Every spring at Eastern Michigan University, there is a day where the best and brightest of the undergraduate minds get the chance to present and show the world what they have in their heads. This day is the Undergraduate Symposium, and as a presenter this year, I am beyond excited. However, it's my first time presenting, and if I can speak of the rest of the first time presenters, the path to the Symposium has been a long and hard one. And one that isn't quite done yet, especially if you're like me and are panicking over your project still.
And if you're like me, then your thought process the past few weeks leading up to this one resembles the following:
1) Oh my gosh! I was accepted! I GOT IN!
2) I can't wait to dazzle everyone with my project!
3)....I am done with my project right?
4) Oh crap. I'm not. I'm not done at all.
5) I forgot to finish it after I wrote the abstract!!
I swore it was done! What have I done?!
6) Keep calm, keep calm. You can do this.
7) We're going to finish it right now!
8) *After working on it for a few minutes*
.... yeah, that kinda works. Maybe I should take a break!*proceeds to do nothing for 8 hours*
9) Such a good break.... I really should finish the project though
10) Okay, here we go. Back to it!
11) Shoot, what do I actually know about my topic?
12) I KNOW NOTHING. I'M A FRAUD.
13) I'M GOING TO EMBARRASS MYSELF.
14) Or maybe not.... I mean, my Faculty Sponsor has faith in me, right?
They did want me to present, and they've been encouraging me this whole time, so.... that's good, right? They think I'm still smart!
15) Either way, can't stop now. It's too close to stop now.
Have to finish, have to finish.....
17) Oh dear god. I'm so glad that's all over with.
18) I can relax now!!!
19) Wait. I still have to present.
So close, and yet so far.
Eastern Michigan University's 36th Annual Undergraduate Symposium will take place on April 1st, 2016 at the Student Center. Come and support all of the hardworking students!