As I sat holed up in my dark room— eyes blurry and painfully dry, head pounding and clogged up, and my hand scribbling messy gibberish— a malicious voice repeatedly tortured me: “You asked for it. It’s all your fault, all your fault, all your fault.”
And I have nothing to retort back. Because it is. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault that I’m so utterly behind in preparation for my two exams tomorrow that I’ll be happy even with a C. It’s all my fault that within 24 hours, I have to re-learn all about the Big Bang, Einstein’s two theories of relativity, electromagnetism, red shifts, plate tectonics, lithosphere, the top diseases in 10 different countries, the biological invasion of cancer cells and AIDs and diabetes, and…Oh God, I need to stop before I start hyperventilating.
If it sounds like I’m about to turn mad, it’s because I am. I’m stuffing so much new information into my brain in such a limited frame of time that my mind is nauseous and I seriously am starting to wonder what a brain-vomit would look like.
So. There ought to be at least some kind of good end to this, so I shall very kindly and generously share with you some tips on what not to do as a student…in case you’ll end up like me. Let’s just pretend that I’m going through this hell just so I can share this list with you:
What Not To Do As a Smart Student (Which I Did)
- Do not blog during class: Or do Facebook, Twitter, etc. during class. Listen to the professor. He/she will probably reveal hints to what kind of questions will be on the exam.
- Do not stay up late watching Netflix and Hulu: Or you’ll wake up late and miss your morning class, like I did. Numerous times.
- Do not wait up to the few days before examinations to start your readings and catch up on all the class lessons: Unless you have an IQ of 280, you won’t be able to absorb all the information at once.
- Do not try to do your readings while lying belly-down on your cozy bed with a giant Pooh bear: Because you will fall asleep.
- Do not have your twitter or Facebook on while studying for your exam: Or you will find any excuse to distract yourself from your work, such as by responding to any random tweet like “I like bacon”.
- Do not sign up for time-consuming events like the Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24 right smack in the middle of exams: Planning the menu, going grocery-shopping, scheduling my time for preparations for the 6-course meal…it all takes. so. much. freaking. time. Time that I don’t have!
So here’s my brief list of what not to do (which I did). I guess you can see that the key thing is to keep up with all the lessons in class. Because it really sucks to have the learn six week’s worth of contents by yourself in two days. And because no matter how rich, beautiful, and smart you are, you can never buy or manipulate time.
I’m so stressed out, I even got a zit on the middle of my forehead. One word: AARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHH!!!!
Okay, I feel better now. It’s kind of late, but there are a few ways to make these few days of torture a bit better:
1. Vent to someone. I sent a stressed-out text message to my brother, and that made me feel better: 
Even when he gave me the most clichéd reply ever: “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, it kind of made my stress load lighter. Also, he promised to pray for me, and prayer works wonders. 
2. Another way to help you study for your exams: eat quality snacks to prevent from falling asleep while reading the Lorentz Transformation Equation. I’ve been eating my weight in nuts and these granola bars sent to me by Nature’s Path:
Nature’s Path sent me three types of their granola bars: Pumpkin-n-Spice, Chococonut, and Mmmaple Pecan.
Pumpkin-n-Spice: 
“Real, organic pumpkin seeds, organic raisins and sweet cinnamon; all made with good stuff like whole grain oats and flax.” 
I was kind of hoping that this would have a real pumpkin flavor, but the it’s called Pumpkin-n-Spice because of its pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie spice. I was a bit disappointed, but forgave it because it had a really delightful texture: 
Lovely chew, a good amount of crunch, and nice hint of spice.
Chococonut: 
“Real, organic dark chocolate, freshly shredded coconut and whole grain oats. Fulfill your chocolate craving and feel good about it!” 
If you like dark chocolate chips…you’ll love this bar. It’s certainly pretty generous with its chocolate chips! I however was not really enamored, only because it was too much dark chocolate for me. I’m more of a milk chocolate person, and I don’t really like chocolate chips, either. 
But what was awesome about this was the chewy and prevalent taste and texture of the coconut. I would love this bar so much more if it skipped the chocolate, and just focused on the coconut aspect of the bar. 
Finally, my absolute favorite, the Mmmaple Pecan: 
“Real, organic maple syrup, crunchy pecans and just the right amount of sweet, creamy icing; all made with good stuff like whole grain oats and flax.” 
AAH! So freaking good! Oh is there anything more pleasing than the smell and taste of sweet maple syrup? I could do without the icing, and I would have preferred a bit more pecans…but still, two thumbs up!! 
