October 6, 2024

Students need to stay focused
in order to get their diploma

By JAZLYN SLACK

For some students, that desired piece of paper is slowly falling out of reach.

Even though graduation is right around the corner, it’s harder than ever to stay motivated.

It’s a long way from home and it seems like there’s nothing that could fill the void, and even though being on the home stretch, finding the motivation to get out of bed and hand in assignments is difficult.

The good thing is that there is only eight more weeks until summer vacation and, for some, graduation, but what seems to be the hardest thing to do, is getting out of the “so close, yet so far” mind set.

Some students are showing signs of seasonal affective disorder or depression. A lot of people would think, “Well, just get up and do something about it,” but it’s harder than that. As much as one would like to get up and feel happy and get out of the house, there’s a weight that keeps you from the “I love life” scenario.

The stress of getting your diploma can be overwhelming, especially when combined with homesickness. It seems so easy to just give up, but don’t. One and a half years or more of post-secondary education is far too long to just give up on. Failing even one course will guarantee a trip back in the fall and will cost you hundreds of dollars.

If you are feeling depressed or unmotivated, get help, whether it be from your family physician, a doctor on campus or Counselling Services.

And talk to your teachers. Tell them how you are feeling, so they know you are struggling and not just lazy.

Try not to procrastinate, organize your work into small chunks, keep your nose to the grindstone, meet deadlines and, most of all, stay positive.

The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, not necessarily the author.