Following Thanksgiving break, most of the students walking around campus can be separated into two categories: those smiling and those who look miserable.
Those smiling tend to be blissfully unaware of the fact that finals are rapidly approaching. They keep focused on the fact that there’s less than a month until break—a period associated with holidays, family, and time to (gasp) relax. And no, not the “relax” term we use during the semester referring to two hours of unplanned time—whole days where one can hang out with friends or even sleep (crazy idea, I know).
Those who look miserable, on the other hand, tend to be muttering equations under their breath, mentally planning what they have to accomplish over the next couple of weeks. They can also be seen carrying a cup of coffee and a backpack twice their size stuffed with every book they own so that they can seclude themselves in the Union or Folsom Library. It may be a little bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
I’m sure most people who know me would throw me into this group in a heartbeat. The second category far outweighs the first at a school like RPI, and it’s not always healthy. Tensions are high, and students become the walking dead the last few weeks at school.
My point, however, is that there needs to be a happy medium between locking yourself alone in the library for a week, and ignoring that there are still classes going on.
Make sure to keep track of what exams and homework you have right before finals; take heed of the “avoid cramming” advice that’s always given but usually ignored. Set aside a day to go Christmas shopping or visit NYC with some friends.
To avoid being a hermit over the next couple of weeks, try grabbing a buddy and taking advantage of the Union, library, or residence hall lounges to study in—human contact is generally a good thing.
Most importantly, if you see a friend who looks like they are ready to have a meltdown, talk to them. They might not realize what a zombie they’ve turned into until you say it; sometimes being concerned does no good without actually voicing those concerns to the person in a constructive way.
Stress is something we all know well, but just remember that there’s such a thing as too stressed. Take it easy and you’ll be headed off for break soon enough!