I have to say, Nature’s Path really rocks out consistent awesome products. All their products are low-sodium, trans-fat-free, vegetarian, and whole grain. A neat bonus is that all their bars come with a healthy dose of great Omega-3 fats, too. 
I got side-tracked…but on with the list of things to help you survive the exam period…
3. Gotta have your Sweet Treat Wednesday! By that, I also mean: treat yourself! Indulge! Give yourself something to look forward to within the chaotic week. For this week, I had two Sweet Treat days. I think I needed it, and coincidentally, Starbucks happened to have a Free Pastry Day on Tuesday, so I hauled my ass up earlier in the morning to snag my free pastry: 
Apple Bran Muffin! 
It was awesome. I loved the plump raisins and cherries in there, and the cake was moist. It was more like a cupcake than a muffin because of its sweetness, but it made a nice perky breakfast treat. 
As a bonus, I also got to meet up with Mimi, who I haven’t seen for more than a month. It was awesome catching up with her again, and I had to hold back sobs when I had to leave for Geology class.
For today’s Sweet Treat, I had some kind of bread pudding from my local Mexican bakery: 
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t very good. It was way too sweet for me. The top had a thick sugary glaze, and the texture was kind of…slimy. But it was only like 60 cents so I wasn’t too devastated. 
And finally on the list…
4. Take a moment to breath. No matter how busy, reserve at least a few hours a day for your own quiet, personal time to relax and meditate. I can’t reiterate how important this is! Seriously, if I was hectic and rushing the whole day, nothing even gets done; I end up feeling too burnt out to do anything productive. I think this can translate to anything: a brief run in the morning, or reading the bible before classes, listening to praise songs, doing yoga, whatever.
For today, I had my 3 hours of quiet time during art class in the morning. I’m loving the things we’re doing these days, which is to draw portraits. We don’t actually get to choose what we want to draw; the professor gives us specific assignments. For example, for the last two classes, we had to draw someone in class. Here’s the two unfortunate guys who got partnered up with me: 
This guy is Nolan. Say hi, Nolan. He doesn’t look so much like a gargoyle as he does here.
This guy is Matt: 
It looks like a Wanted Poster…I think I drew a serial killer instead. But in reality, he’s a really nice guy. I swear. He helped me open the door and carry my art supplies. Such a gentleman.
Okay, I’ve wasted enough time. It’s time to tackle Geophysics and Public Health again. I hope everyone is having a sweet Wednesday, and certainly in a better condition than I am!
Question of the day: Let’s all share a random “What Not to Do” tip, preferably from personal experience to make it more fun (funner!). I’ve already given a whole list on “What Not To Do To Avoid Becoming an Overwhelmed Student”, but here’s another one I learned: Do NOT put salt in your yogurt to make a fun sweet + savory combination. It is not fun, and it ends up tasting like Chinese medicine.
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Good luck with all your exams and everything! I love your drawings!
The granola bars look great.
As for your tips, well it sounds like you learned your lesson. At least you are able to share with others what you have learned and next term you, and everyone else can be in a better situation come midterm time. I hope, and I know, you will do fine. take a deep breath. Did you enter my giveaway, if not, check it out because it ends tomorrow.
wow youre an amazing drawer oh my goodness!!!! you capture the facials so well! about college and overwhelming.. looking back on my college years when i was deep in anorexia, everything overwhelmed me and the best advice i have is SLEEP. make sure you get enough good food and enough good sleep. my mind would travel and worry ten times faster if i was short on my snoozing!
First things first, your brother is so adorable! Your food and your art work are both fantastic! I’m sending positive thoughts and calling all test angels for you!
Oh, you are not making me miss exams at all!
I hope they go well!
Thanks for the tips. I’ll admit, I have been guilty of a few of those, lol. Blogging and playing the internet while I should be studying is a big problem for me.
Wow … you are GOOD at drawing. Better than good – fantastic! I would be flattered with a portrait like that. I’m so glad you love art. It’s such a wonderful stress reliever. And now you’re done with exams – yay!
I think the tips are great, especially #4, although for me, it usually involves a soft pillow, a backrest, and a VERY boring set of notes. Another tip would be to not decide that you “need” to bake a batch of special cookies when you’re studying for a test the next day. Not a good use of time.
Good luck with all of your studying. Try to keep yourself calm–though I know exactly how you feel.
