Midterms are supposedly made to show your process so far in the semester, but it’s actually to get students to pull their hair out. The stress, late nights spent downing gallons of coffee, and those evil teachers that give you stacks of homework on top of your exams help make midterms a week from hell. With all of these weighing down on you, a reminder creeps in the back of your mind: the semester’s halfway over.
Now, before you have a panic attack and start screaming into your pillow, keep in mind that it’s only half over. There’s still about two months left to help yourself. For those preparing to graduate in December, you’re almost there. Keep pushing through it and the next thing you’ll know, you’ll be walking across that stage. For anyone else, spend some time working on your grades and getting all of your homework done throughout the next half; make your parents proud. Go out and job hunt, add some extra money in your pockets for the weekend. Patch things up with that good friend of yours you may have be in a fight with or are drifting away from. Do whatever it is that will help you throughout the next half, but be sure to enjoy yourself. After all, college doesn’t last forever.
With all of these thoughts on how to improve, make sure you live in the moment. Time flies, so set aside some time for yourself to just relax. You don’t want to let what’s yet to come add more stress on yourself. Scribble into your planner a night saved just for yourself. Not a night out with your friends, not a night spent doing homework or studying, a night specifically for your enjoyment. Draw a bubble bath, pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on some music, and reminisce on the good times you’ve had so far this semester while keeping in mind the many more to come. After all, just because half of the semester’s over doesn’t mean it’s bad. We’ve all had some great memories to look back on, and some to look forward to.
Now, take a moment to look out your window and remember one great thing that the second half has: the seasons have changed. Whether you like the fall season or not, there are so many great things that come during this half. Fall Break, pumpkin picking, Fright Farm, Halloween, bonfires, Thanksgiving cooking, colorful leaves, boots, scarves, oversized sweaters, and many other features come with autumn. Weekend trips are planned with your friends in which you do nothing but fall activities. Who doesn’t enjoy painting or carving pumpkins in a room full of people you love? Or maybe sitting around a bonfire while roasting smores? So rather than freaking out about a new half, pull on a comfy sweater, grab yourself a Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy.