Final on finals

In what is likely to be the last installment of the Spartan Sorrows, I would like to focus on something that is not only unique to Aurora University, but to all college students nationwide.

It is that time of the year again, were students morph into rapid, angry carnivores that will kill someone just to have 5 minutes of free time.  That's right, it's time to take finals.

It's time for us to spend hours in our dorm room or library slaving away to come up with a 17 word sentence that will help us reach the requirement for our final paper.  Or maybe you're one of the shameless kids that is taking cheating to a whole other level by scanning test answers onto your Aquafina water bottle wrapper.  Risky, but clever.  Or maybe you're in the library pacing back and forth, calling and texting your partner because they aren't there yet to finish your PowerPoint together.  We have all been there.  Stress can change a person and make that point in there life not worth living.  There is hope people, and it's called: "Christmas Break."  You have to keep your eyes on the prize.

Just in case you are one of those people that can't handle stress, I have included some tips to try to remember during these tough times:

1. Avoid stressful people.
Stress actually is contagious. During exam week, resist the urge to have a study session with your super-tense friend, especially if they're complaining about all the work she has to do and breaking pencils all over the place. Their stress will only add to your stress.

2. Eat healthy and exercise.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s a wonder how many people forget it. Skip the sugar, which will make you crash, and go for snacks like granola bars, healthy cereal or fruits and veggies to keep your blood sugar stable. If you’re studying for a long period of time, eat some protein too. Also, try to get some form of exercise. Even a 10 minute walk will leave you calmer and more focused.

3. Just say NO.
I don’t mean to drugs, although I’m not recommending them or anything. What you need to say no to are the people who want to take up your time. There will probably be a friend who needs to talk to you for hours about her life, or a keg party the night before your final, and if you say yes, you’ll probably be tempted to blow off studying. Resist the urge. Say no to the distractions and be selfish for a day. You want a good GPA, right?
 
4. Force yourself to take breaks.
For every hour or so that you work, take a 10 or 15 minute break. Let yourself do whatever you want (check Facebook, check out the hottie sitting near by in the library, stare off into space, call a friend, etc.) for those 10-15 mins, then start working again. This gives your brain a little rest and will help keep you more focused when you are actually doing work.

5. Get plenty of sleep.
This is obvious.  We all know that being rested helps our minds to function better.  Even though you make think studying til 3 am will benefit you the next morning, it probably won't.  The difference between 6 of hours of sleep and 8 hours of sleep is unreal.  Try to get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep, not just the night before the test, but all week as well.

Fellow classmates, I believe in you.  Follow these steps and use some common sense and you will be fine.  After it's all over reward yourself.  Get yourself that pair of shoes you've been wanting or a new video game.

It's been fun exposing the dirty laundry of AU this semester to my fellow classmates.  Good luck on finals everyone, and try to not drink yourselves to death after you find out if you passed or failed.

-Jordan Spurling