Midterm Blues

Do you ever get your midterm grades and feel disappointed with the results? Maybe some of you aren't struggling with your grades this semester and actually are on top of your game. But there are times where we fall apart and don't do as well as we thought we did on a midterm exam or a major project. And for those of you that have found yourself in this situation, here's to you. You deserve some words of encouragement because you know you worked hard on studying for that scary exam, you know you stayed up late all week to finish that terrible group project that's been stressing you out.

So what are some ways to overcome the midterm blues? Let's take a look:

1. Forget about it
Don't let a bad grade scare you. Of course no one wants a bad grade, or even thinks they deserved that grade. But you have to just accept it and move on. You took the test, you got a bad grade, now use it to prepare yourself for the next one and just forget that one even happened. If anything, you now know what the rest of the semester will look like from here on out if you have more exams in the class or a final. Now you're better prepared than before and should just keep moving forward.

2. Talk to your professor
This may seem like the most basic advice but a lot of the time, our professors want us to check in with them because they don't want to fail us. They want us to succeed and do well in their classes even if we don't think they do. If you got a bad grade, go talk to your professor and make sure there are ways you can improve your grade in the future. Most of the time, they might even let you redo an assignment or have a bonus assignment. You never know until you head over to their office and let them know you need help.

3. Buy yourself some candy
Okay we all need a little treat here and there. You're always deserving of some candy, especially that Hershey bar you've been eying out in the Rockies candy section at the cash register. You deserve a little pick me up after a disappointing exam grade or midterm grade. Just do yourself a favor and grab that candy bar before it's too late.

Now on a serious note, just better prepare yourself for the rest of the semester. Don't goof off anymore, pay more attention in class, maybe even actually go to your classes if you haven't been (you know who you are) and just be more positive. It's never a bad idea to have a more upbeat attitude, especially when you're struggling to have a good time in one of those classes that just bore you to death. But don't stress yourself out over a grade that isn't going to change. Just keep pressing forward and work your hardest.

Sincerely,
EmPris 

Spring Fever

Not only are you back from spring break but the weather is looking more spring like. The sun is shining, the grass is green, leaves are growing back, the temperature is warmer, and everyone's spending more time outside. This is when major distraction comes in play. It's called spring fever.

How is spring fever causing distraction? Well, of course the perfect time for the weather to be getting better during the semester is right when classes start getting more intense. More and more projects are being handed out, papers are being assigned, maybe some students still have midterms to study for. When the work load starts piling on while the weather is looking better and better each day, it causes students to start weighing the options. "Study for my boring midterm or go outside and play Frisbee?"

So how does one stay focused and motivated when the weather is causing so much distraction? Here's a few ways you can get your work done and enjoy the lovely spring day.

1. Plan out your tasks
What are all the things you need to complete for the day or week? Plan out what's most important and work your way through your list to get as much done as you can. If you have something to do that's more challenging than the rest of your assignments, consider working on that first to spend the appropriate amount of time needed for it and to get it done and over with to leave the easier assignments for later. Once you complete all your tasks, your worry free and ready to enjoy the rest of the day or week.

2. Weekends are for the fun stuff
Get everything you need to get done before the weekend because that's the time you're going to want to be outside the most. You don't have classes those days to worry about going to so you're more likely to procrastinate those days compared to the other days of the week. Try getting everything done before Friday night so by the time Sunday evening comes around, you're not stressing out trying to finish all your homework.

3. Do homework outside
If you really can't avoid staying outside, bring your homework with you. Grab a buddy and do some studying outside. Maybe even bring a Frisbee for after you complete all your work. It's also a nice way to get some fresh air and a little bit of sun after being indoors all winter. It's also a nice change of scenery after being stuck inside your dorm room or the library all the time.

No matter how you spend your spring days, don't let spring fever get the best of you. It's every college kids weakness. As soon as the sun comes out and the temperature goes up, all college kids want to do is get outside and hang out with their friends. Of course there's nothing wrong with enjoying a beautiful spring day, but it gets very distracting during this time of the semester so plan accordingly and keep up with your studies so you can frolic in the flowers worry free later.

Sincerely,
EmPris