2008 Woodie Awards
Finding the calm within the storm
How to survive finals week at Lakeland
Hannah Lane
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
We all know it's coming. There is no escape, and ignoring it only makes it worse. It's finals week, that glorious time of year when any sanity the semester left you with is driven away in a torrent of tests, essays, and mind-numbing Power Point presentations.
Knowing of my impending doom, I set out in search of some answers, and perhaps even some sage advice from Lakeland's own Tim Fojtik of the Academic Resource Center.
According to Fojtik, time management is the key to studying for those less than friendly semester exams. He says that while it may seem very overwhelming, proper organization can help maximize your studying efforts.
Fojtik said that prioritizing your courses and organizing your studying by need is most beneficial. Basically study the most for the finals you are, "woefully unprepared" for.
Fojtik also mentions the importance of manageability. He said that it is important to organize and break down those things that seem overwhelming, into smaller tasks you can do. This makes everything easier and less stressful.
Along with organization, Fojtik stresses the use of time. "Find your most productive time and use it, instead of trying to make use of all of your time. Eating and sleeping are important too" he added.
As it turns out Fojtik is not the only one who feels this way. Sherry Carstens, the friendly Lakeland nurse, says the same thing. "Don't cram into the wee hours of the night. Your body and brain need sleep. Depriving yourself of sleep makes it harder for information retention. It's harder to concentrate and recall what you've studied when you're tired," she said.
Carstens also mentioned, to my disappointment, the importance of eating healthily during finals week. "Eat less junk food, especially those that contain lots of sugar. They will give you a quick fix but don't last long, and make you feel more tired afterward. Increase your fluid intake with water or juice. Also, avoid high energy drinks, they contain lots of caffeine and sugars."
Aside from eating healthily and sleeping Carstens also called attention to studying too hard. She said that it is important to, "Take breaks during studying. Stretch, take a short walk and get some fresh air. (They will) help you clear your mind and refocus," she said.
So, with all these tips in mind, seize the day. Stare finals week right in the eye, and be ready to ace those exams…or at least have a good go at them.
Knowing of my impending doom, I set out in search of some answers, and perhaps even some sage advice from Lakeland's own Tim Fojtik of the Academic Resource Center.
According to Fojtik, time management is the key to studying for those less than friendly semester exams. He says that while it may seem very overwhelming, proper organization can help maximize your studying efforts.
Fojtik said that prioritizing your courses and organizing your studying by need is most beneficial. Basically study the most for the finals you are, "woefully unprepared" for.
Fojtik also mentions the importance of manageability. He said that it is important to organize and break down those things that seem overwhelming, into smaller tasks you can do. This makes everything easier and less stressful.
Along with organization, Fojtik stresses the use of time. "Find your most productive time and use it, instead of trying to make use of all of your time. Eating and sleeping are important too" he added.
As it turns out Fojtik is not the only one who feels this way. Sherry Carstens, the friendly Lakeland nurse, says the same thing. "Don't cram into the wee hours of the night. Your body and brain need sleep. Depriving yourself of sleep makes it harder for information retention. It's harder to concentrate and recall what you've studied when you're tired," she said.
Carstens also mentioned, to my disappointment, the importance of eating healthily during finals week. "Eat less junk food, especially those that contain lots of sugar. They will give you a quick fix but don't last long, and make you feel more tired afterward. Increase your fluid intake with water or juice. Also, avoid high energy drinks, they contain lots of caffeine and sugars."
Aside from eating healthily and sleeping Carstens also called attention to studying too hard. She said that it is important to, "Take breaks during studying. Stretch, take a short walk and get some fresh air. (They will) help you clear your mind and refocus," she said.
So, with all these tips in mind, seize the day. Stare finals week right in the eye, and be ready to ace those exams…or at least have a good go at them.
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