I know you do not have a lot of time, so I will make this brief.

Regardless of whether your d(r)ead week was busier than your finals week, you are about intellectually spent this semester and absolutely cannot wait to go home for a much-deserved break.

Once testing is complete, there is absolutely nothing any of us can do that has any effect on our grades. Coming to terms with this fact is more difficult of a pill to swallow for some people than it is for others.

After all of our hard work, all we can do is wait. You may have run every possible GPA scenario you could possibly fathom, but none of that matters until final grades hit the NEST.

Regardless of whether you care deeply about your semester grades or not, everyone could use some inspirational quotes to get them through the day. Some apply to you, some do not. Some are extremely meaningful, and some are just a tad goofy. I will provide commentary as I see fit, enjoy.

“Plough deep, while sluggards sleep, and you shall have corn to sell and to keep.”—Ben Franklin

This is for the all-nighter types. I have no idea how or why anyone survives those, but I have to respect the dedication. While others are lazy, the determined will rise above. Cheers, you sleepless mad(wo)men.

“As long as the effort is there, you can’t fault the execution.”—Ryan C. Ramsay

You focused on that question on your test for what seemed like an hour but were unable to manage more than a few half-assed sentences. Well, at least you tried, right?

“If you set your goals low enough, you’re bound to achieve them.”—Russ Canfield

This comes straight from my uncle, USMA alumni and retired Exxon Mobil engineer. If it worked for him, I feel obliged to share it with my classmates. After all, would you rather look at a completed to-do list, or set goals you are uncertain you will achieve?

“There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.”—Theodore Roosevelt

Striking words from one of the most badass figures in all of American history. You will be remembered for the effort you put forth, Teddy promises.

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.”—Thomas Jefferson

So do not let those tests, papers, and presentations ruffle your feathers, Jays. Just stay as cool as the other side of the pillow and knock finals week out of the park.