Senioritis

In August I slowly started to realize that this year would be senior year of my undergraduate. Going to college I never pictured myself graduating. I pictured myself going to class, finding a job, doing internships, but I never pictured myself receiving my degree. As weird as it is I find myself in the third week of my second to last college semester. With only 12 credits, I'm working 17 hours a week, and also teaching swim lessons. It turns out 12 credits feels like quite a bit more when you have the dreaded...SENIORITIS.

It's true; I have the bug. Although I managed to make it out of high school without getting it I seem to be one of the first infected for my senior year. It started slowly; you know things like, "Oh I'll do the reading later..." and get to class just to remember I had not done the reading yet, and now I just admit to, "Yeah I'm probably not going to do it." So what now? I have 27 weeks of my college career left. I can't spend the rest of it slacking...

Of course, it is not just seniors that need to be worried about the "itis". Many underclassmen will experience the same feelings. Thoughts like "does this really matter?" and "it's just one chapter" should be your first sign to knowing you need to pull it together. No matter if you are a freshman or a senior you should your do work well, in advance, and ask questions about the material if you are unsure.

So let me give you some advice for kicking your "itis;" It is a a real challenge, I know.

Tips to get your head back in the game!

1. Make a schedule! Knowing where you should and when you should be there is key to success. And beyond that knowing when things are due, when your group meetings are, when you are working, and anything else that you need to know or be at put on a calendar. Planners, agendas and wall calendars can help to get your head in the game. Use a whiteboard if you need to write you homework somewhere that you can see it. Don't put this in a place that it can be ignored!

2. Keep regular activity in your life! If you are a daily runner, swimmer, weight lifter don't let these things slip out of your life. It's okay if you don't do it everyday, but you should try and keep it in your week schedule 3 to 4 times a week. Physical activity allows your body to release different chemicals in your order to keep from getting overly stressed. Plus, when you are eating like most college students do you should keep active just to keep off the weight!

3. Eat healthy! College is not an ideal place for lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, but try making good decisions. Fast food is an easy answer for when you are hungry, but it won't fill you up. Researchers also believe that fast food makes your brain work slower, and motivate you less to do work - physical activity or mental.

4. Constantly remind yourself that there is LIFE after college! Really. There is. I swear; Brockport has alumni that can prove it. Life doesn't end after you get your degree. In many cases, the real world will just be starting for you. Make the best of your college experience by learning as much as possible when you are here. Regardless if you are going into the workforce, or right into graduate school, your last here at college matters.

and finally...

5. Don't distract yourself! If you have things that you need to get done, then do it. Turn off the television and music, close your bedroom door, get away from your friends, housemates, roommates, and even turning off your cellphone will help. Close your Internet browser - Facebook is the number one distraction for college students, and we have learned to waste priceless hours on it. Whatever it takes, get your work done.

In the end kicking the senioritis bug is a choice. It is not a real disease, and it only affects you if you let it! Take advantage of these tips, and get started. No one wants to finish their college career on a bad note.