As we near the end the semester, the same questions run through all our minds; what do I do next; how many classes do I need to take next; what classes am I taking next; who do I talk to about graduating on time, if at all? The end of the school year is a bittersweet feeling. The students are happy that they can finally relax, while worrying what they need to do to graduate and get a job, a real career.
Just when I can finally breathe, the air is knocked right out of me with all new stressors and worries that flood my mind as soon as I complete that last final. It is no wonder why many college students develop anxiety while in college. They are constantly being bombarded with stress from all areas of their life. Working, turning in assignments on time, paying bills, being involved in school activities, keeping a decent g.p.a, and trying to sustain a social life; if it’s not one stressor, it’s all of them.
We live in a society where more is better, faster is more efficient, and being early is still late. We are constantly told what needs to be done, so that we are successful in life. We know what the finish product looks like, but what exactly are the steps that we need to take to get there? I know there is no script to follow or some set-in-stone timeline that we can follow, but some pointers on what we should do next or be doing would really help. The worst part is knowing all the steps you need to take, but not knowing when to take them.
The best way to approach your summer this year is to have a plan. A well thought out plan and putting all your effort into it, especially since you don’t have to worry about going to class or as many classes as the fall and spring, for those who continue to work into the summer. One of the problems that could alleviate a lot of stress is having your next two semesters planned and mentally getting yourself prepared for the workload that you KNOW is coming.