Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Opinion

The growing pain in my upper back along with diminishing hours of sleep are my indication the semester is nearing its end.

Weeks, which flew by as a series of dull repetitions of normal academic tasks, were recently replaced by a flurry of last minute exams and papers.

What follows is something we are all quite familiar with, the comprehensive integration and retention of everything we have learned.

Spring with newly green, freshly mown fields and blossoming flowers, not to mention the fantastic weather, makes studying the last thing we desire to accomplish.

To make things worse, I find even the most vapid or mundane topics can completely capture my attention during this time of year.

Recently, while searching for an empty chair in the library, I was drawn to an obscure naturalist journal from 1967, outlining the cyclical eating patterns of the duckbill platypus.

After an hour of reading, I reached two conclusions. First, the platypus is a pretty fascinating, albeit, awkward creature.

Second, casually studying marine mammals probably won't increase my likelihood of passing exams.

It seems unfair that an entire semester's work can hinge on a two-hour performance.

A slight cold or a case of nerves can rattle us into making costly mistakes.

I suppose the opposite, however, is also true. A good final can seal the deal.

Indeed enough "make or break" protocol is in full effect during finals week.

So how can we make such a giant, often risky burden more manageable?

The first step to achieving success in finals is having a consistent and systematic approach. This entails making lists of topics to review and finally learning and attacking that list from the top to the bottom.

Second, it is a good idea to meet with teaching assistants and professors to either get approval of one's approach or to hammer out anything one is unsure of.

I am always surprised how effectively this streamlines the process of studying. It's normally a good idea to carry out this step at least two weeks before exams.

Third, as proven by my platypus fascination, maintaining focus is essential. Focused studying ensures we minimize the amount of time we spend while maximizing our output.

Lastly, and perhaps most important, we should take the time (even if in passing) to enjoy the world around us.

After all, spring symbolizes the hope embodied by birth and the blossoming of new life, not the infinitely deep puddle of confusion usually represented by final exams.

In less than a month the flowers and greenery of the campus will have considerably fewer patrons to enjoy their beauty. The buildings will be relatively empty and most of us will return to our respective hometowns.

In the limited time that lies ahead of us here, I say we embrace the experience.

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