I hope your Spring Break was exciting because we still have eight more weeks of school. In other words, 40 days of classes and 14 days worth of weekends. All in all, 54 days until this semester officially ends.
So, hit the books, make a trip to the library and sober up, because there is still half a semester to deal with.
For seniors, I imagine the next eight weeks will be exhausting and excruciating. But May 9, you will finally graduate with your valuable Ball State diploma and feel like you have everything you need. At least I can only assume. Congratulations!
Unfortunately for juniors and sophomores, this is just "another year." Be happy and satisfied that you completed one more year of higher education. It will get you closer to the goals and ambitions you set a few years back. Hopefully that is enough motivation to keep you moving forward.
As for freshmen, you are 75 percent done with your first year of college. Pat yourself on the back, high-five your roommate or dance in the shower, because you are almost done with the toughest part of college. You have completed 24 of the 32 weeks in a full academic year of study. Don't ruin what you have achieved thus far in the last two months.
Until the Friday of May 8, however, strap in and hold tight, because now is not the time to shut the thinking cap off. So, as you prepare to get back into the routine as a college student, I wish to offer a few suggestions.
Whether you traveled to Mexico, Florida or your hometown over break, I realize Muncie is not the most attractive location on Google Earth. Just because this is Spring Semester, it does not mean we will get spring-like weather. While it will soon be time for sunglasses and sandals, predicting Indiana weather is rather difficult. Keep this in mind, but don't let the crummy weather dictate your study/work habits. Nice weather will eventually arrive ... I hope.
I also know that St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow. I believe everyone has the right to celebrate this national holiday of Ireland, but understand that it's not Spring Break anymore. Wear green and go crazy, but get your schoolwork done too.
However, perhaps the biggest contributor to procrastination during the Spring Semester is March Madness, which refers to the NCAA Division I Basketball Championships. As a sports fan, I take this 65-team single elimination tournament very seriously.
For most college students, March Madness is an important relaxing and beer drinking time of the year. But instead of blowing off your economics exam, balance your schedule between basketball and studying. Watch the 14th seed knock off the 3rd seed, but don't forget the history report due the next day.
Finally, get sleep! I know the weather will start to warm up and people will stay out later due to daylight saving time. Yet, this is no time to burn out and become apathetic. Try and get at least seven or eight hours of sleep. I never do, but I know our health professors are right. Sleep is valuable and must be valued.
Whatever floats your boat, just make sure it works.
We all understand that the next eight weeks can be hell. But you have the power to control how the situation will unfold. I encourage you to go to class, complete your homework and be diligent during the next two months.
If you can do that, I'm positive the Spring Semester will end in good terms.
In the meantime though, I wish you the best of luck. Summer will be here soon, but as everyone says, not soon enough. Despite the eight weeks that are left, take the opportunity to finish strong. It might take lots of energy, but it will be worth the effort.
And May 8 another semester will be completed. So, party then!
In 54 days that is.
Jason Marer is a junior social studies and history 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
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
