After being on campus for almost ten weeks, it is time for finals to hit. As a first-year student, It feels like I just got here and I am being told I need to leave already. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time. I have seen the mixed reactions of the upcoming weeks from many of my peers. There is a blend of cramming in studying time, trying to make the most out of their final weeks here, and preparing to leave for six weeks. As of now, I have information about all of my finals, however, it has been an experience trying to navigate preparing for finals.
When applying to the University of Denver everyone told me, “the quarter system goes by so fast, and emphasized how rigorous the coursework could be. I thought people were over-exaggerating their experience or trying to make the school I was applying to seem more prestigious to my parents. At the beginning of the quarter, everything felt like it was smooth sailing. For the most part, I felt confident. I understood the curriculum, and then it all came crashing down at the end of week eight.
I felt pretty stable in all of my courses and thought the quarter would end as smoothly as it started,turns out I was wrong. I feel challenged in a way I haven’t before. It is not the general content but, more so my way of thinking. Each class has a different final presentation (oral exam, written responses and presentations), compared to the traditional final tests I had in high school. It is not overbearing by any means, it is just a new and more challenging experience.
This week, I had to face one of my biggest challenges since coming to college: the art of studying. I never really developed the best study habits. I know it sounds egotistical, but I have always just been good at school. School was my thing; I was able to take challenging classes in high school and be involved in extracurriculars with no real problems. Heck, I even took some community college courses and thought that was enough prep for DU. In the past week, I have discovered so many new spots on campus to hide out in while I practice my final debate aloud. I explored every floor of Community Commons, every pod in Dimond, and sat at the tables outside Boettcher West.
In addition, I have been grappling with the fact I will not be ending with straight A’s this quarter. Again, I know how that sounds. I understand a B is not the end of the world, but that is the thought I’ve had for the last four years. I’ve been abusing the “what if” section on Canvas, trying to figure out what I could possibly end my classes with. I was able to take classes that apply to my major, and it’s difficult not feeling at ease with the topics I am passionate about. I’m a chronic overthinker, so this quarter feels more intense than I know it should be.
However stressed I may feel, it is nice to know that the quarter is almost over. I’m from Colorado myself, but it was definitely an adjustment not being at home. I’m very close to my family, so it was a big adjustment to overcome. I also feel proud that I did it, I finished my first quarter. Even as chaotic as life feels right now, I am excited for the next quarter. I feel more prepared for what is to come, and I am ready to be challenged.
Good luck, and I hope that everyone has a great finals season.
