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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you have so many skills and so much talent in so many areas I can see how you become overwhelmed…
My main thing is to STEP AWAY FROM THE SOCIAL NETWORKING! I get way too wrapped up in blogs and Facebook, especially when I’m trying to distract myself from a less-than-fun obligation…like work
I am so easily distracted from work-related stuff! The good thing is I work best under pressure, but there definitely comes a time when I need to put everything else aside and just finish my work.
Your tips are great, especially the one about quality snacks while studying. Oh, and I joined in on sweet treat Wednesdays! I made cupcakes with peanut butter buttercream. 
OH gosh I can’t even give you one, because I get overwhelmed so easily. Then when I do, I just quit everything. Not a good thing.
Oh no! I hope your stress goes away soon!!! I remember being in college and having that overwhelmed feeling! You’ll do great on our exams
heh i wish i had read this post BEFORE i became overwhelmed with my physics exam. oh well. live and learn no? let’s just keep breathing
and i took a geophysics course last semester too. what’s you major? you seem to be talking a wide variety of courses which is soo cool.
and what not to do? turn on your computer. a lot of my work is sans computer and i find that if i leave it off i can concentrate better. of course it’s on now and clearly providing a nice distraction ha!
So in other words: disconnect??? LOL. Thanks for the granola bar reviews!
lol netflix and hulu!! FACEBOOK AND BLOGS are my weakness!! so hard to avoid the urge to procrastinate!!!
your art pictures are awesome though!! you are talented!! I can’t draw to save my life!!
and i love your granola bar review pictures!! they are so classy and professional looking!
Yea.. twitter and blog reading is outright distracting! Keep yrself awy frm these durin time-strapped periods.. but if u hv the discipline, mayb 20mins at intervals of 2 hours?
Nature Path got in Msia…but not such funky flavours! Ours here are the hard type and boring…hummrpphhh.
Ok ok, me think s u better get back to studying (will pray for u) and me got to get to work!
btw, my my… u can draw!! really!
Nicely done with your drawings. You’ve definitely got the talent for it.
Remember to always take a deep breath when feeling bogged down by too many things. You’ll get through it.
LOVED the Maple Pecan Bar!!!! OMG so soo soo good!
Wow, I definitely wish my Starbucks had that muffin when I got my free pasty! The only thing they had left were scones, which don’t get me wrong, was very tasty, but the muffin would have been so much better.
I’m amazed you find the time to blog with 2 exams tomorrow O_O
These tips are JUST what I need right now (I have an exam tomorrow and I’m blogging?) Also, I’ve fallen asleep numerous times trying to study on my bed! lol
Do NOT tell your friends they can borrow your clothes because there’s a 90% chance you’ll never see it again…
Love your tips! I always find things to distract myself or procrastinate with! It’s so bad! hah
Your drawings are really good! And this post makes me feel old because your what not to dos numbers 1,2,5,6 were all not around when I was in college.
While this may seem like a no brainer, definitely do NOT go out to a party during the week. Or to a bar. Even if you think you won’t really drink more than a beer or so, you’ll definitely stay out later than you had planned, and not have the time to do that one last cram right before the test.
Also, DON’T do something stupid like decide to give up caffeine right around finals time. That’s really the best time to cram your body with chemicals that will help you to retain information.
Wow, you are soooo talented in many fields! I praise you artistic master, heheh. The drawings are amazing!
I thought the bread pudding tastes good (and it sure does look delish). I was saddened when you said it it was too sweet. I think I should make some tonigh–I have some bread left over.
PS: He looks cute!
I have a really good one that I learned recently and it’s about the power of thinking. I’ve actually been using it every week as I do my macroeconomics. The power of your thinking has everything to do w/ the outcome. So instead of whining to Johnny about how hard macroeconomics is and groaning countless times while doing it “I can’t do this!!!” instead I think positively. I take a deep breath and I tell myself that I AM smart and that I AM capable of completing this homework. I set a short time goal for myself to make it seem less daunting and if I make it to that and still feel ok, I set another short time goal. This goes on until my homework is done. I know it sounds kind of silly, but it has actually been helping. Instead of feeling like I can’t breath while doing it and like I ran a marathon by the time I finish I actually feel proud and accomplished at the end. It makes the work easier, is less stressful, and keeps my mood positive!
For sweet treat Wednesday I ate 6 Tagalong girl scout cookies when the serving size was 2! hehe Probably a little overboard by the time I looked at the stats on the side of the box – whoops! But oh well, you only live once, right?!
