Though January felt like it went on forever, it doesn’t feel like classes have been in session for long. We are nearing the end of the first five weeks of the semester, and it doesn’t seem real.
I have had countless conversations with my peers about how surprised we are to be this far in the semester. It still seems like we are all fresh back from break and praying that all of our classes are in the Teaching and Learning Center.
It may not feel like we have been in school for that long, but the course loads are adding up. I know I can speak for all, when I say that busy work has and will get the best of us in the upcoming weeks.
As college students, we are here to hustle and get things done.
There comes a point each year where we get our rhythm, figure out our schedule and are flying through coursework.
Because we are so used to hustling, it can be difficult to get out of our heads and live a life outside of classes.
For me, this is challenging because I tend to get very wrapped up in my courses. I forget that along with classes, university life is an experience that I may only get once. When I finally slow down and get my face out of books, it feels like the semester is nearly over.
Last year, it felt like we skipped September and October entirely. The farmers market closed, all of a sudden it was cold and the weeks were filled with extensive papers and exams.
I know I am not alone in feeling this. Forgetting about a world outside of college courses is very easy when you’re busy especially as a double major who loves to stay active.
From experience, focusing on schoolwork isn’t beneficial because it can stifle an important element of life, creativity.
Working for student media, this can become a problem when brainstorming columns and writing. In my personal life, I find myself reading less and storing away art supplies to make room on my desk
for textbooks. Even in class I find myself filling my journal with tasks instead of interesting quotes and having the hardest time committing to a topic for essays. Not taking time to use creative outlets is as harmful as skipping homework — both are a form of self-care. Although our classes demand constant input and maintenance, we should be aware that our bodies do too.
We should all be conscientious about burnout and how it is real. Getting a degree takes determination and good management skills. For the sake of our mental health and well-being, using those creative outlets will distract us from the stress of school. Whether those outlets are drawing, writing, designing or learning something new, it’s important to take that time. It’s okay to take a break and experience life outside of homework and class.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected]