It's that time of year again, a time when many of the university libraries are being filled to capacity with students frantically doing some studying before their dreaded final exams. We have all been in that predicament- Have I studied enough? Do I really know the material? Can I really earn that grade on the exam to get the grade I want in the course? Will my professor curve (this is the big question)?
While finals definitely take their toll on the stressed psyche of college students everywhere, one man can help us all find a little laughter this final season: Bob Ross.
For those who don't know, Bob Ross is an American painter who was born in Daytona Beach FL and had his own television show back in the day. Known for his big poof of hair and beard, painting beautiful scenes without ever missing a beat. He was truly a classic.
1. Anything worth doing takes practice
If anything about going to school for 12 years of grammar/middle (or junior)/high school plus 4+ years of undergrad taught you anything, it's that everything worth doing takes loads of practice. Even riding a bike when you were younger required practice, so think of finals as a way to show off the skills you've been "practicing" all semester.
2. It's perfectly fine to be a little lazy
In the midst of studying for hours on end, you need to have a little time to be lazy (if you so chose)
3.The "Happy Accidents" Mantra
Before sitting down to take that last (or first) exam, Bob Ross's mantra speaks to all of us. They are just happy little accidents. For some reason, this seems oddly calming to me, and even if you don't do as well as you had hoped to do, just remember that in the end what you learned is what's most important. The grade helps but the learning behind that grade is what will propel you in life.
4. Believing in yourself-
It was also a quote from Walt Disney- If you can dream it, you CAN do it. This is especially true with Bob Ross. He always said in his shows that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it. And were strong enough to continue with it. Never give up on something you are passionate about. That includes yourself. Have that pep talk that you can do it, believe you can do it. Believe and achieve!
5. Have passion when taking your finals
Canvas, test, same thing really. At the end of the exam time, you and that test will be one. And you have to conquer it. One way or another.
6. Don't be so hard on yourself
7. Remember, life is just a bunch of happy accidents.
All of life can be comprised into "I meant to do that" and "whoops, that didn't go as planned". Same goes for finals. Nothing is set in stone when you sit down for that exam. Maybe your professor will even curve the class based on the scores. You just never know. And when you log in at 12:00 AM the morning grades are officially released and see your grade, you'll know that your time spent studying will have been worth it.
8. That happiness when you conquer the exam
I mean his face says it all (^). When you do feel victorious over the exam you were most worried about, there is NO better feeling in the world.
9. When you make a mistake- remember what good old B.R says-
Just remember that no matter if you make a mistake- it doesn't define you as a person. Just try again harder next time.
10. Freedom when all is said and done!
Handing in the last exam and beginning your holiday break is an amazing feeling. One of success, emotion (especially if the following semester will be your last),excitement, and of course that feeling of freedom.
Be thankful for the opportunity to go to school folks! And be thankful for your support system, whomever they may be. Life (and college) isn't easy, and they are there to help you along the way!
(Rest in Peace Bob Ross: Oct. 29, 1942 - July 4, 1995. Flying high with his birds)
