With summer fast approaching, it is hard to concentrate on the one aspect of college that really matters this week: finals.
Thoughts of summer flings and pool parties are captivating our minds, as calculus equations and grammar rules are on the back burner. But, with all the coffee runs and crowded libraries, it’s hard not to feel a little stressed.
All around the library, laptops are clicking and notebook pages are flipping. Debit cards are being declined by purchasing one too many late night Jimmy Johns’ subs and some students are already moving out of their dorms and apartments.
Though, some students are meticulously studying at the wee hours of the night, others are procrastinating soundly, using Facebook and Twitter as their choice of fuel.
Contradicting statuses are flying left and right; some complaining about the amount of work, others radiating optimism.
One status, however, that is being posted regularly is Tom Petty’s statement on college:
“I’ve learned one thing, and that’s to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here, relax. Work is for people with jobs. You’ll never remember class time, but you’ll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on Wednesday. Spend money you don’t have. Drink ’til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does…”
While this sounds like music to our ears, students everywhere can’t just take his words for black and white. Yes, college ends. But, when college ends, the rest of our lives begin. We travel, start careers, file taxes.
We have to question Tom Petty on what really matters. How do we build our future if we don’t tackle the ugly tasks in college?
Partying through school sounds classic, but that leads to an unsanitary apartment and a low GPA. A low GPA that can, in turn, lead to expulsion.
College is about balance. Finding the ying and the yang.
Studying for finals is a daunting task, but one that is necessary for graduating and succeeding in life. Even if it’s hard staying in while friends are going out, knowing that there will be other nights to party and that hard work pays off with an “A” is just what is needed to get through the week.
We need to weigh options, create pro/con lists, and make decisions.
With finals this week and summer next week, it’ll be hard to focus and maintain a clear head. But, before we know it, with a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and moral support from friends, this week will be over and summer fun will be in our grasp. In this case, with a little patience, we can do well on finals AND have summer fun; we can have our cake and eat it, too.
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