The Most Stressful Time of the Year

The next few weeks are going to be hectic! The end of February/beginning of March always is for me.  My to-do list literally fills up an entire piece of notebook paper.  Apparently every teacher thinks that their class is the only one students have.  Just to name a few things, I have a test to take by Saturday and a paper to write, a briefing article to research, and a business presentation to prepare--and that's just for Tuesday.  I also have taken on more responsibility at work and am doing all but one aspect (the one I couldn't do if I wanted to because the office is in California) of my full-time summer job.  Life is a bit crazy at the moment.  I have been working on my perspective in situations like these.  I have never been able to focus on one assignment at a time.  I look at the big picture, get overwhelmed, and completely shut down--and when I shut down, no amount of reason can pull me out of it.  So what? I have too much to do to shut down.  I have made a list and prioritized all of the things I need to get done.  Hopefully this will help me to remember to focus on everything individually and do my best to complete it rather than having a mental breakdown.  Now what?  I need to get started on the list!  This blog post is just one of the many things I will get to cross off today.  Hopefully I can stay motivated enough to get ahead on all that I have to do!

The Best Letter I've Ever Received

It came!!! On Friday, I had a friend pick up my admissions letter for the Public Relations program.  I GOT IN!!! I could not be more excited to begin my journey in this program.  To make the celebration even better, I got the news from my own bed in my own room in my house back home.  California has treated me well in the few days I've been home.  It has been a weekend of celebrations and enjoying the warm weather (it was 81 degrees yesterday).  So what? This is the beginning of my professional career.  This letter was what I needed to know that this is the field I'm supposed to be in.  I love the work and have loved all the classes I've taken so far.  This is what I needed to know that I am good enough and have the skills to make it in the field.  Now what?  I have a few informational meetings to go to and a meeting with the department counselor to plan out my last few semesters, and then I start classes in the fall.  It will be a lot of hard work, but I am ready for the challenge.  I cannot wait to move on with the next phase of my life.

The Weekend of Midterms

One week from today, I will be basking in the California sunshine.  I could not be more excited.  For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to go right in the middle of midterm season.  Not a big deal, just means I have to rush to take all of my tests before I leave.  I'll be taking one test a day from today until Tuesday.  Well worth it to be able to get out of the freezing cold.  Have I mentioned ever that I hate it?  Anywho, the trick to this weekend will be getting in all of the study time I need to do well on my exams and still find time to complete the assignments I have due on Tuesday.  So what? I am horrible when it comes to time management.  I have a hard time looking at individual assignments and will get stuck and overwhelmed looking at the big picture.  I need to plan out my time and limit the chances for distractions.  If this means shutting down the internet (a tear streams down my face) then it must be done.  Now what?  I better get studying!  My first midterm is in class and starts in about an hour and a half.  I think I'm going to punish the essay questions but the vocab questions are going to be a little harder.  Good thing I brought my flashcards to campus.