By Julianne Fullerton | Copy Editor
With October winding down and November soon to be upon us, it’s safe to say that the semester is flying by. We’re over halfway done, which might be either a source of relief to you or a harsh reality check. Either way, here’s some advice to keep in mind for the coming weeks.
Keep your work ethic up
At this point in the semester, your classes might be smooth sailing — or you may not have started out strong and are currently drowning in a sea of defeat while trying to scrape your way back up to an A. Meanwhile, tiredness is creeping in, sickness is spreading and the last thing you need is another bad quiz grade.
Here’s my advice: Keep your work ethic up. It can be easy to slack off, tune out and miss class, but everything you are doing now is just as important as when you first began. Why put in effort at first just to backtrack your progress now? Make your past self proud.
Also, never underestimate the impact that final projects, exams and essays can have on your grade. Some will be worth 15%, others 20% and, in some cases, 25% of your grade, so there should never be a moment when you give up. Don’t become overconfident or complacent about where you are now. An A is never promised. Keep persevering until the end, and I’m sure your grades will thank you.
If you’re feeling discouraged by your grades or progress at this point of the semester, I also encourage you to keep pushing forward. There is still enough time in the semester to redeem yourself and pull up your grades. Nothing is set in stone until those final grades are in. Meanwhile, give yourself grace in the process. Don’t overwork yourself at the risk of your health and holistic well-being. I do want to acknowledge that burnout is real, but what you are doing now matters just as much as what you did at the beginning of the semester. Start strong, but finish strong too.
Continue to prioritize your health
Sick of hearing that one guy coughing up half a lung in the back of your lecture hall? Me too. He’s just proof that we still need to continue prioritizing our health even as the semester goes on. Have you already been sick? There’s always the possibility you can get sick again, especially as the weather becomes colder and seasonal allergies start to roll in. Continue prioritizing your health, your sleep and your mental well-being. Oh, and go for a walk to de-stress yourself before the cold temperatures hit Waco, if they ever last longer than three days.
Friendships can fluctuate
If you’re a freshman and still struggling to find your community, don’t lose hope. Although social media may make it seem like everyone has found “their people” and picture-perfect friend groups, remember that it’s only a highlight reel. Despite what it looks like, some people can be in a group of 10 friends and still feel completely and utterly alone. Friendships will come, even if they take time. After all, it’s better to form friendships out of intentionality than convenience. If you’re feeling extra bold, start knocking on the doors of people in your hall and introduce yourself to them if you haven’t already done so. If you aren’t met with positive responses, that says more about their character than yours. If there’s anything I’ve learned throughout college, it’s that every season of life has different friendships, and that’s completely OK.
The best is yet to come
Don’t get sentimental about the semester being over just yet because there is so much to look forward to in the next few months, even in the next few days.
Baylor Homecoming brings plenty of opportunities to connect yourself to an age-old tradition that alumni flock back to celebrate. And it’s no surprise that they do. With the Extravaganza, Pep Rally and Bonfire on Fountain Mall, Pigskin Revue in Waco Hall, the Homecoming Parade Saturday morning and the football game Saturday afternoon, there’s plenty to keep yourself occupied.
For freshmen, Oct. 26 presents the special opportunity to attend the Mass Meeting at the Ferrell Center — another Baylor tradition welcoming only first-year students to homecoming week, retelling the story of the Immortal Ten and presenting the Eternal Flame. This is something I attended my freshman year that truly gave me a new appreciation for Baylor, so I encourage you to attend if you have the time.
If football season has you frustrated, basketball’s final season at the Ferrell will open with a matchup against Garner-Webb on Nov. 12. Although we’re all anxiously awaiting the opening of the Foster Pavilion, it does not officially open until January, so it’s time to soak up our last few games at the Ferrell until the new year.
Coming up on Nov. 15 is All-University Thanksgiving — another Baylor tradition that is put on by Baylor Student Foundation. All Baylor students are welcome to come enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal on Fountain Mall, connecting with fellow students under the common bond of gratitude. This is personally one of my favorite Baylor traditions because of the chance it provides to slow down while eating a meal surrounded by the community that Baylor has brought me.
At the end of the day, be careful not to wish away these coming weeks just because they may be busy, stressful or overwhelming. Keep persevering and taking the rest of this semester by storm. Don’t let it take you down with it. If you keep taking it one day at a time, the holiday season will be here before you know it. You only get to live this semester once, so soak it up.
