The Calm before the Storm...then the Storm

Dark clouds loom over me. Birds sing out warnings of the upcoming storm. But I still sit here, on this park bench, enjoying life at present. As the first drop hits my head, I wonder if there will be more, although I already know the answer. Yet, I let myself believe there is one small chance the clouds will pass me by. Maybe they will postpone their attack until tomorrow. I do not have to worry about them today. And then it comes. Drip, Drop, Drip. Patter, pitter, patter. Draaahhp. Crash. Swoooshhh.

This analogy of the upcoming due dates with papers, exams, and orals accurately describes many procrastinators’ outlooks on assignments. Throughout my education experience, I have found that as the semesters end, it becomes increasingly harder for me to motivate myself and embrace the reality in the “storm.” But, it is altogether so important that I do. Most of the assignments due at the end of the semester, along with exams, will end up determining the work I have put in throughout the semester. During this crunch time, it takes every last thing within us to push through, fight through that fourth quarter, and finish strong.

When we do not prepare ourselves for upcoming storms, we often sell ourselves short. Once the storm hits, we are left to soak outside with no means to protect ourselves. Instead, we should be conscious of what is to come, and adequately prepare ourselves for the storm. Write papers ahead of time. Take time away from social events and study for the coming exams. What you put in, you will most likely get out. Or, at least, you can rest easy knowing you did all you could.

​For some, this advice may seem too late. But, much like a child who learns through getting wet in the rain, we are all human and will take this experience and learn for the next end of a semester, or fourth quarter, or business due date.