Lil Treat Time!
The end of the fall term marks the end of the beginning, the part of the year where we are getting back into the groove, the adjustment period. It’s rough, stressful, even a little nerve wracking. Even though our campus isn’t huge, navigating it for the first time after the long summer break can have us feeling just as confused as we were in our first year.
Then we made it past midterms. For the first-years, their first major set of exams; for the rest of us, a constant reminder that the end-of-semester papers, projects, and exams are right around the corner. Even for the seasoned university veteran, exams are still exams at the end of the day and they’re stressful. No matter who you are or what classes you take, the burnout in the school is felt everywhere, by everyone.
Now it’s finally mid-November, post-reading week. Everyone has worked hard this semester; whether it be because of school, work, family life, or other external pressures, we all did our best through every lecture, assignment, and exam. The effort we put in deserves to be rewarded, no matter how much someone may disagree. So to you I ask: Did you congratulate yourself?
I think we’re all familiar with the ‘treat yourself mentality’ that might convince us to make some poor financial decisions. And while moderation is key, we all need a little reward every now and then. So, go get yourself a treat of some kind. University is hard, and the decision to commit to your education is not only incredible, but responsible. Which is why sometimes it is necessary to let the reins loosen, and spend an extra $7 on a Starbucks, or buy that new game - you deserve it! Sometimes treats don’t have to come as a physical object or a sweet treat, but as extending kindness to yourself. Taking a day off from school work or asking for an extension for the first time may be just what you need to take that much-needed breath of fresh air.
Finals are right around the corner, and in about a week we will all start to feel the pressure (if we haven’t already). Before you know it, the next semester will be starting, and we’ll be right back at the beginning. So for the love of whatever you find important, find some way to reward yourself for all the incredible efforts you have put in over this semester. And for those of you who have not congratulated yourselves, I say congratulations and good luck. You got this.
