Can you believe that this semester is already halfway over?  Oh my goodness!  Honestly, these last weeks are going to fly by even faster, because they will be filled with papers, tests, quizzes, and preparation for finals.  I feel like I need to smack myself a few times just so I can believe it's true.  I'm not sure if I have truly evaluated the extent of work I need to complete in the near future.  It's not that I've been a procrastinator; it's just very easy to overlook the big, looming projects that seem so far off.

I suggest that everyone sit down sometime soon, after the shock of your last midterm wears off, and really evaluate the amount of time left in the school year.  Seven weeks, including exam week.  In reality, that means we only have six weeks of classes left until all of our major grades are due.  What I've done in the past is set weekly goals to keep myself from pulling all-nighters for the last week of classes.  The goals can be simple steps toward writing a paper.  For example, next week I plan on having my paper prospectus typed up and ready go.  That way I know what my thesis is, and then I can commence the next week in setting myself a goal for finding literary research.  Not only does this ease me into thinking about my final grades, it also leaves me plenty of time to write and revise my paper. 

One of the wonderful resources on campus for students is the ConocoPhillips Writing Center, located in Bizzell Library.  Students can set up appointments with one of their wonderful tutors, and they will be able to sit down for a one-on-one session to discuss any aspect of their paper that they would like help on.  You can get help with grammar, citation, thought clarity, and research.  Just make sure you make an appointment in advance, because they get swamped at the end of the year. 

Another thing I usually do at this time of year is meet with my teacher to discuss my current grade status.  In some of my Literature courses, I have a hard time evaluating what my grade might be.  So, take the guess work out determining your grade, and go straight to the source - your professors.  They are wonderful resources.  Ask them how you might maintain your good grades or bring up any unsightly grades.  Discuss your project or paper ideas with them.  Ask for help on a current homework question.  Talking with your teachers lets them know that you are taking their course seriously and that you appreciate any help that they might give you. 

Planning ahead never hurt anyone.  By planning, you will probably save yourself a few all-nighters, lots of money spent at Starbucks to aid your all-nighters, and from a lot of stress.  A wise man named Alexander Graham Bell said, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success."  Think about it. 

"When I find myself fading, I close my eyes and realize my friends are my energy."

This statement defines many of our lives.  Many of my best friends do not live in Norman with me, so I truly do have to close my eyes and imagine their smiles to evoke their joyous natures within me. 

The time spent with your true friends acts as a remedy for any ailment that has been plaguing you - stress, sleepiness, laziness, cranky-pants-ness (I don't believe that is a word).  So, if you are still trying to shake off the blues from the Sooners' heartbreaking loss to Colorado or fighting the sniffles, try to enlist a good friend in cheering you up. 

One of my best friends, my mom, is in town this weekend!  Although we won't be making the trek down to Dallas for the Red River Shootout, we are going to have a wonderful time together.  We might take in a movie, eat at a few local restaurants, watch the game, but most importantly we are simply going to spend time in each other's presence. 

Even though three and a half days of visiting doesn't seem like a lot in the grander scheme of life, it will absolutely replenish and refresh my mood.  We should all have that someone that breathes life into your everyday routine.  I treasure my friends.  They are the most invaluable thing I have in my life.

"The making of friends who are real friends, is the best token we have of a man's success in life." (Edward Everett Hale)

As you all know my parents live in California, and their move definitely sped up my need to learn how to act like a responsible adult in all situations.  These past two weeks, I've been tested.  The stress of a fender bender, my last first week of college, and other scheduling conflicts basically schooled me in why adulthood seems so formidable and yucky at times.  It would have been a great deal easier if my mom and dad were here with me to deal with the insurance companies and the person who accidentally ran into me.  Why stop there?  It would have been awesome if they could have gone to class for me last week.  Just kidding.  But they were not around to help me deal with my messy business.  I felt overwhelmed even though they were just a phone call away. 

Let me give you a little background dealing with my newfound responsibilities.  During the summer, I moved into a new house and my parents decided that I should get some "grown-up" furniture, because I had been living with piecemeal furniture from storage units long forgotten.  I thought, "This should be easy.  Take a trip up to OKC and pick out some furniture."  Unfortunately, it became a little more stressful when I had to compare prices, ask about warranties, return unnecessary warranties, etc.  On the phone one night with my mom, my frustration with responsibility came out and an interesting analogy came to mind.  I told my mom, "I feel like I've been tossed into a swimming pool, and I can't swim.  I have floaties, but they are deflated.  No lifeguards."  My mom laughed a little and said, "We aren't taking away your floaties.  We're just letting the air out a little bit at a time, so you can learn how to take care of yourself when you get out of college."  With each new experience, I might feel the anxiety of not being able to swim when the waves crash over me, but I know that I can handle it.  If I listen to good advice from people who care about me, and I take that advice and put it into action -kicking my legs and dog paddling with my arms - then I will be able to enjoy my time in the pool. 

In college, our lists of responsibilities doubles from our lists in high school, but isn't it nice to know that you are gaining more and more control over your life.  It's scary, but cool all at the same time.  I've been able to think of myself as more of an adult, and that is exciting.  I am responsible, and I can take care of myself.  Accept responsibilities in your life.  Also, face the challenge of learning how to swim with the belief that when you kick your legs and flail your arms that you are going to sprint confidently through the water like Michael Phelps.

Harvey Cushing, a pioneer in the field of neurosurgery, once said, "The capacity of man himself is only revealed when, under stress and responsibility, he breaks through his educational shell, and he may then be a splendid surprise to himself no less than to this teachers."