FINALLLSSSS :) :( :/

It's finals week? Really? Are you sure? That's basically how I'm feeling right about now. I've already completed two of my six final exams and I still can't believe it is finals week and the end of the semester. I am officially only one semester away from being halfway done with my undergraduate studies. For most people, this seems like a minor feat since this big deal will be when I graduate but I'm so excited to be this far along already. I was one of those kids who dreamed of going to college and becoming a doctor instead of learning her ABC's. I've always wanted to be where I am now and now it's literally flying by. I can't believe I'm almost halfway there. It seems like just yesterday that I graduated high school. Time goes way too fast. Don't blink or you'll miss it.

Since it's finals week, I felt it would be appropriate to discuss some of my favorite ways to study for big tests like these. Of course, every person learns completely differently so this could work for some of you and not for others. These are just some things that I enjoy doing and that I think actually help me.
1. Remember way back when, during proficiency tests, the teachers would pass out peppermints like they were candy? This last weekend/week while I've been studying, I remembered this little trick and I've been eating peppermints since. There's something about mints that I think REALLY work. So if you happen to be on campus any during this week and you pass by me, there's a good chance my mouth will be full of mints and I'll smell like the biggest candy cane you've ever seen.
2. I LOVE to listen to music when I study. For some people, this really doesn't work but for some, it does. I like to listen to just about anything. If it's a really good song, I'll do an impromptu dance around my room while I'm looking over my notes or books. Listening and dancing to my music keeps my blood flowing so that I don't fall asleep.
3. Making review sheets really work for me as well. So this past weekend, I made up a few review sheets for the exams I have this week. It helped refresh me on the material we've covered and it allows me to just grab the review sheet and go. No more carrying around my notebook, computer, and books. Plus, review sheets should have all the information you need and nothing more. You don't need things that aren't going to be on the exams distracting you.
4. TAKE BREAKS!!! This may seem a little out there but really, if you have six exams in five days like I do, you need breaks to keep your sanity. Studying every day all day can become really boring and then you won't remember a thing you studied because you were too busy watching the hairs on your arm grow. Thankfully, Bluffton agrees with me on this point. Once every finals week, we have a Finals Breakfast on campus. The professors and administrators on campus come and serve the students breakfast and 10 p.m. and they put on little skits and sing Christmas songs. It's really great fun and both the students and faculty/staff enjoy it. The Finals Breakfast is actually tonight so I'll have plenty of stories for that later, I'm sure.

These are just a few ideas. They may work or not for you. But don't knock them til you try them :) Enjoy your evening.