Nigel Cares: Finish line is just ahead

By Dr. John Delaney, associate vice president and dean of students

The final weeks of the semester can generate an overwhelming range of emotions for many students.

The anticipation of finishing classes and looking ahead to the summer months can serve as a prompt to successfully complete last-minute papers and projects, prepare for final exams, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of submitting the last assignment with the press of the "submit" key.

In the flurry of activity during this time of the semester, it is incredibly important that you take care of yourself and use the available UNG resources and services to provide a solid platform for your academic and personal success.

Be mindful to choose good self-care activities such as exercising with a friend or hiking a local trail, grabbing a study break to unwind, or attending on- or off-campus events to refresh and recharge the mental batteries during a time of high stress for all. These mental pauses are helpful ways to remain on track without feeling burned out, and combined with a good night's sleep and two or three regular meals each day, you can feel well, attack your projects with confidence, and ensure you are not running on fumes as you work through your final projects and exams.

Take a moment to scan the Student Involvement website to learn about the activities hosted over the final weeks of the semester and to purposefully step away for a moment to help reframe your mindset to tackle the last set of academic assignments.

As we finish the semester, take time for the following activities:

• Get outside in a way that's fun for you — take a walk, kick or throw a ball, take photos, hang out with friends.
• If you have a tried-and-tested strategy to finish your classes well, use it again this semester!
• Make sure you get any last-minute directions and details from your professors on your assignments.
• Take care of the "small" stuff in the next few days so you can focus on the "big" stuff for your papers, projects, and final exams.
• Get some sleep, eat full meals, and grab the time you can to recharge your batteries.
• Lean on friends and family, and support your friends at this time.
• Attend a campus program with friends to relax, unwind, and help refocus.

Remember you've got this!

Reach out to Dr. John Delaney, associate vice president and dean of students, at john.delaney@ung.edu with any questions, or with suggestions, tips, and ideas to help students successfully cross the finish line this semester.