This has been one of the fastest, yet longest, most fun, yet most stressful, and best, yet worst semester ever. I know I am not the only one in this boat. The year 2016 is sure going out with a bang! With everything that has been going on lately, I think everyone is ready for a break. In fact, I see countdowns just about everywhere. There are countdowns to Thanksgiving break, countdowns to graduation, countdowns to Christmas...I think you get the point. It seems that everyone is rallying for this stretch before the holidays. Here are all of the things that'll keep us all busy and stressed before break:

1. The Countdowns

As mentioned before, the countdowns are everywhere. They all signal that while life may be tough now, there is something to look forward to in the near future. I personally think that it is a little too early for all the Christmas stuff because Halloween was just a little over a week ago, but there are just over 2 weeks until Thanksgiving! Bring on the food!

2. Exams

We all have them and they’re no fun. Now that we are entering the tail end of the semester and not including this week, we have 2 weeks of classes and then it's finals. Most exams and quizzes are behind you!

3. Extra Activities

Extra activities are the real kicker this time of year. When they all have things going on at the same time, it makes you question why you decided to participate in so much in the first place! With school, clubs and organizations, sports, and work, things can get overwhelming.

4. The world

I don’t know about you, but the planet seems a bit of a mess lately, particularly the USA. It’s a little scary but also a tiny bit comforting knowing that it is not just you that is a “hot mess” these days. The tension regarding the presidential election definitely doesn’t help anyone, either, but hey, in just four years we get to try this again.

5. Illness

Why is everyone always sick?! It is bad enough that any time I eat on campus, I feel nauseated. Everywhere I turn, people are coughing, sneezing, and sniffling. It just seems to be a never ending cycle! Lots of fluid and rest is in order.

This is definitely the time of year to muster up every last ounce of motivation, drink all the coffee/espresso/energy drinks you can find, and push through until that sweet week long break that is Thanksgiving. Ah, Thanksgiving. It’s the time to eat, sleep, relax and rejuvenate for finals. Only a couple weeks left!