The first few weeks of school have come to an end. All of the syllabus quizzes and ungraded class discussions are coming to a screeching halt. For a second, school wasn’t so bad, in fact it was somewhat enjoyable but then reality set in and we were reminded that school is all about working hard and remembering how dumb we really are. Oh it’s also about being partnered with the worst people on Earth to complete an impossible task in an insanely short amount of time. To help motivate us through the first tests, quizzes and group projects I compiled some advice and understanding from the “Parks and Recreation” gang.
1. The first week of school when it's all easy.
2. Just took the syllabus quiz and got a 100.
3. The teacher announces the first test date and it's forever away.
4. Wait, it's been three weeks and now that test is here.
5. And the professor just reminded the class that the test will not be online.
6. I guess it's time to cram in some last minute studying.
7. Oh and you were just assigned a group project.
8. It's Day One of the group project and all your group members already suck.
9. Okay, I guess we'll just have to procrastinate on the project and get back to studying for the test.
10. Just got an email from the teacher saying half of the test is short-answer questions.
11. Headed to class to to take this test and evaluate my smartness.
12. You start to answer the first question and realize you don't even know what some of the words in the question mean.
13. Wait how many days are left to withdraw without academic penalty?
14. That moment halfway through the test when you realize your happiness in life does not depend on the outcome of this test.
16. At the end of the day you at least know you have the support of the Parks and Rec. gang.
Good luck to everyone who is starting their testing for the semester. Although it may be difficult but if we stay focused in the end it will lead to success. May we remain: as determined as Leslie Knope, confident as Tom Haverford, relaxed as Ron Swanson, sarcastic as April Ludgate, positive as Andy Dwyer, sassy as Donna Meagle, loyal as Ann Perkins, self-motivated as Chris Traeger, nerdy as Ben Wyatt, and nothing like Gary/Jerry/Larry Gergich. And in the words of Leslie Knope let us always remember our priorities, "we have to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third".