As the semester comes to an end, we are all faced with the daunting task of final papers, presentations, and exams to complete before we can get to our summer plans. It’s time to buckle down, put in the work, and finish strong.
At this point, it’s very common to feel overwhelmed with the group projects we need to coordinate, exams to study for, and papers to write. While some may thrive on being busy and productive, it’s important to remember that others may find it stressful. We need to be empathetic towards each other during this time, understanding that everyone has different levels of workload and different ways of managing stress. During times of stress, it’s easy to fall into the trap of the “struggle olympics.” This mindset of comparing yourself to others based on the amount of work or stress they’re experiencing to see who has it worst. Stevens is a rigorous school and the back and forth of “I’m taking 20 credits” and “well I’m taking 20 credits and doing a part time job” is not only unhelpful but can be harmful. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and one-upping each other, we should be supportive in struggling together, no matter the amount.
As we push through this final stretch, it can be helpful to adopt a mindset of perseverance. My good friend Chloe shared the idea of getting through a tough week out of spite. It’s essentially the mindset that you have to get through the week so that the invisible supernatural forces that want you to fail can’t win. It’s a humorous approach, but it can serve as motivation for people who are competitive and need a force to work against. This is similar to the perspective that Ava, The Stute’s managing editor, wrote about in her article “I bet you can’t” She talks about the concept of hypocrisy-induced cognitive dissonance and how when someone tells you “I bet you can’t,” that can be a powerful motivator to prove them wrong. You can use this as a mechanism by telling yourself or even other people that you will get something done and holding yourself accountable to that.
In all seriousness, let’s not forget that during this time, it’s important to take care of ourselves. There are plenty of mental health resources available to you like CAPS, destress activities sponsored by the school, and your own personal coping mechanisms. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and make time for things we enjoy. Whether it’s going for a walk, treating yourself to your favorite meal, or spending time with friends and family, taking a break from studying can help us recharge and come back stronger. Scheduling in fun can sometimes feel like a chore and just another thing on your to-do list, but try to prioritize what feels right and listen to your body. It’s important to make time for meals and sleep first, and then squeeze in some fun if you can.
As I’m writing this editorial and submitting it a couple of hours late (sorry Evan!), I may be actively avoiding thinking about the four presentations I have to give in the next 36 hours. However, I know in the end I’ll get it all done and so will you. Let’s encourage each other to finish strong, take care of ourselves, and remember that we’re all in this together; yes, that is a High School Musical reference. We can support each other by checking in, offering help, and practicing empathy. We can remind ourselves that we’re all incredibly capable and that we can succeed if we put in the work. And most importantly, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and prioritize our mental health and well-being. The end of the semester can be stressful, but it’s also a time to celebrate all the hard work we’ve put in. Let’s finish the year strong and just get it done.
