Above the Law: Semester's end brings "short-timer's" syndrome

Well folks, the end of the semester is almost here again. For some of us that means graduation. For others it means several more semesters of grueling studies and tests. No matter whether you fit into the former or latter of these categories, we all share something in common: short-timer's syndrome.

Even if you have never heard this specific term before, I am sure you are aware of the effects of this terrible affliction. Short-timer's syndrome occurs when the semester is almost over, and you begin to get lazy and slack off because you have put so much of yourself into the semester so far.

Personal or family issues can exacerbate this situation, but even without these external problems, we can all begin to get lazy around the end of the semester, often with devastating consequences.

Keep in mind that as the semester draws to a close, the weight of the grades you earn increases. Often, the grades we receive for finals and mid-terms are weighted more heavily than homework and other class projects completed earlier in the semester.

If you do not pay careful attention to your actions toward the end of the semester, a good grade in a class can turn into a very bad grade. Our professors and teachers try and warn us about this, but so many of us do not listen.

What you have to keep in mind is that we are all here for an education, and how we perform is going to be reflected in our grade point average. It is very easy to get caught up with things like partying and having fun while in college, and when a choice has to be made between doing math or English homework or going out with friends, our studies often take a back seat. This is especially noticeable late in a semester.

This affliction can be extremely difficult to battle. When you begin to think about all of the free time you will have during the summer or winter break to sleep in and hang out with friends, forcing yourself to do the right thing is not easy.

So how can you motivate yourself to keep on trying as hard as you did earlier in the semester?

Some tips I have learned are basically common sense, but for some reason do not come into our heads as common sense at the time it is needed. Things like sleeping regular hours and staying on a regimented schedule definitely help combat this laziness we all feel.

Also, eating foods that are good for you help keep you stay energized and focused on your studies. Setting aside even just one day a week to do nothing but work on assignments that you know are going to be due that week is another way to keep your week freed up for whatever you want, while still getting your assignments done.

Pay attention to how you are acting in these last few weeks, and let's fight short-timer's syndrome.