We did it, Collegiettes! We’ve made it past the winter break and through mid-terms and reading week.
Now, we’re faced with an entirely new challenge. How will we ever motivate ourselves to make it through the final stretch?
I know all too well that my motivation usually wanes around this time. So, for the third time since beginning my university career, I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped me stay focused on the end goal (aka your summer vacay!).
This is my list – I’ve physically written it out dozens of times and taped it into my notebooks, over my desk and even on sticky notes on my laptop and phone. It helps me focus on why I’m here, and what my goals are.
1. Remember your passion
You came to school to study something you’re passionate about, right? Rekindle that passion! Is it history? Science? Writing? Do something fun that helps you remember what and why you are at school. Here’s some ideas!
History—Watch a historic documentary or visit a museum exhibit all about the era that got you hooked.
Science—Catch up on some really cool advances in science! Ted Talks have some awesome speakers who share great medical and scientific research. These people are really passionate about what they do too, which will definitely light your spark again! You can find some here – you can enter keywords specific to whatever you want to learn about!
Literature—Have you checked out the newest books-turned-movies? You should! From The Hunger Games series, to On the Road and The Book Thief, books have been making their way to the big screen in droves.
2. Connect with like-minded people!
As a student, this is something you should be doing from the moment you arrive on campus in first year and continue to do until you walk off campus with your degree in hand!
Find a campus group that gets together and does stuff focused around your particular area of study. You’ll walk away with some great connections, suggestions from older students and some great friends.
Get involved in campus lectures and events! You’ll get to meet people who specialize in the area of study the event is focused around and introduce yourselves everywhere! Connections, connections Collegiettes!
3. Take some time for you
In the shuffle of second semester, we often forget to have take time for ourselves. After reading break we sometimes head into the final stretch with our head down and on brain on autopilot: write, study, take notes, group projects, presentation, repeat. It can take a toll on your body, mentally, physically and emotionally. Make sure you are taking time for yourselves through the final few weeks.
Make a date with yourself to finally sit down and start that book you got for Christmas! Put it on your calendar, and stick to it like you would a meeting with anyone else—just one hour to yourself every day can make all the difference.
Here’s an idea – try meditation! If sitting in one spot isn’t your thing, try Zumba or yoga in your dorm or apartment. The end of the year is usually when funds for these extra classes begins to run a little low for many students, which is why online classes are so much fun. Get some of your girlfriends together and make a night of it! Here are some of my favorites!
4. Finally, if all feels like it’s crumbling, talk it out
If you truly feel like you have nothing to contribute to the rest of your semester go talk to someone about it. Write it all down first, sleep on it for a few days and if you think the issue is with your courses or degree plan then go see an academic advisor.
On the flipside, it might be about a social or emotional part of your life. That’s when you need to talk to a non-academic counselor.
Don’t be shy! It’s their passion. They studied to help students make the right choices about their future, and chances are they had the same conversation with someone about the same issues when they were your age.
At the end of the day remember, this is your dream that you are fuelling. You are the only one who is in your path to greatness. Cliché? Maybe. True? Definitely!
Good luck Collegiettes! I believe in you and I know you can make these last few weeks the best part of your year!