Beating the Midterm Slump
Column by Sarah Rutledge
rutledges@findlay.edu
Well, we made it. To midterms, that is. All of us started the semester off strong, and some of us maintained that motivation throughout. But some of us have fallen into the midterm slump: when the excitement of the new semester dies down, more and more assignments are due, and the weather starts getting cooler. When you’re in this slump, you need to get back on track before finals arrive.
Kiya Debrosse, a senior biology student, offers her best study advice for slaying those studies. “Study the material right before you go to bed. Go to bed early, wake up early, and study the same thing.” Debrosse also emphasizes the importance of high-quality sleep. Studies show that when students receive an adequate amount of sleep, their test scores are much higher, and students also do not have the same high stress levels. Debrosse suggests that while your classes are more manageable, start building a strong base to set yourself up for success.
Alex Howard, a senior in equine training and equine business management, shares his wisdom on making the most of your study sessions. “Study with friends. Get a dry-erase board and quiz each other. Having a good study group can make or break the experience,” he says.
On campus, we have several different resources, including dry-erase boards and markers. If you are interested in borrowing either, head to the Shafer Library for more details. Howard reiterates the importance of getting enough sleep. When you are wired (either from caffeine or lack of sleep) your brain can not process the information as well as it could without.
Both Debrosse and Howard also give credit to the professors here at the University of Findlay. They both encourage students who are concerned to reach out to professors, whether that be before/after class or during office hours. The professors are here to help, and it is up to you to reach out.
From the Oiler Success Center’s Center for Career and Professional Development, (CCPD) Assistant Director Maggie Morehart shares some insight from the staff perspective.
Morehart started out as the graduate assistant for the CCPD, which led to her full-time position. Her undergraduate degree was in English creative writing with a minor in photography. She then continued her educational pathway, receiving her master’s in professional communication. As someone who has been in current students’ shoes, Morehart suggests that students continue taking care of themselves as the next eight weeks will fly by.
“Remember to take time for yourself. When you are planning out time to study and do homework, make sure you are building in time for things like socializing, taking a walk, and reading.”
Your time studying is going to be much more productive when you take care of yourself, mentally, spiritually, physically, and socially.
Good luck, Oilers and finish strong!
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