The temperature has been rising the last few weeks. Snow showers have become rain, snow packs have turned to mud puddles. Birds sing a little more cheerfully and you want out. You open windows more frequently in class, or even wish class could be held outside in the warm sunshine. Everyone gets spring fever this time of year every year, but no one gets it worse than those graduating in ... let’s see ... 38 days, 18 of which are in class.
Spring fever can do the worst to the unexpecting or the unfocused. You would never forgive yourself if you succumbed to spring’s pressure and resigned school indefinitely.
This is also the time of year that work piles up quickly. The late homework, the pending tests, and the projects that haven’t yet been put down on paper seem to be due at the same time. Do not sacrifice your sanity by forcing work to be done when it cannot. Evaluate what is truly too much work after you factor in some frisbee time.
The cure for spring fever seems to be a conscious coordination of keeping up motivation to work while also indulging in the sunshine. It’s not too difficult to find a roller hockey game or frisbee golf on campus to relieve some of the pent-up stress. It’s never too late to join a club which indulges in the great outdoors. Typically anything that will free your mind of frustrations is what to seek. By spending this time relaxing you will be able to think more clearly and willingly when the time comes to sit down and get back to work.
As the postering around campus indicates, GM Week is coming up very quickly. This week of elections, mugs, and tons of activities comes at the right time every year. Traditionally, there should be no homework or tests to worry about all week, although this is now only partly true. However, having some professors recognizing this is better than none. It is an ideal time to get away from homework and try something new around campus. Check out the GM Week schedule online or in last week’s issue of The Poly.
The key is balance. It is impossible to force motivation and impossible also to understand homework when you are frustrated. Indulge yourself with a frolic in the warm sunshine and happy clouds. Release some energy running around chasing, hitting, and throwing things. Just don’t quit. Only 18 more days.
