I am UIC: Finals within the final weeks of fall semester

Even though there are two more weeks before the fall semester comes to an end, college students can become bombarded with final papers, projects and exams. The last two weeks can become difficult to juggle — between different class assignments and exams — with students aiming to finish as strong as they started.

There are different ways to successfully cope with the stress or anxiety stemming from this last two weeks before final exams (Dec. 10 – 14).

One of the first means of relieving stress during finals week is to stop procrastinating. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), approximately 80 percent to 95 percent of college students procrastinate on their school assignments. Some justify this habit with the claim that they work well under pressuree, but even if one works well under pressure, it always better to work without the feeling of anxiety. Working with ample time allows one to thoroughly think about each process, edit significantly, enjoy the process of accomplishing the work, as well as having time for other activities.

For example, if one has papers due during finals week to avoid working under pressure, avoid procrastination by working on a page or two each day until submission. Through this method, one can quickly and easily finish assignments before they are due. Moreover, if one works ahead of time, one can seek for help that will approve the outcome of the assignment or exam. Teaching assistants, professors, library archives, fellow classmates, and the  UICWriting Center are resources that can be used towards successfully completing this semester.

Temitope Eddna Odedoyin is majoring in English and fully concentrating in media and professional writing. Apart from writing, she has a passion for painting and enjoys using watercolors, oil paint, acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel. She also has an interest in creative writing and short stories. She believes that art — through writing and painting — is a way of expressing one’s feelings.