Midterm Madness

Midterms are finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited—to get them over with. Like many students, I see midterms and exams as a very stressful and chaotic time. No matter how much I study, review, or practice, I always seem to fold under pressure when the exam is right in front of me. Over the years, I have tried many tips and tricks to stop this from happening. The main thing that has helped me in the past two years of college is creating a distraction-free environment for studying.

I am known for being an extroverted person who enjoys laughing and making others laugh. This can be a positive thing in many situations, but when my friends are trying to get their work done, it isn’t always the best quality to have. There have been many times when I went to the library to get work done but ended up just talking and socializing the whole time. I often leave feeling unproductive, which is frustrating.

Sometimes, I feel bad and disappointed in myself. I know that might sound a bit extreme, but if I am the reason my friends cannot focus on their work, I feel guilty. On the other hand, if I go to study but find myself distracted and don’t get anything done, I feel very disappointed in my lack of focus.

As I progress through college, I have noticed that school has gradually become more challenging. I have had to move away from my old habits. Transitioning from general education classes to more focused courses in my major and minor has been a hard change, but it is also exciting because I am learning about topics I find interesting and helpful. This shift has made me realize the importance of staying focused and organized in my studies.

These days, almost every time I go to the library, I say hello to my friends but then step away to avoid distracting them and to keep myself focused. Since I started doing this last year, my grades have improved. While I can’t say for sure that being in a distracting environment directly affects my grades, I know it plays a significant role in how well I do in school.

I am lucky to have learned the importance of prioritizing study time over socializing at the library. This change in mindset has not only helped my grades but also made me feel more accomplished. I recently finished all my midterms, and the results have been great. This experience has reinforced the value of discipline and focus, both in school and in life.

Moving forward, I plan to keep this same approach when I visit the library. Finding the right balance between social time and study time is crucial, and I’m learning how to manage that balance effectively. I wish everyone the best on their upcoming exams and for the rest of the year! Remember, prioritizing your studies doesn’t mean you have to stop socializing altogether; it’s all about finding a way to make both work for you.