Ahh, Spring Break. That glorious space on the academic calendar gives you a chance to get some rest, catch up, earn some cash, or even take a trip. No matter how you spent your spring break, once you return to school, there are only a handful of weeks before finals and the end of the semester. If things have been going well, this may feel exciting. But, if you are panicking with the limited days ahead, here are some tips to help you finish the semester well after Spring Break.
1. Face Your Fears: If you are not doing well in a class, do not assume that things are going to get better or stick your head in the proverbial sand. Lots and lots (and lots) of students have entered the back end of a semester with a lower grade than they would like. So, you will not be the first nor the last student to talk with a professor about the best way to finish their class well. Send an email or make an appointment to talk, like today.
2. Buckle-Down on Healthy Habits: A year of college is no joke. You have worked hard, played hard, grown, been challenged, and more. This last stretch after spring break brings with it all that you have gone through this year. Make a commitment (or re-commitment) to getting good sleep, exercise, or at least a breath of fresh air a couple of times a day, eat well, etc. This will help you power through to the end.
3. Identify Your Journey(wo)men: Some of your classmates and friends also want to finish the semester well. And, some of them may have decided to throw in the towel early and count their losses. While you don’t have to ditch folks altogether, make sure you are focusing on spending time with people who have the same goals as you do to finish the semester well to help keep you on track.
4. Recognize Lost Causes: That said, if you happened to really struggle in a class, have faced a tragedy or medical/mental health issue this semester, etc., recovery of a passing grade may not be a possibility. As mentioned in number one, your professors and academic advisors are there to help you and explore options. Make sure to talk with them as soon as possible. There may be solutions you have not considered.
5. Don’t Forget About the Summer: In between all the studying, packing, and final days in class, don’t forget that the summer is coming. In order to transition well from school to summer, consider what conversations or actions you may need to take in terms of registering for next semester, applying for internships, communicating with employers, talking with your parents, etc. Knowing that you have your summer plans in place (or at least in progress) can help you focus on the immediate tasks ahead.
You’ve been working hard all year and now there’s one last push to finish well! Utilize your resources and remember that “done” is sometimes just as good as “perfectly done.” Give it your best, you’re almost there!
Published March 27, 2024. By Anne Rulo, Author, Speaker, Therapist. www.annerulo.com. FB/IG/Twitter @annemrulo