Finals week

Hello everyone - it's Blen, I am thrilled to kick off a new blog post full of motivation for finals week.

Finals week for J-term can be a challenging time for all students, but for international students, the added pressure of navigating a new academic system and cultural environment can make the experience even more stressful. However, it's important to remember that despite these challenges, international students have the ability and potential to succeed. Here are some tips and motivations to help international students do well on finals week.

First and foremost, its important to remember that the hard work and dedication that international students have put in throughout the semester will pay off during finals week. It's important to keep in mind that long hours spent studying and the late nights spent working on assignments have all been preparing students for this moment. Have confidence in the knowledge and skills that you have acquired throughout the semester, and trust in your ability to perform well on exams. 

Secondly, it's important to remind ourselves that the J-term is not the end-all, be-all of our academic journey. While it's important to do well on finals, it's also important to remember that it's just one part of our academic journey, and one mark on our academic record. International students should focus on bigger pictures and think about the long-term goals and aspirations they have for their academic and professional careers. 

Additionally, it's important for international students to take care of their physical and mental well-being during finals week. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. It's also important to make time for relaxation and self-care activities, whether that be reading, meditating, or going for a walk. These activities will help students to stay focused and maintain a clear mind during the stressful period of finals week. 

Another important aspects to remember is to stay positive and optimistic. Finals week can be a challenging time, but its important to keep a positive attitude and approach the exams with a clear and open mind. It can be helpful to remind yourself of past success and accomplishments, and to focus on the progress that you have made throughout the semester. 

Finally, it's important for international students to understand that it's okay to ask for help if they need it. Many universities have resources available for international students, such as tutoring, counseling, and academic advising. Additionally, international students can also reach out to other international students as they maybe going through similar experiences. 

In conclusion, finals week for J-term can be a challenging time for international students, but it's important to remember that the hard work and dedication that has been put in throughout the semester will pay off. It's important to stay positive, take care of oneself, and reach out for help if needed. Remember, it's just one part of your academic journey and you have the ability and potential  to succeed. You got this!

- Blen

 

New Year Motivation

Hello everyone- it’s Blen I hope your holidays were happy and fun and you’re ready to take on the New year with a fresh start.

New Year’s is a time for celebration and reflection, and it can be a particularly exciting time for international students who are experiencing a new culture and way of life. Whether you are spending New Year’s in your home country or abroad, there are many ways to celebrate this special holiday. In many parts of the world, New Year’s Eve is marked with parties and fireworks.

New year’s can also be a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. Many people take this opportunity to make resolutions or plan for the coming year. As an international student, you may have specific goals related to your studies or your personal growth. Take some time to think about what you want to achieve in the new year, and make a plan to work towards those goals. 

New Year’s is a time to come together with loved ones and look forward to the future. Whether you are with family, friends, or on your own, take a moment to appreciate the people and experiences that have shaped your life, and look forward to all that the new year has in store for you.

As the new year begins, it’s natural to feel motivated and ready to tackle new challenges. As an international student, you have already taken a brave and exciting step by choosing to study abroad. Now is the time to build on the momentum and set yourself up for success in the coming year. 

One way to stay motivated is to set clear goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve this year, both academically and personally? Whether it’s getting good grades, learning a new language, or making new friends, having specific goals can help you stay focused and motivated. 

Another key to staying motivated is to surround yourself with positive influences. This can include classmates, professors, and friends who support and encourage you. Seek out opportunities to connect with others who share your interests and goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. 

It’s also important to take care of yourself and find healthy ways to manage stress. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether that’s exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Remember to also get enough rest and practice good self-care habits like eating well and staying hydrated. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of school and life, but it’s important to take a moment to recognize and appreciate your hard work and progress. 

With a little planning and self-care, you can stay motivated and achieve great things in the new year. Best of luck in all your endeavors!

-Blen

 

What to do when You can't seem to be Able to do Anything

We have all been there.  It's 11 o'clock at night and you haven't started your homework.  You should be panicking and yet you sit and wonder how life would be if you just quit college and became a bohemian alpaca farmer. 

Well maybe that's just me, but don't lie and say you didn't panic binge 5 episodes on Netflix.  These days where motivation can't be found happen to all of us.  Though, with the end of the school year just a month away, some of us may notice that these days are coming more frequently.

I am not saying I have a magic potion or spell that will suddenly get you high on homework, but I do have some helpful tips and tricks for helping ease you out of the school year.

Getting Enough Sleep

It's hard enough to get out of bed in the morning as is.  Depriving yourself of a solid 8 hours with your pillow is a sure fire way of tanking out early in the heat of the end of semester craziness.  So make sure you prioritize your health this month and  avoid pulling any all-nighters. 

Not Letting Yourself Procrastinate

Seems impossible don't it?  You start off with the best intentions and suddenly you awaken from a 4 hour internet coma like "What year is it?"  Here are some tips that could help.

     -Designate a specific study area:  Do you study in bed, or where you normally sit and browse the internet?  If you answered yes to either of those questions, you may be unknowingly setting yourself up for failure.  That is, when you study in these places your brain is signaled to think about sleep, or the internet, respectively.  So, find a new place that you can use just for studying!

     -Set a 10 minute timer:  Anyone can be convinced to sit down and work for just 10 minutes.  This being said, setting a timer and telling yourself you will only work for those 10 minutes is a great way of focusing in.  You will be surprised at how much you get done when you fully dedicate yourself and in all likelihood you will have gotten so invested you won't want to stop.

Let Yourself Procrastinate

Well this is awkward.  Yes, yes.  I know I am now telling you to do the opposite of what I just said.  Please, let me explain.  In the hectic, fuzzy tumbleweed that is the end of the year, there will always be something more you can do.  Please, PLEASE, do not over load yourself.  It may seem like the end is nigh, but we still have a month left.  Charging into things all homework-go-lucky at this time is a sure fire way of zapping your energy before we even get to dead week.  So let yourself have moments of relaxation.  Recognize when your brain has had enough.  Take breaks. Draw pictures.  Go on walks.  Have coffee with friends.  Everything needs a little moderation.

Good Luck to All!

-Shanna