Isn’t it amazing how many time-sucks there are when you are a student? (I guess there are time-sucks any time that you have something that you don’t want to do.)
what delicious snacks! GLAD YOU LOVE THE CELL PHONE CHARM. i too am a sucker for cute things….HAHAHHA.
dude, time sinks…totally felt that today. did i get any work done? HELL NO!
wonderful drawing sophia! so glad you shared, thank you!
hmmm…well my student tip might be something like “stop and smell the roses” but when i was in college it was literally “take time to go down to the lake park with your roommates stale loaf of bread and be accosted by the ducks.”
take a breather, in the fresh air if possible.
As I was reading your first part about what not to do, I was reminded of my daughter Alice!
Maybe a small comfort, but everybody goes through the same thing!
Next time around, you will face it prepared, I am sure.
Take care
Joumana
what not to do: purchase a home that becomes 20% depreciated in value within 6 mos of closing on it, in a state you never knew you’d hate, and move your family there, and then pray to god you can get out of it without 6 figures of debt. Moral: think hard before buying real estate!
Hang in there with all your stuff honey, i know this is a super stressful time for you!
you can draw so well!!!!
Great drawings daaaaaaahling. You have a lot of talents
I’ve just unveiled my new blog and am doing a give away to celebrate 
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
*kisses* HH
p.s. please stop by my blog and enter my giveaway for £50 or $75 worth of Amazon vouchers
i got the NP bars too but Igot thepumpkin flax and the peanut butter buddy ones…both good! I liked the pumpkin flax one like you said, the texture was great but not too pumpkinky. you are an amazing artist! wow you really capture the aspects of the faces, so beautiful!
when I am stressed I always vent to a family member too, it helps me get throuigh it
1) I sampled the Strawberry bar by Natures Path and it was so yummy! It was super sweet, but it made the perfect little hold-me-over until lunch.
2) I completely forgot about Free Pastry day at starbucks!!
3) Your drawings look awesome…I have no creative ability when it comes to things like that!
4) My brother told me the same thing last week “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I love that quote because it’s so very true.
im always so late to comment!
MUST FIND THOSE BARS..YUMM!!
okay well i basically break all those rules..hahaha! prob why we are both overwhelmed!!
Sophia, you have amazing talent! I pray that the Lord will use those talents to His glory! Oh, as for what NOT to do, I definitely will NOT drink coffee the night before an exam. I tried drinking coffee once at night and I couldn’t sleep at all. No prizes for guessing who looked like a panda-eyed zombie in the morning…
aw sorry to hear about the stress and i can totttttallly relate to how you feel right now hah@ i always blog during clas and regreg it later :-\ those bars look deliciouss! your drawings are awesome
Aww you poor thing Sophia! I hope it all gets better. I had no idea you could draw so well! Ok that’s it, I’m never publishing my drawings ever after seeing your talent lol
I hope you pulled through it all! All I had “in my day” was Facebook to distract myself! I can’t even imagine how little studying I would get done these days…
dont be mad at me, but i kinda laughed the whole way thru this post! lol
i love your list of what not to do, i too have had MANY last minute cramming sessions for studying.. barefly passing by the skin of my teeth.. crazy! and yes some of your tips apply to real world, like blog reading when im supposed to be processing orders for end of quarter.. oops!
and YES, your poor friend Matt looks like a wanted poster hahaha.. hey maybe you could free lance in police sketch work????
The power of prayer is powerful, you are right! I have definitely had my share of distractions while studying for exams when I was in school. But good luck with everything
And those sketches are great!!! Very talented!!
Good luck with those exams. I’ll be sending lots of positive energy your way. The trick is to learn to take smaller bites of life. If I keep telling other people that often enough, I might even start to do it myself. Blessings…Mary
All very insightful and right-on words of wisdom.
And you drew those awesome portraits?? Wow! I am duly impressed. You are multi-talented to be sure. They really are beautifully done.
Oh mannn that muffin has some plump raisins and looks so deliciously scrumptious. I tried those granola bars too
For the most part I really liked them, but I think they could tone down the sweetness a bit. But they still tasted good overall 
I really liked the Chococonut! The dark chocolate chips made it a bit less sweet. ANYWAY, back to the heart of the post. What not to do.. what not to do… DON’T TEXT SUPER FAST!!! I’ve had instances where I’ve texted the wrong message to the wrong person. This guy that likes me actually was texting me and I was also texting my mom. It happened to be her birthday that day so I texted her “Happy birthday, I love you” Then later when I looked at my phone I saw that I actually sent it to the guy and not my mom. Then he responded and said “thanks, it’s not my birthday though” lol! Oi!!! Also, be careful with the emoticons. I’ve done 
face to people that I don’t want to 
at lol.
oh those granola bars look amazing!
Ooh you are a great artist!
