Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Eleven Stages of my Average Semester
As we are nearing the end of another semester, I’m sure all of us college students are going through a plethora of emotions. From the excitement of starting a class you’ve been longing to take to the final relief at the end of a long, challenging semester, Peter Capaldi’s Doctor captures my rollercoaster of emotions. As he is starring in his final season in Doctor Who, what better way to commemorate this crazy semester and show his character some love. Here’s how most of my semesters tend to go:
1. Excitement
Yay! This new class is going to be awesome! I always start each semester with enthusiasm and renewed vigor. Each new class gives me a fresh start to improve myself and study skills.
2. Confidence
After looking over the syllabus, my confidence grows. I feel like I can blast through this class with no problems. I start to feel at ease once I review the syllabus (well, usually) and begin to mentally prepare for the workload.
3. Procrastination
This class is a piece of cake. I have time to goof off and play! I can do these assignments quickly. Ah, the bad habits start to begin. Time management goes out the window. I have time to play that game or binge some Netflix.
4. Surprise
Uhhh, where did this assignment come from? Did I miss something on the syllabus? Oh man, my habit of skimming the syllabus bites me again! I missed the fine print again.
5. Disbelief
How many points for an A? All that procrastinating and goofing off is starting to show. Oh no! What am I gonna do? I start looking at my overall points, and the panic begins. Ok, if I do perfectly on the rest of the assignments, I just might pull this off. Almost always, the bargaining begins here.
6. Regroup
I read through the syllabus more closely. Dang! Where did that paper come from? Ok, calm down and think! I start to form a plan in my weak attempts to calm myself down.
7. Frustration
#$%&*@ I have to start on this paper now! Time to research! Time to plan! Must focus! (Insert frenzied work here.) I am really quite hard on myself for missing details or procrastinating. My frustration level usually soars now.
8. Exhaustion
So…much…writing. I’m only halfway through my final? So tired…so very tired. Must stay energized. Where’s my coffee?
9. Relief
Yes! The final paper turned in! It’s good, isn’t it?! It is! I hope! Please! The relief of getting that big paper in feels amazing, but I also feel a bit neurotic with the quality of the paper. Procrastination is my enemy.
10. Reassurance
After reading through my final one last time and reviewing my grades again, my confidence comes back. I can conquer this class!
11. Celebration
Yes! My final grade posted! Sweet, an A. I will never procrastinate like this again. (Repeat number 1.) Well, I do try not to procrastinate. Hopefully, next class, I’ll behave a bit better.
Originally published May 2, 2017/Odyssey
