It's May 18. Can you believe how fast this year has flown by? It seems like just yesterday when we welcomed the Class of 2013 to the University of St. Thomas with the “Walk Through the Arches” and now we are just a few days away from sending the Class of 2010 out into world to advance the common good. It seems that with each passing year, time flies by faster and faster.
The end of the school year is within reach and everyone is wrapping up summer plans for classes, internships, jobs or – my favorite – vacation. Before we can close the chapter on the year, there is one more very important detail to attend to: Finals Week. As we all know, this can be a challenging and often stressful time. The pressure is on to finish the semester well and ace those finals.
In these last weeks of the semester, I find myself playing more of a motivator or “cheerleader” role encouraging our students to do well. It’s an easy time to get down on one’s self or to be preoccupied with the multitude of events upon us.
Having played basketball throughout high school and college, cheerleading seems to have been ages ago. … well< I guess it because it was. I hung up my cheerleading pompoms after 8th grade, but I have found myself channeling that experience to serve me well this time of year. During the day, you will hear me say countless times to students: “You can do it!” “Finish strong!” “Show ’em what you’re made of!” “I believe in you.” Sometimes I giggle at myself because I am not really one who gets too excited or animated often, but I definitely know when someone needs a kind word or a little pick-me-up!
As busy as we all are, it’s important not to lose focus. Ensure that your education is your priority and work towards achieving your goals. After all, academic success is fun, right?
You have worked so hard over this semester and I really want to challenge each of you to dedicate yourself to your studies over these next few days. Revisit the goals you set at the beginning of the semester and recommit to achieving them.
And if you are stressed out, take advantage of the resources that UST has available. If you need someone to talk to, Personal Counseling is also a great resource. If you need a little “cheering” and encouragement, stop by 119 OEC.
Good luck to all UST students on your finals. You CAN do it! Finish strong!