Great tips. DEFINITELY agree with them as an overwhelmed student myself!
My tip: don’t forget to work hard so that you can afford some rest time. I have been missing reading other blogs SO MUCH because school has been so crazy busy. Gotta do some catch up.
hahahahha, i love the tip not to put salt in your yogurt!! what were you thinking!?
heres a tip: do NOT forget to smell cheese to see if its still fresh before cooking with it. i did that last night and ewwwww.
You are such a talented artist! I had no idea until now! Wow, I am truly blown away. But then again, you are good at everything you do. I shouldn’t be surprised! Your tips were pretty funny and helpful. I hope your exams and projects turn out well and that you can finally rest when they’re over. My tip? If you’re sleepy, DON’T go on the back of a motorcycle. I fell asleep on the back of one once and it wasn’t pretty. Luckily, no one was hurt. EEK!
Be well, Sophia! Have a nice weekend!
OMG!!You can cook draw and write..What else…Oh my so talented.Figtree
Sophia, you are just so talented – wow – those drawings are amazing. Best of luck with all the exams, and believe me, you are not alone in finding a million in one things to distract yourself with. Best of luck!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I needed this post so bad right now! Seriously, I am really struggling with procrastinating and then becoming overwhelmed right now. Thanks so much (: -Kylee
The expression on your brother’s face is just priceless, specially after you gave us a run down of all the things you shouldn’t do when studying. It’s just saying ” we’re going to need a whole lot of praying”. So funny!
Hang on in there!
What Not To Do To Avoid Becoming an Overwhelmed Student
1. practice yoga
2. Sleep well
3. Eat well
4. Take less tensions
5. study a topic and that too with full concentration, no need to learn many things at once. Atleast you will remember what you learnt properly.
6. No one can be a master but always try to be a master by trying to remember the important points in a topic.
7. Learn either through drawing, writing or reading louder to make yo remember the things when you are appearing for the exams.
You can go through this article of mine to see how I managed learning before exams. http://abhilifelapazzo.blogspot.com/2010/01/story-of-creating-hill-tops-and-cycle.html
I think you have read it once. Just to reiterate.
sorry I wrote different.. the points mentioned above are what to do to Avoid Becoming an Overwhelmed Student
I’m still trying to figure out what to do and not to do when it comes to school. I was so much better about it in college but lately I just feel so overwhelmed. Not spending all my time blogging is a good start LOL.
You are an awesome artist Sophia! I love these!
So let’s see…my what not to do tip…don’t offer to bake a cake for 25 people for a school event the day before you have an exam. It’s not a good idea.
Do not start doing random cleaning up ( that you wouldn’t normally do) while trying to toast your well bread into toast. Outcome if you do… the toast will come out burnt and you still wont realize it until your boyfriend or whoever says…. “whats burning?” or the fire alarm goes off….. yea that’s me …. I really cannot be trusted alone with a toaster or toaster oven.
Would you be interested in illustrating a Children s story? ( I know that is super random but yea)
Your drawing’s are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey I have a question for you
You’re an amazing artist!
Seriously: you make amazing food, come up with your own recipes AND draw beautifully?? Screw school lol!!!!
No but in all seriousness, you draw so well, I am so impressed!!
For the first four years of university, I was the same as you. The day before the exam, I’d be like : why did I not start studying earlier??? Only this year (aka my FIFTH year in university) have I started to do things early (aka, finish a paper 2 weeks in advance which actually leaves me time to reread it!). So don’t beat yourself up about it
I think you’re going to do great!!
aww, good luck with your exam. i try as hard as i can to study ahead because i’m also that student who gets into a panic if i haven’t prepped ahead of time.
you’re a great artist…i had no idea! i’m no good at art, and i always love seeing other peoples’ work.
Love your art work Sophia!! One thing I learned in college – don’t sign up for 8:00 a.m. classes if you are not a morning person!
I am doing a FoodBuzz 24 tonight too! I am having a German exchange pizza party 101 – should be fun!
bahhh! i hope you survived!!
what not to do: decide you need to take a break for sanity’s sake and go out with friends. uhm, sure i felt better–until i got home and realized i had several hours’ less time to tackle that mountain of work. not worth watching tv in someone’s basement for!
Awh, I hope the exams all go okay. I’m terrible for procrastinating until the last minute myself.
you’re such a great artist, i had no idea! i can totally relate to what you’re going through in school. back in my day (ah, i’m getting old), we didn’t have fb or twitter, but i sure found other ways to keep distracted from class. good luck to you, you’re a strong girl, i’m sure you’ll do great!
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