It's like, sometimes life is hard

So the other day I was walking to campus in a cute mock turtleneck sweater and brand new pants from A&F with this totally cute belt which matched my shoes, and this car drove by and it splashed me, with total disregard for my wardrobe.

And that got me thinking, you know, sometimes life is really hard. I mean, think about it. Right now we have people in Afghanistan. I mean, that's really hard to comprehend. And on top of that, my Psychology 120 final is totally going to kick my ass unless I really study for it. And I don't really have time for that. I mean, all of the end-of-the-semester parties are coming up, and, let's be honest here, you guys! I'm not going to just skip ALL of those parties! I mean, even the hardest-working out of all of us have to take a little break to drink a fifth of Jack Daniels! Plus, on top of that, I totally have to get down to the mall to get some Xmas shopping done for the fam, and I can never figure out what to get for my dad.

Well, I bet y'all are going through the same thing right now, and I bet you're wondering how I can give you some advice to get your life in order because my opinion is so important to you. So here are my tips for getting the end of your semester together:

1. Don't procrastinate! I know, I know, you've heard it a million times, but this time I'm really serious! I know how easy it is to get caught up in the latest episode of Friends or Will & Grace and to just put everything off until 2 a.m. in the morning. So what I do during finals time is write down in my planner when I'm going to study for a certain subject, for how long, and then I'll write in a little study break for Dawson's. But then, you have to hit the books again! I'm really serious!

2. Get outside and get some fresh air before the snow REALLY comes! I know that we've gotten some nasty weather lately, but it is still pretty nice out, if not a little cold. If you're totally stressed over a big exam or a big paper, don't freak out! Sometimes the best thing is to take a walk around the block or something to clear your head. Some fresh air will really help you to concentrate better. Plus being out with nature and stuff sometimes really helps to put things into perspective.

3. Study with your friends. I know that sometimes studying with your friends gets more procrastination than education done! But it can really help to say things out loud because it helps your memory to remember the stuff for the tests.
Okay, you guys, it's time for me to sign off. This is my last column of the semester (it went so fast, didn't it?!?), and I just wanted to say that you guys have made this semester so great by sending me emails about the column and everything, and that I totally appreciate it; it's been a blast! Since you guys have been so helpful to me this semester, I want to make a deal with you: If there's anything that I haven't talked about yet this semester that you want me to talk about next semester, just e-mail me, and I will totally do a column on it.

Good luck on finals!

Also appeared in the December 3, 2001 edition of the MU Student News