The FINAL Countdown

 The Fall 2022 semester is wrapping up quickly! 

This semester, for me, felt like it went by in a flash. I remember day 1 of PAD 500 when Missy came and delivered the incoming student orientation like it was yesterday, but in reality, it was a couple of months ago. It's hard to believe that I embarked on this journey and now I am one step closer to obtaining my degree and all of my goals! 

Standing in between that, though, is finals week. This is the week that students at every level dread. It's a week of high stress and requires a lot of patience for yourself and your professors! Everyone is doing the best they can, so be kind. I know it's very different to be the one producing information and results rather than just receiving the information during lecture. But it is integral to making the most of your experience as a student! Everyone is doing the best they can, so be kind. 

Stress can present itself in many ways. Most commonly among college students, at the undergraduate and graduate level, stress presents itself in these ways:

• procrastinating on assignments or studying
• not getting enough sleep 
• forgetting to eat/shower/take care of yourself
• getting sick 
• mid-exam panic/blanking out

It's important to realize that you are probably not the only person having these issues and to rely on the support (while maintaining academic integrity) of fellow classmates, professors, and advisors. 

Before that, though, it is important to try and establish healthy patterns and behaviors to the best of your ability. This might be scheduling a day to have a "brain break," tidying up your house, making yourself a nice meal, getting a solid night's sleep, creating a study plan, or many other things! One of the best things to do is remember that you can do this! You spent an entire semester preparing for this moment, and while it's scary, you have the knowledge and information needed to succeed. 

Good luck!