Kiera Suffel. Photo by Claire Clay
Only a little more than two weeks remain in the semester — but don’t panic. I’m sure for many of you this countdown to the end of the semester might be frightening, but don’t let it be!
Your GPA does not define you, and neither do the few bad grades you have in that one class you don’t like anyways.
If you knew me freshman or sophomore year, you may remember how much pressure I put on myself to get good grades. Don’t get me wrong—I have always been high-achieving. I’m thankful for the brains as well as the work ethic I have with school, but sometimes it just becomes too much to bear.
As I look back on my time at Bluffton, I think about the times I spent forcing myself to do homework in my early years. Then, I think about the many, many memories I’ve made in my junior and senior years after I realized it is okay to not be a straight-A student.
With that being said, it doesn’t mean you should just wing it these last few weeks. It just means you don’t have to be as hard on yourself, especially if you’re doing the best you can.
Justin Kauffman. Photo by Kiera Suffel
Justin Kauffman, a junior biology major with a chemistry minor, shared what he does to keep from becoming too overwhelmed toward the end of the semester.
“I like to take things one step at a time. To me, that means making a list ordered from the most important to the least important,” said Kauffman. “Then, I would try to cross them off as I complete them one step at a time.”
If you feel like you’re too overwhelmed or finishing the semester seems impossible, reach out to others. Many people on campus are willing to help.
Melissa Green, associate professor of business, said it is okay to reach out to others for help.
“If you feel overwhelmed, talk with your professor or a classmate to gain additional insights and helpful tips,” shared Green. “Keep your momentum going by alternating between doing homework, studying and taking breaks.”
Abigail Newkirk, sophomore speech language pathology and audiology major with minors in special education and coaching, believes time management is key to not feeling too stressed this time of year.
“I see so many people stressing out about everything they have to do in the final weeks of the semester…and I just want to tell them, ‘Prioritize.’ Yes, sometimes it stinks to not be able to go and hang out with your friends on the weekend or go home and see your family, but sometimes you have to give a little to earn success,” said Newkirk.
At the end of the day, you are the one in control of your life. If you’re content with a C in a general education class, then so be it. If you want to do all you can to get higher than a B+ in a major class, that’s great, too.
Stay rooted in your goals, and remember this is just a season of your life.
Rae Staton, photo by Kiera Suffel
Summer is right around the corner, and many of us will soon have a break from classes.
Keep studying and putting in the work. You will thank yourself later, but don’t let it bog you down. Make the most of these last few weeks.
“You can’t do more than you can do. It sounds so simple, but you really can’t do more than you can do. You have a to do list that sometimes outweighs the amount of time you have. You have to prioritize your wellness, because people are emptying their gas tank, taking the tires off their car and still trying to drive around,” shared Rae Staton, campus counselor.
“You really need to take care of yourself in the midst of this very stressful time. You can’t sacrifice meals, sleep and exercise and still expect to perform well.”
Photo by Kiera Suffel
