What if we re-think those tiny works of art on the far margins of your notebook for a second? What if those little drawings are not so much of a distraction, but rather a way of self-expression. Think back to those many times in class where you drifted off to doodle something you had to do that day, a cool idea you had, or even an expression of emotion you were feeling. In the dull, stale and often times boring confines of a classroom, the corner of your lose leaf paper offers you a space of creativity and release that breaks up the tension of class time. Take a look at these eight doodles and ask yourself, what can I create on my margins?

1. A doodle can serve as a reminder.

See this little cake on the side of my notes? I drew to remind me to call my friend back home for her birthday that day.

2. Maybe a doodle is a way to release some built up emotions.

A fight you had with your mom? An ex-relationship? Too much stress? Doodle it

3. Maybe you need to doodle a list of things you need.

Need something at Walmart later, you probably wont forget that you need toothpaste when you tried crazy hard to get the lines on the tube just right.

4. Got a professor you're not so fond of?

Yeah, you do. Perhaps a little doodle of no professor in particular (don't use names) can help you get your frustrations out.

5. Crush's initials.

Maybe your trying to picture how you and your crush's initials will look carved into a tree when you two totally get married in the future.

6. Or maybe you need to cover up that doodle with another doodle because your crush definitely just saw you draw that.

I swear, I am not a creep.

7. Help you visualize a concept being taught in class.

Maybe drawing out the lesson can help you study it later.

8. Doodling can unlock some creativity and help you visualize an idea on the spot.

Whatever your reason, make sure to keep doodling because we can find some of our most creative moments in the margins. But you should probably pay attention in class.