Ah, yes. The glorious half way point in the Spring semester, and also the make or break point. The time when you know for sure if you will ultimately pass this class or not. Here at the University of Rhode Island, our full mid-term grades are posted to our E-campus accounts shortly after our mid-term papers (or exams) are submitted and graded. We usually can see grades by early break. This grade will usually predict how well we’re doing overall halfway into the semester. I use it as a gauge on my focus and effort for the second half of the semester.
For instance, if I am in the A or B range (usually where I’m scoring at this time) — I know to just focus on maintaining what I am doing. To find ways to keep my mental health, physical health, and motivation up for a few more weeks. I may need to take a mental health day or two in April (not go to a class or two, and use some of my allowed unexcused absences allotted) in order to keep those things from totally tanking by finals. Should that grade be below the B range, I know I’ve been slacking or struggling, and need to either address what I’m not doing well, or talk with the Professor and ask for help. I generally dislike doing the latter unless it is absolutely necessary.
I mean, severely struggling — truly can’t focus at all, not comprehending the material, complete writer’s block on papers, etc.
But life happens; academic burn out AND pandemic fallout/burn out are real, relevant things right now. Health & wellbeing are priority if we want to achieve things in life at our full capacity, and function optimally.
The Spring semester is always where my own focus & motivation start to take a dive. Especially if I didn’t really get much of a Winter break or “family” stressed me out more than usual during the holidays.
While that did happen this past Winter, I have been doing what I can to mitigate the effects. Walking more on my own, spending more time to myself in my room to read or practice my drawing or just listen to music while curled up in a blanket nest. I have also went out exploring local communal spaces in order to try new things and bring fresh energy (perspective & vibes) into my days as they warm up, find possible co-working spaces outside of the house, and perhaps make new connections outside of relatives.
Always a welcome thing in my life, as long as they are mutual, safe, and healthy.
On the academic front, our professors decided to take mercy on us in some respect. I have some last minute readings to finish this week for the last discussions before break begins next weekend, and the last paper to write. The third mid-term is what Professor Eron calls ‘open forums’, which are technically a hybrid concept. A long, researched discussion post with multiple questions that each require a well-thought paragraph (No one-liners) taken from both primary readings and fleshed out with secondary readings that are usually criticisms. It basically amounts to another paper by the time we’re done and posted on Brightspace.
Last Thursday, all classes were either asynchronous or on Zoom (no commuting, YAY!) and then this Thursday, my first class cancelled completely so I don’t have to wake up early to be on campus for 8:30am.
Fine by me, absolutely NO complaints there.
That gives me plenty of time to do those readings and assignments to be submitted the morning they are due. Two of which I have in progress this week, and the third has already been completed and submitted. I’m feeling pretty good about my mid-term grades, pretty sure I’ll be in the A range based on the current Brightspace grades and my experience of the coursework so far.
On another note, the advising situation was thankfully resolved and things are ready to move forward for fall class registration. Which I am grateful went fairly smoothly after I emailed the department chair. Overall, not the worst. I’m doing well.
I hope everyone currently in university is doing well on their mid-terms and thoroughly enjoying Spring break, wherever you are!