Forty-five days. That is the magical number every Ball State University student should have in the back of his or her mind. Because, in 45 days it will be May 2, which is the last day for finals. In the meantime though, strap in, hold tight and get ready for the next six weeks of school.
With spring break in the rear view mirror, students will once again face rough challenges. Whether it's a 10-page report, a 30-slide PowerPoint presentation or a tricky exam, Ball State will certainly not be the most attractive location on Google Earth. But as you prepare to get back into the routine as a college student, I wish to offer a few suggestions.
First and foremost, I am well aware the five-day vacation in Daytona, Ft. Myers, Panama or Gulf Shores was a blast. Unfortunately, however, now is not the time to shut the thinking cap off. While I understand that most students wish the beach life escapade could continue, I know someone is paying a lot of depreciated U.S. dollars for your college experience. So put the money to good use.
I also recognize the month of March is not only home to spring break but CBS and ESPN's coverage of "March Madness." Yet, as I have to remind myself, school is still in session during this relaxing and beer drinking time of year. Balance your schedule between television and studying. Watch the 13th seed knock off Duke or Tennessee, but don't forget the history exam the next day.
In addition to staying focused and balancing your schedule, I suggest getting sleep too. Go out and stay up late Friday and Saturday, but during the week try to at least get seven hours of sleep. Otherwise, I think you will burn out with two weeks to go, leaving no energy to study for finals. Try and get the homework done early, so you can watch the basketball games or "Grey's Anatomy" at night. Besides, isn't that supposed to be back on ABC soon?
Whatever floats your boat make it work. We all understand that the next six weeks will be hell. But you have the power to control how the situation will unfold. It will be frustrating, sad, and require oodles of effort. So drink the Red Bull, eat a hearty breakfast, and go to class, because you aren't in Florida anymore. We are in Muncie: the home of dreary weather, poorly constructed streets and sidewalks, and a type of education that is supposedly redefined. Whatever that means. I am still trying to figure it out.
Sadly, the tan will fade away eventually, and we will have to make the best of what Ball State hands us. I always like to remind myself that I attend college in search of something bigger and better. I acknowledge that Americans take pleasure in instant gratification, but college is certainly not that. It usually takes four years. Ugh!
For those graduating in 2008, congratulations. But for the rest of us, remind yourself that in one, two or three years, you will (hopefully) have a college degree. As our professors, parents and mentors say, this will open the door to an endless amount of opportunities.
Right now, however, the only door we have tells us to finish the semester strong. We know summer will be here soon, but as everyone says, not soon enough. In the meantime though, I wish you the best of luck. And just think in six weeks school will be out. So enjoy the summer! In 45 days that is.
Jason Marer a sophomore secondary social studies education major and writes 'Think to Exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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