy or motivation to go on. Hello senioritis. Consequently, I have made it this far so here I am with a few tips and tricks that I will use to successfully stumble through the next 16 weeks, stress free.

1. Focus on one day at a time.

This works for me. It may not work for everyone, but for my life to remain stable, it's best that I don't worry about next week's challenges. I will face it when the time comes. Being present is best.

2. Set up a reward system.

As silly as this sounds, it will work. i.e. a little homework, a little chocolate. Rewards are everyone's best friend and will help fight the urge to give up.

3. Sleep

Really. A full night of sleep will be refreshing! Never once in my college career did I pull an all night-er to study for a silly test that won't matter in 16 weeks. I need my sleep to be a functional person. Also, allow for a few naps during the week.

4. Set financial goals.

As a graduating senior, I need to manage my money just a little better. Let's just say my closet is getting a little tighter every weekend. I need a new car and buying clothes and shoes is not helping. Money moves underway!

5. Find a hobby.

Even if school and family life consume me, I need to take time for myself and do what I want or like to do. Photography, writing, or maybe something a little more active will suffice!

6. Go out with friends.

I mean I do this anyway, but I think even more so this semester since my future is unknown and maybe I won't be in Phoenix anymore. Time is important for those who are closest to me.

7. Read a few books.

There will always be time to sit back and relax with a good book. The less stressed I am, the happier everyone else around me is.

8. Actively search for jobs.

Where ever my heart decides to end up, I need to make a rational decision on what kind of job will best fit me for the meantime and where.

9. Build connections.

With my life beginning in 16 weeks, I need to build my empire of people I know. This will force me to get out on my own and seek those who will help me along the way. This should take up some time within the next few months

10. Visit family.

I'm able to do this, so it is a distraction, but say if you're not able to go home on a regular bases, a call to your parents and grandparents every weekend or so will elevate some stress and give you a break to focus on them.

11. Don't fixate on the impossible.

I guess nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it, but I will set realistic goals for grades and my ability to function as an individual and not push myself to the extreme. Again, I want to breeze through the next weeks with ease, but with determination under my belt.

12. Go on a friends vacation.

We can always use a little weekend with our friends. Drive out of town to the nearest waterfront and laugh and drink the night away. Temporary break away from reality.

13. Don't leave work until last minute.

Stress free, remember?! "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you're late, it's unacceptable." - Take this as you will, but I find this helpful when getting school work in.

14. Have a work-out routine.

I started running back in September and it was the best thing ever because it allowed me to focus on something other than school work and work. I haven't ran in a few months but I am ready to get back on a schedule.

15. Don't beat yourself up over small things.

Being mentally fit is so important when trying to get through a period of time. If something happens that is out of your control, get over it instead of dwelling on it. If something happens that is your fault, use minimal effort to comfort the problem just enough that it will be forgotten tomorrow.

16. Write in a journal.

With life going on and trying to figure out my next steps towards my future, I think I need to start keeping a journal about my progress through the semester. I will allow for personal growth, financial growth, knowledge growth, and future growth within this journal so I am able to go back and see how far I have come after my 16 weeks are done. What an accomplishment that will be.