Shoremen Speak: The April Home Stretch

By Kay Wicker
Elm Columnist

Over the course of a week I find that I have an article due by Tuesday, at least two papers and a short story due by Wednesday, and an exam or two thrown in the mix by Friday. Not to mention, I have extracurricular activities demanding what little free time I have left. Left to complete on my agenda is a video project for my French class, two papers, a few short stories to critique, and–by the way–I’m running on about five hours of asleep a day. At first, I thought I was buckling beneath the weight of all my work because due to my own mismanagement of time. Turns out that isn’t true, though, and most importantly, I’m not at all alone in this uphill climb to the finish of the semester.

While having lunch with my friend, sophomore Emily Hall, she counted off the seven papers she had left to complete before the month was up. In my African American Lit class, another student complained of having pulled an all-nighter and, despite her efforts, is still behind. Another friend of mine had to ask for an extension on a paper because she just had far too many other things due around the same time. A lot of classes are gearing up for their final projects and final papers on top of their weekly assignments. I apologize if these last two paragraphs have done nothing to ease your overworked spirits, but don’t fret, because you’re not alone.

April is a crazy work month for college students all around the country. It’s the last full month before the May finals week. Everything from class trips and papers to outside-of-class activities get jammed within these four weeks. It can become extremely difficult to keep up with everything and stay sane, but have no fear, for it can be done! It’s all about developing a system that leaves some room for the occasional freak out. You only get one though. Give yourself one good freak out, then get serious. For some people, plunging right through to the finish works. For others they have to make a detailed agenda and attack one thing at a time.

In my situation, I find that I have to give myself a clear deadline for the day. I promise myself that no matter how much I get finished I’ll stop at around midnight. Besides, after around 1 a.m. my efforts become counterproductive. I tend to write as if I’m delusional or something.

I also make sure to prioritize my work based on the size and due date. I also take breaks, which help me not only relax, but re-approach my work with a refreshed perspective. I’ve noticed papers always seem far more finished the morning after I’ve cried myself to sleep over it.

I don’t know whether or not little paper elves come during my sleep and touch things up or if that time away from the assignment allows me to better gauge how much I’ve accomplished in comparison to how much I have left to do…I’ll go with the latter. When it comes to studying, I’m a huge fan of threes. I’ll go over something three times, then move on to the next term or what have you and repeat. I also read the full chapter the terms come from for better comprehension.

As deadlines start to close in, remember that sleep is your best friend. I bet you regret turning your nose up at naps when you were toddler. Stay strong, fellow Shoremen. Summer 2012 and all its promises is on the horizon.

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