In a nutshell.

'Tis the season for the overwhelming amount of work that all seems to be due magically at the exact same time. We (the students) are now entering into the next few weeks of study and educational HELL. Where long night and early mornings will be the trend and everyone will be snappy, cranky and close to tears at any moment. Well, at least the ones that care about making it out of this semester with a decent grade. Although it's stressful, I honestly like this time of the year..it shows how people react under pressure and as one of my friends used to say "a little bit of pressure ain't never hurt nobody!" Plus, you get to see peoples TRUE colors you also see what matters most to them, and what things they can live without. This semester has by far been one of the most challenging semesters that I have ever gone through. I have learned to balance my schoolwork, being a senator for International Students, being a PAL which is pretty much a mix between being a mother, babysitter, mentor and a friend as well as becoming a member of Collegiate 100 Women. I can say that I am proud, and I am learning in life people have little room for excuses and can careless about what you have going on as long as you fulfill the requirements for whatever it is that you signed up for. It's been a great experience having to juggle everything and I feel that I officially understand the meaning of TIME MANAGEMENT and planning ahead. I have worn more pairs of flats slack, and blazers then I care to, and I must admit it was a pain at first but now I feel unprepared and uncomfortable if I am not business casual. I guess when the is presented "do we grow up over time or all at once?" It's safe to say that "growing up" is something that happens over time, after you have experienced certain things, and have been resented with various situations. You grow without realizing it, and you the vision of who you want to be seems to come into focus more than ever. Well, for me it has. First semester down, three more to go.

For those dealing with any type of stress here's a great website to gain coping skills from. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm