The Year's End: Finish Strong
December brings a close to both our academic and calendar year. And, all our instincts are screaming at us to give in to the holiday season, let go of any educational obligations, hole up in a blanket and pretend that school doesn’t exist. But while that instinct is strong, it doesn’t account for months and months of consistent effort and excellence. The year’s end is a beckoning to give up on all that progress, a mirage that strays you away from the finish line, but you must keep your eyes open and keep walking. Here’s how you can do it:
Final’s season:
‘Tis the season to lock in, be entirely focused on all the subject material you’ve poured over the entire year. This is when it pays off. You’ve checked all the study stuff off your list, but December comes hand in hand with finals. Whether it be exams, end of year projects or any extra credit you need to wrap a bow on your perfect grades. So, how can you give these final exams your all?
1. Make a schedule: I know that you’re tired, and feel like doing nothing when you get home from school. So, try to fit as much revision and workload into the school day as possible, and rest at home. You know best what needs to fit where, whether all nighters work better for you or if you’re at your optimum working levels early in the morning. Personalise your timetable to fit your ease.
2. Prioritise: Make a hierarchy of what comes when. Can homework be neglected for a while? Is covering one subject more important than another? Should you be working on your part of the presentation instead? Divide your time according to what comes f irst.
3. Group work: It is true that motivation levels peak when you see others in the same boat as you. So grab those hot chocolates, friends and a spot in the library. Motivate each other by studying together. This way, you can cover more in less time and boost productivity. Trust me, your project will look much better with supportive partners contributing to it.
4. Don’t. Get. Distracted: Seriously, I know the thought of curling up in bed with the book you’ve been waiting to read all year is tempting, but put it down. Don’t start a show right now. You will have time, you just need to go a little farther.
5. Be kind to yourself: If it needs all types of romanticism and sweet treats to get the work done, please don’t hesitate. Remind yourself that you’re going the extra mile. You deserve love, encouragement and another cup of coffee. It’s a small price to pay for the perfect GPA!
6. Easy on the extracurriculars: Final’s season is already the most hectic part of the academic year, please give yourself time to relax before jumping to the next best event for your profile. Even worse, don’t pile them on at the same time as your exams and projects. They’re important, I know. But I promise you, you will have time.
At last…
I get the feeling of needing to just “stop” already. And trust me, it may not seem like it, but you will hit pause and it will be wonderfully rewarding. Motivate yourself by looking forward to that time, the feeling of getting to say “At last…”
But remember. If you don’t give it your best now, you will not be able to enjoy your break the way you deserve to. You’ll spend it wondering about what more you could have done. So, do it now, and know that I’m proud of you.