Weary eyes, the “just rolled out of bed” look, the lack of smiling faces, and the lack of space in the union, library, and VCC all mean one thing. Yes folks, it’s the end of the semester. With the close of each term comes the endless sea of projects, papers, and exams which make life seem unbearable the last few weeks. It seems as if professors cannot end a course without some sort of final task that will undoubtedly make at least 10 percent of the class stressed out. I think they are told it’s mandatory to do so during “professor orientation.” Some professors, however, are compassionate and feel that they will give us the extra weekend to finish up assignments. While I commend those professors for being thoughtful, I also would like to point out the problems with this.
The first problem is that all professors tend to think alike. Therefore, when one professor decides it’s a good idea to make something due on study days, all professors somehow find the need to conform. As such, I therefore partially commend the professors who stick to their guns and keep their assignments due the last week of class. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not a big fan of that idea, either.
The second problem is that the students who do stress out easily do not have a chance to breathe before finals. It does not give us a chance to celebrate the end of the crazy last week, or to possibly catch up on some sleep.
I also realize that some students are very greatful for the extra time to work on things. For some students, it spaces things out a bit. I would like to be able to spend some time this weekend not writing papers or attacking other assignments.
I appreciate the effort made by professors to space exams, projects, and papers out throughout the semester. I thank the professors who do not have anything crazy due the last week of class, the few professors who even cancel the last class, or the majority who save that special last class for feedback on their course.
Now professors, I don’t mean to whine. I know, however, that you all can remember back to your college days. Back to the days when all you wanted to do was to go play some rock n’ roll with your buddies, but had all those final papers, exams, and projects. Perhaps the days when you would go spend time with your friends to avoid losing your sanity. Now, come back to present day, and recognize the craziness that surrounds our lives. In an effort to make student not as stressed, I suggest that less work be due during the last week and study days.
I would like to wish everyone good luck as they survive the remaining days of the semester. Just remember that, after this we can all rest up just a little before coming back for another crazy semester here at good ol’ RPI. So remember to stay so
