It is that time of year: finals. Depending on how well you did in a class, finals may either make or break you. Sometimes you will get lucky with a professor who makes the final optional or lets you use your study guide on the test. Whether you're a college freshman experiencing finals for the first time or a super-senior ready to get out, everyone goes through many stages of finals week. You can go from one end of the spectrum to the other in just a snap. Everyone goes through an array of emotions. Finals week can get the best and worst out of every one of us.
Here are seven characteristics everyone goes through, as told by Snow White's Seven Dwarfs.
1. Sneezy
I would get a cold this week. Is it from the weather? Is it from the dust in my dorm that has not been cleaned all semester? Is it from the all-nighters I've pulled all week?
2. Doc
I can do this! I will pass all of the finals and make the dean's list! I may have procrastinated on the readings all semester, but I will make it up on the final. I will finish strong!
3. Bashful
I want to have a group study session, but I don't talk to anyone in this class. I could email the class, but will anyone reply. I could go to the professor's office hours, but they don't even know my name. What am I going to do?
4. Dopey
It's 4 a.m., and I have been in the library since 9 pm yesterday. I've drunk two venti coffees from Starbucks, my head is pounding, and I'm ready to go to bed. I've lost my mind. Why am I laughing at nothing?
5. Sleepy
When was the last time I actually had a good night's sleep? I got three hours of sleep last night and two the night before. I took an hour nap today. Am I a walking zombie?
6. Grumpy
I got two hours of sleep last night, I have not eaten a real meal in weeks, and I am not prepared for this final. I don't know if I should be mad at myself, my professor, or the world. Somebody hand me a Snickers.
7. Happy
As I take each final, I'm one step closer to being out of school for awhile. No school, no stress, no problems. Sweet, sweet freedom here I come!
As you head into the next few weeks of final, remember a few simple tips: Get some sleep, eat a healthy meal, and get some fresh air. Study hard, but don't overwork yourself. Your grade does not define you. With that being said, don't sell yourself short. Try your hardest. You're just a week away from sweet, sweet freedom! Plus, Meredith Grey didn't get to marry McDreamy by not studying. You've got this!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." -Dr.Seuss