Going back to my roots is saving my semester
I’ve been playing a lot of Papa’s Cupcakeria recently. Some might call this regression, a sign that I’m giving up. But me? I’d call this motivation. Need to get homework done? One level of Cupcakeria per chapter. Have a test to study for? One level for every two pages of notes I get through.
I cannot stress how much I love this game. I rediscovered it because I’ve been attached to my iPad at the hip for this entire semester, and of course I needed some fun apps to entertain me when I wasn’t struggling through my work. Every time I play, I feel so nostalgic; this was one of my core games as a child, and it honestly takes me back to what I guess you could call a simpler time.
This has been a tough semester; coming back after a month-long break at home is never easy, but especially so as a freshman. I felt like I was home again like in high school, and moving back was definitely a rude awakening. It’s the little joys that matter and for me, and that joy comes from playing my childhood games.
Don’t knock this until you try it. I might’ve just given you the life hack of the century for free. These games are timeless, and we remember them fondly for a reason. It is the crunch time of the semester and sometimes, I just need a break. And yes, that break for me is baking fake cupcakes on my iPad. These last three weeks in college feel so much worse than the last three weeks of high school. Even after 10 straight weeks of school from winter break until our (very) late spring break, these last three weeks are brutal. My roommate had a midterm the first week back…isn’t that just a test at this point?
It’s times like these that finding time for yourself are most important. I know from experience that that can be really hard, but it is so crucial. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as overstudying. So yes, I’ve been making sure that I have a little time each day to play Papa’s Cupcakeria.
But don’t be confused: the Cupcakeria is not the only game that has given me solace this semester. Might I suggest Cooking Fever, anyone? The Sims Freeplay? Episode…
Despite the stressful nature of a game like Papa’s Cupcakeria (no, I’m not joking), it’s always calming to play. It feels like a big jump to go from writing a paper worth 15% of my grade to an iPad game. Most of us probably have allotted a little scroll-on-phone time before bed, and this is what I do with mine. I get off social media, try to forget about all of the things I have to do, turn off distractions and play on my iPad. Hey, if it works, it works!
The moral of this story is that I love my iPad and it helps me get through my day. Turning back to the little things, especially games we cherished in our childhood’s, can put things into perspective. We will get through this, whatever it is. But at the end of the day, it is important to continue to do what you love and prioritize your well-being. And what I love? Yup, you guessed it. It’s my iPad.