Week 15 has arrived, and it is suddenly finals week! This trimester went rapidly, and it turned into one of the most difficult terms I have faced thus far. I decided to take on a larger course load this time, and I had many weeks where everything felt heavy and nonstop. On some days, I felt focused and on track, and on others, I was behind and exhausted. This season, in hindsight, I understand the amount of work I did and how much effort I put in, and the role it played in return. I wrote earlier in the trimester about how I learned to manage my time more effectively and how discipline slowly became a more ingrained habit, rather than a fleeting thought. Finals week is upon us, and it’s all a revelation. This week is a litmus test for all that I have been building up until now. As much knowledge as mental fortitude, patience and self-trust. The pressure is real, and the fatigue too.
Balancing…and Rebalancing
Balancing a heavier course load forced me to give more thought to how best to spend my time and how my energy should be allocated. Some days were productive and in line. On others, survival mode was the order of the day. Both were elements of the learning experience. I am ending this trimester more aware of my limits, but also more sure of my strength when it comes to tough things. I am not the same student I was at the start of the term. The growth was gradual, yet it is undeniable.
For all of those who are going through finals week at this moment, I would like to remind you to continue to take care of yourself. When stress is pervasive, not eating, losing sleep and tuning out your body are all too easy to do. Do your best to drink plenty of water, eat nourishing foods, take short breaks and rest whenever possible. Your health matters. You cannot pour from an empty cup when one day you will be taking care of people.
1..2..3..BREATHE!
As holidays are around the corner, I’m definitely looking forward to slowing down and using this wintertime to reflect on a deeper level. I want to take this upcoming break to reset, to breathe and to reconnect with the reasons I embarked on this path in the first place. I hope that every student and faculty member has the opportunity to experience what feels most replenishing. For some, it can be family time. For others, it might be quiet, traveling, imagination, or sleep. All of it is valid.
This week is both heavy and significant. It is the close of a season that brought focus, sacrifice and endurance. As the final week approaches, recalling what you have learned is no small feat. Take care of yourself. The finish line is close, and you have already demonstrated that you are capable of more than you realize!
