Students race to finish semester strong academically and mentally

Joel Murchison Staff Writer

Midterms for the Spring 2023 semester are finally over but the race to academic success has just begun. The time to be successful, motivated, and consistent begins now.

As the end of the spring semester inches closer and closer, students must prepare to finish strong to ensure a passing grade.

On top of the academic requirements, spring is also the semester when student organizations begin to become more active. Balancing academic and extracurricular activities on campus could cause stress to some students.

Missing class on any day out of the week could cause students to miss vital information about final assignments and tests that could make or break their grades.

With all of these factors in mind, how do students stay committed to finishing their semester strong?

Beyonce McGee, a senior social work major from Jackson, Miss., shared advice she would give to her classmates and expressed what she felt was the long-term goal in taking a midterm or final.

“The goal is to focus on the long term, retaining the material and fulfilling the academic achievement goal,” said McGee. “We know that midterms are a critical time of the year, and your grades should always be taken seriously. So to push through, the motivation is keeping up with your test schedule and reviewing notes.”

Kevin Barber, Jr., a freshman finance major from Chicago, Ill., also believes that time management is important during this time of year.

“Some tips to continue success include prioritizing your time, remembering deadlines, and communicating with your professora,” said Barber. “Also, remember that you are not alone; there is always somebody willing to help.”

When focusing on several assignments for multiple professors, it can be difficult to remain organized.

Kennedy Larkins, a freshman biology/pre-dentistry major from Memphis, Tenn., expressed the importance of organization.

“Organization can keep you less stressed and managing your time will keep you from running around,” stated Larkins. “Knowing what you are good at can keep you focused on what you must work on or study.”

Though the spring semester is challenging for every student, the pressure is more intense for seniors. On top of academic achievements, they must also prioritize their next step after graduation, which can be intimidating.

Draylon Brown, a senior biology/pre-physical therapy major from Mendenhall, Miss., stays focused through the semester by reflecting on the bigger picture: his post-graduate career.

“Remember why you started; we all have a reason for choosing our paths,” said Brown. “Studying and staying dedicated are both things you need, but without motivation, it means nothing.”

While it is always important to hear how the students are preparing for the final stretch, it is just as important to hear suggestions from the faculty on campus who work with the students.

Alberta Yeboah-Ohwofasa, Ph.D., a social science professor at Jackson State University, offered several tips on how students could improve their academic performance before the semester ends.

“Write your discussions and assignments in your own words, with your arguments, explanations, and examples

(particularly examples of your own experiences or the experiences of others),” YeboahOhwofasa recommended.

She also encouraged students to support each statement with an example that is relevant to the assignment.

The most important part of staying strong academically is mental health. Managing schoolwork can be mentally draining, especially in a difficult course.

Antonio Horton, a psychology professor at JSU and employee at the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling, gave these tips for students to maintain their mental health.

1. Eat, rest, and sleep properly to reach optimal functionality. This greatly aids your executive functioning and ability to carry out tasks needed to return to your balance. Such as planning, focus, recalibration, and juggling multiple tasks. Several studies have been conducted at Harvard

University and the University of Pennsylvania regarding the correlation between sleep deprivation and functionality.

2. Take a PURPOSEFUL break. Incorporate a mindfulness activity to refresh your brain, reset, and focus. Activities can be between 5-60 minutes. Listen to music, grab a healthy snack, or even allow yourself to daydream! Remember, social media does not count as a “purposeful” break. Find something that nourishes the spirit, and you are one step closer to improving your wellness!

3. Check out the LNC Virtual Relaxation room on our website. We have progressive muscle relaxation techniques, deep breathing techniques, journaling, and more.

4. As spring break draws near, be intentional about self-care. Get back to YOU and what builds you and waters you. Sit down, grab a piece of paper, and write down what you envision yourself doing to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.