As my freshman school year is coming to an end, I’ve been contemplating how to make the most of the rest of my year. Sure it’s easy to lose focus, especially with Little 500 weekend quickly approaching and finals on top of that, but I just wanted to share a few reasons on how to make the most out of these next few weeks. Here is some food for thought.
Academics:
I know it’s very easy to lose motivation or get distracted as you become overwhelmed and swamped with homework assignments, tests, papers and quizzes, which seem like a lot considering finals are right around the corner. But I suggest you use these assessments as motivation. Although this is much easier said then done, just remember that these assessments are essentially what you’ve been preparing for all semester! It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and to just start going through the motions of completing assignments and going to class. However, remember that you are not here just to get by. You are here for a bigger purpose. Hopefully, that purpose is to learn about your passions and eventually leave college with the expertise to exercise your knowledge everyday for the rest of your life! Just remember that you have purpose and to make this experience count.
Take a Break and Take Care of Yourself:
That being said, do not let academics absorb your life. Make sure you remember to take care of yourself. It’s easy to say you don’t have time for sleep or working out and that eating healthy is too much work and you just want to treat yourself. I know I often live by that treat yourself motto. But treat yourself with some healthy eating, sleep and exercise! We all know these activities help our physical and mental state. In fact, I would argue doing something other than homework every once in a while is a productive use of your time. Otherwise, you'll be moseying through your assignments and constantly cranky during classes. Refocus, center yourself, and breathe.
Have Fun:
While exercise, healthy eating and sleep can be great stress-relievers in day-to-day life, there are so many great things you can participate in coming up. So, in these dark times of all-nighters and coffee, remember all of the great things this world and specifically IU has to offer. We are on a beautiful campus full of endless opportunities. Don’t let this rainy weather dampen your last few days here or let it stop from having a good time altogether.
First off, it’s never too late to get involved in clubs. So maybe just take a look online and see what’s out there and what interests you. It never hurts to see what you could get involved in next year. Plus, it’s a great feeling when you feel proactive in some aspect of your life. I know I'm very excited to be participating in my first IU Dance Marathon next year along with other new organizations.
On a more exciting note, Little 500 Weekend is coming up very soon. Even if you aren’t associated with a team, go support your fellow students who are involved in both the men and women’s bike race! Not every school has a great tradition like this, so make it count! This is also just a great time to meet people. Just remember to be safe and not let academics slip due to this exciting week of events.
If you want to have a more relaxing, fun time, I suggest you complete more items of the IU Bucket List. For example, go to a show at the IU Auditorium, hike around Griffy Lake, or spend some time in Dunn Meadow! Maybe do something simple and just take a stroll down Kirkwood with some friends. Just remember, in this time of chaos, you have purpose. If you're a freshman like me, you may have a few more years to go. But regardless of age, we are IU. Treat yourself well and study hard. Everything else will fall into place. Let’s all make the most of these next few weeks.
Related We Are IU Articles:
The Final Chapter: My Last Semester at IU
Tips To Make It Through A Couple Of Rough Weeks Of Homework And Finals