You’re an amazing artist! My own sage advice: do NOT put studying before hygiene. I’m not raising eyebrows at a little greasy hair but if you’re beginning the rely more and more on Febreeze as perfume, consider yourself indecent.
When I study for my ACE exam I literally have to put my cell phone in a different room, turn off all televisions and lock my computer. I’m easily distracted, so if I see I have an e-mail I’ll stop my studying and immediately check it!
Good luck with your finals, I don’t envy you
1. Your drawings are amazing! I love them! 2. I can apply almost all of your rules to “at work” as well. Bad blogger blogging at work! and 3. I’ve always wanted to do 24, 24, 24…maybe this year
Can’t wait to see yours!
i didn’t know you were an artist too sophia!! really good!
oooo those bars look like an adult version of quaker oats granola bars. they look sooo delish!
Sophia! What are you doing writing such a long post when you have an EXAM to study for?! I think you need to take a break from all things technology. Imagine the grades you’d get!
I am incredibly impressed with your art work. I know you said art was always your passion, and I’m so glad you’ve shared some of it with us. It’s fantastic! I have not one artistic bone in my body.
WHAT NOT TO DO: Eat 2 bowls of ice cream the night before a physical assessment…hehe….oops
Girl I hit up the free pastry offer to!! Check what I got on my blog!! The apple muffin looks yummy too though
To add on to your what not to do with yogurt…don’t try to eat yogurt with a fork like I just did. It doesn’t quite work as well as a spoon Haha!
Good luck Sophia!
I’ve definitely done EVERYTHING on your what not to do list!
Oh and your brother seems like the sweetest bro!
My God Sophia! You are an awesome person, you can cook, you are gorgeous, and you are an artist too? How on earth does one person get so lucky?
Sophia, you crack me up! Even while you’re telling us how awful everything is, I’m cracking up b/c you have such a humorous way of telling your story. I feel for you though, girl, and I’ve said a prayer for you. Good tips–I need to apply #2!!! I don’t watch netflix & hulu–but I stay online so long that if I’m not late to work in the morning, I’m a walking zombie all day. Stupid and it sucks. Your artwork is amazing. Just amazing. It doesn’t matter that the people don’t look exactly as they do in real life, what you’ve drawn is very high quality and realistic. Love it. OK, here’s a tip for you. If you put boiling hot liquid in a blender (like to make the green rice from my blog), do NOT securely close the top before turning it on. No matter how hard you hold that lid down, the pressure from the steam will make that sucker blow up and boiling hot liquid will be ALL OVER YOU! OWIE! An easy lesson, but I had to learn it twice. Now I leave the middle part out of the lid so that the steam has somewhere to go.
Ah yes, I have a box of those maple pecan bars to try–glad to hear you gave them the thumbs up!
my school always started finals week with late night breakfast-the cafeteria (smaller school, we had only one full on cafeteria) had waffles, bacon, all the good stuff, plus live music, and professors serving the food.
which was awesome
but i did learn
you should not go to late night breakfast with everyone you can find, one right after the other (someone at 6, then again at 7, again at 8:30…. you get the idea) even if it’s only a dollar each time. your tummy will hurt and you won’t want to study.
also, don’t cut a food off your hair the week before you have a ballet recital. it will be impossible to put that into a bun.
I love this post!!!!
The tips are hilarious
Am I ever glad I have this semester off!!!
Haha, you should just change your What Not To Do to:
NOT having a computer in class. That way you can’t use Twitter, Fbook, GChat, or anything. Handwriting notes is still the cool thing to do
Kidding.
Good luck with your exams! And I’m glad you got some stress out through art and that your brother was there to let you vent. Thank God for awesome people who listen to you when you’re stressed. I know if I didn’t have my go-to vent person, I’d have given up a long time ago.
Aww, I’m sorry you’re so stressed! We’ll do something fun once your exams are over.
I loved our pastry jaunt!
Hmmm…what not to do…never think in terms of time you will have…it’s hard enough working with time you DO have.
LMFAO re: your “I like bacon” comment!
Okay, my “what not to do” is do not eat a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for dinner. I did that Friday night after two weeks if INTENSE stress. Yikes….
I had to stop bringing my laptop to class because I would get so distracted. It’s a wonder I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I used to blog all the time. Not in the teaching credential program! I am a diligent student!
