By Kaelyn Cochrane
As a fifth year student I have had the opportunity to battle the Senior Slump twice. Do not fear, it IS doable! There will be several times throughout your college career when you lose motivation, become ill, run into family issues and the list goes on; now I am here to tell you a few things that have pushed me passed such hardships throughout my time here at OSU. The first thing one should always do in a time of stress in a college environment is to research and/or utilize the resources available to you. If you are feeling down, exhausted, depressed or lack motivation, Oregon State has resources on campus to help you work through times such as these. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on campus is available to all students and they are a great outlet for situations in which you feel under qualified to deal with.
On a more personal level there are a few simple steps to keeping yourself engaged in class and on top of your studies while battling the impacts of the Senior Slump. Step 1-Try not to let the time of year impact your studies: There are certain stigmas associated with each term and it is very easy to defy them, especially if you are aware of them. For instance, springtime is seen as a season to spend in the sun and have a lot of fun outside of school with your friends. Along with this you must continue to go to class and allot a number of hours per week to study. A great way to do this is to link up with a friend or two on these sunny days and study outdoors!
Most everyone around you has homework and studying to do, so a new study buddy is not too far away! Step 2-Stay Active. I find that it is much easier to stay focused when you are staying active and taking care of your body. From going on a walk with a friend to making a pit stop during your day at Dixon, finding some way to get your blood flowing will help your mind to stay clear of unwanted distractions and provide you with some endorphins in the process!
Step 3-Trust your routine! Everyone has a certain study habit or routine that works for them, keep to such habits and you will find yourself continuing to succeed throughout the year. Spring term can become very difficult with the daydreams of summer and the exhaustion of fall and winter term hovering over your head. This is, in my opinion, the most important time of year to trust your study habits and know what to do to stay successful. If you love studying in the afternoon, continue to do so because you know that works. If you prefer to go to Dixon before or after class, continue to do so to keep yourself on track.
You are at Oregon State to learn and prepare for your future. It is through simple steps such as these that will keep you moving forward with your degree, while also getting to enjoy the lovely OSU & Corvallis communities that surround us. Instead of letting the Senior Slump control what time you have left at Oregon State, take control of this slump and enjoy your Oregon State experience to the fullest!
