Handling academic pressure as the semester ends
As the semester ends, work may pile up and exams may bring stress. Despite this, students should still look on the bright side and know that after the stress comes joy when winter break finally begins.
Junior Mukwe Pizzigati and freshman Don’Nasia Edwards agreed that while the semester ends, more pressure builds upon them and time management becomes very difficult.
Pizzigati, a soccer player for Charleston Southern University, links the academic pressure to the daunting feeling of a soccer match.
“It feels like you’re down by one with just two minutes left,” he explained. “You must push yourself despite the exhaustion. Just like in soccer, if you stop, you lose. You must keep going; the clock is ticking.”
Being a junior, he knows the routine. As the semester ends and break approaches, the workload is more difficult. Teachers tend to assign more work, and exams rapidly approach following Thanksgiving.
Knowing the end of the semester requires discipline, Pizzigati carefully plans out his work schedule using a to-go planner. Using a planner helps with prioritizing assignments and allotting time to take breaks and relax so as not to be overwhelmed
Edwards can relate as well.
“It’s like a ticking clock. The more assignments I get, the more pressure I feel,” she explained. “When a new assignment comes in just as I’m finishing another, it can feel overwhelming.”
Being a freshman, it took some time to get used to college life and classes. To manage her chaos, she created a to-do list, which helps her break work down into manageable chunks instead of facing everything at once.
Being efficient and staying calm amidst the chaos allows her to tackle tasks and set time aside for herself.
Edwards takes time to nap while Pizzigati walks around the Reflection Pond while listening to soothing music.
Although their strategies may be different, it is important to find motivation and energy in whatever outlets may work.
“Using pressure as motivation is empowering,” Pizzigati explained. He recalled the struggles faced in Kinesiology when his grade was 55.
“I studied my heart out for that midterm, and getting a 94% was a high point. It made me realize that the pressure was worth it.”
Edwards expressed the same feeling by describing how pressure pushed her to work even harder.
“That essay I was terrified about? I ended up getting a B, and I thought I was going to fail! The pressure made me tap into my full potential,” she said.
“I can’t wait to be back with family and friends! The thought of not worrying about exams means everything,” said Pizzigati. “Life is good; when you focus on the positives, the negatives often fade away.”
Pizzigati and Edwards both find strength in their experiences as their semester comes to a close. Both feel the pressure and stress but are also encouraged by the excitement of winter break and enjoying time with friends and family.
They show resilience, providing a reminder that balance and happiness can allow one to thrive even in the face of academic stress.
Edited by Kalin Hutto & Nick Brown