Dude Nature’s Path sent me the MMMaple and Pecan but not the other ones. Those look great! I love their pumpkin seed granola sooo much!
aw, I missed free pastry day and I am so bummed!
I love your portraits. They look fantastic! You are way too hard on yourself.
A what not to do from me: Don’t put off writing a paper until the last minute. EVER.
You definitely are one talented girl! Can’t wait to see more of your art (on paper and on plate).
When I studied for my exams I used to have to leave the comforts of home and just chain myself to a booth in the library. This way I wasn’t distracted by my grandma’s yummy smelling cooking, the fridge, TV, my dog, and my comfy comfy bed. Oh and if the library had a basement, all the better. This way I wouldn’t be distracted by trying to look out the windows and it would somewhat be drafty so I’d have a hard time drifting off to sleep.
Sophia, great product review. I find that adding maple to bars makes them taste so much sweeter that they should just skip all that other stuff (like icing). Maybe the product developers will start paying attention?
I love that you share your art. Good luck with exams!
It’s quite hard for my 6 yr old to do her homework and study for her spelling test already without Facebook and Twitter. Too many distractions in modern life! What not to do? Do not let a 6 yr old get away with not doing her homework. You are very artistic and humorous at the same time even in difficult circumstances. You will pull thru.
when i was in college, the internet was JUST being invented. seriously, if i was in school now, i wouldn’t graduate – not with facebook and twitter!
I’d just love to try that pumpkin Spice… With school, I’m still in school, I’m like a sponge that likes to absorb, and I’m in my 30′s, and have yet to figure out a family, life, work balance.
Yeah, been there, done that. My advice is :”Don’t watch tv-show after tv-show, just to get “relaxed”. You’ll lose a huge amount of time, and after that, you’ll only have time for panicking”.
Wow you have so many talents in so many areas! I especially like the first sketch, and try not to stress to much about your exams…you have taken on alot and are a busy bee, also there is virtually no student who is not guilty of any of those things you list. My student days were filled with things other than studying, often internet related!
Good luck for the exams, but whatever happens, happens. Nothing will change the fact that you are a very talented individual indeed
Sarah x
omg! You are so freaking talented!!! The pictures are so good. You can probably earn some side-income drawing people’s portraits. I know I’d pay you if I had money!
btw, all those tips u gave about what not to do as a smart student…LOLx. I can relate to each and everyone of those!!!:D
You’re a true artist! And love that muffin:)
I laughed about your tips, but totally understand your stress. Please breathe and have faith in yourself. I’m sending lots of hope and positive thoughts towards you and hope they will help you as well. Let’s just do it girl, I believe in you!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
first step to correct mistakes is to recognize them. hahahha.. you’ve done a great job identifying them!
I’d say, never wait until last minute if you can do it earlier (to avoid stress and procrastination)
Woooo, I envy your energy!! Hang in there, I’m sure that you will get through this and come out better than ever.
Those granola bars look SO good! Want
Jenn
Oooh Sophia, do not worry, we’ve all been there. I have done ALL of these things as a student and still came out okay. It’s almost like a rite of passage
DO NOT try to self-diagnose a skin rash my Google image-ing it. Just don’t do it.
I agree with all of your tips for not becoming overwhelmed–I try so hard to keep my cellphone in my pocket, but oh..you know haha.
You’re drawings are AMAZING!! Who knew you were a little artist..love it!
You’re drawings are amazing. I really hope you continue to share them! You are so incredibly talented!
I’m sorry you’re having a stressful time right now. It sounds like you’re coping pretty well. Hang in there girl!
Hang tight, girl. You probably know more than you think- I am a firm believer that attending lectures automatically instills info in your brain. Though I didn’t even finish high school so what do I know?
I had no idea you were such a talented artist! Photographer, yes, drawer (huh? you know what I mean- pen-to-paper-person), no. You got skillZ, yo.
Muffin = love. I want.
Um… I can’t think of anything.
What not to do when you want to leave a profound piece of advice to help a friend out: hit the “submit comment” button before you have thought of anything.
i have done all 6 of the things on your what not to do list, either in undergrad or now in grad school. and right now, i’m a slightly overwhelmed student. why did i take on 2 jobs in addition to my internship, class, and thesis? yep. that would fall under what not to do #6. oops.
good luck on your exams!! you’ll do better than you think! and i hope after these exams, you can relieve yourself of some of that overwhelming feeling.
i have nothing to add to the what not to do because my brain is currently trying to wrap itself around all of the thesis research i’m doing, but i love reading everyone else’s.
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