Dear Miss Information,
We’re almost at the end of the semester. What?! I’m trying really hard not to let the passing of time get to me. But whether I’m ready for it or not, it’s coming up soon. And so is all the work of the pre-finals gotta-get-everything-done-so-how-do-I-do-this?! I’m feeling kinda helpless. Faced with a to-do list longer than my arm, I’m slowly giving up.
How am I going to make it through? It is super hard for me to focus and get my work done these days. I need some study tips, or some encouragement to get through these tough times. My friends and I are growing desperate and it seems like most people are in the same boat. What do we do with burnout and exhaustion? We need some bright, positive thinking to get through.
Sincerely, The Bags Under My Eyes Are Designer
Dear The Bags Under My Eyes Are Designer,
This is an age-old conundrum. I know for a fact that nearly every single college student across the globe is feeling the same way you and your friends are at this point in the semester. I wish I could give you the perfect encouraging words you seek to give you the stamina to push forward.
But I cannot come up with such words. I am also too exhausted.
What is “doing work” anyway? Who’s to define the limitations of productivity? I say bother the whole thing. Forget the to-do lists, put aside the planners, let’s be real for a second.
Why should I study for the next test or write the next paper? Why do any of us even try to go on and succeed, desperate for a decent grade? It’s so tiring to be caught in this endless cycle of work! It’s almost all too much!
Why are we even here? Why are we put on this earth, just to suffer? Why must we be entrapped in this mortal coil, forever chasing some imaginary solace in worldly things, striving for greatness only to fail miserably?
The answer is deceptively simple.
A late night trip to Wawa.
Ah, Wawa. That shining beacon of bagged chips and hoagies. Of chocolate milk and warm garlic knots. Of soft pretzels and slushies. The fuel we need to pry our way through the fall semester’s dramatic and taxing finale.
Here’s what you’re going to do. Gather two to 15 of your closest pals. Wait until it is late enough at night to call it an ungodly hour. Depending on your sensibilities, this might be ten-ish, or three in the morning. Pile in cars, or someone’s minivan or commit to the walk. Make your way to Wawa. If you’re driving, you’ll want some nostalgic 2010s pop song playing. I personally recommend Kesha for these purposes. Blast the tunes, drive to Wawa, park. Tumble out of the car, or cars, in a chorus of laughter and anticipation. Start discussing what you’re craving. Enter the Wawa.
Now, it is fun to be a little rowdy. It’s easy to get swept up in the nonsense and excitement of these Wawa trips. And the important thing is to have fun. But it is also important to have respect for those around you. Do not be rude to the other patrons, or to the employees of the establishment. The worst possible thing would be to get kicked out of Wawa and never be allowed back in. The second worst possible thing is being mean or disrespectful to someone.
Keeping this in mind, I release the rest of your inhibitions. No dream is too big in the aisles of Wawa. If you want strawberry yogurt and pickle chips, be my guest. If you want a meatball sub and an iced coffee, nobody should stop you. Matter of fact, pick up a lottery ticket. Some extra chapstick. Go crazy.
Once you and all your friends have made your purchases and received your strange foods and beverages, then you do the first steps in reverse. Pile back into the cars with the same mirth and excitement as you exited them. Put the tunes on. Or walk back along the barely-lit streets of Wayne, laughing along the way.
You see, my friend Bags, there are different ways to cope through finals for everyone. People do not have a one-size-fits-all solution for good study time, productive habits, or doing good work. That I leave up to you, your professors, and perhaps the good people at CAPS. But it is important to seek out the little joys that happen during this time, too. You’re only in college for so long. Enjoy the rowdy, enjoy the chaos, have fun. And eat good snacks.
Best wishes and good luck,
Miss Information