As students, we get the mind-numbing anxiety or apathy that overtakes everyone during the exam season. Nothing matters and we all just want to get to Christmas. And we will! Just a few days more until we get to be surrounded by Christmas music, lights, and the gingerbread people. We hope you are holding on and doing your best this exam season. And by doing your best, we mean you are being mindful of your health and only taking on what you can. Even though the vaccine is here, we are still in bleak times. Our Christmas plans might be completely altered as we try and be safe. But we hope you are still finding ways to connect with your loved ones virtually and pacing yourself through your exams to get to the other side!
To brighten things up a bit, for our last post this term, we decided to share some of our favourite motivating quotes from the books we love (because we are the Undergraduate Society of Bibliophiles). We hope the words move you as they have moved us (and maybe even give you your next read):
" Trying to gather positive/motivating quotes for this article made me realize the books I read are really depressing! But I am glad I could remember all these slight moments of hope and optimism that always put me in a pensive mood (but also make me smile). Though I love all these words, my favourite ones are: "I'm so tired. Tired-but so so so wired to the moon." For me, the quote acknowledges limitation but also captures what urges the human spirit to keep on trying--dreams. And I would like to believe that these dreams would someday come to fruition.
Of course, you don't need me to tell you this is a hard time--we are all living it and are struggling in one way or the other (some people more than others). I just want to say that you did great this term! You showed up, did your best and that's more than enough for this year that has been a dumpster fire. And so I urge you to be kind to yourself. Be thankful for your body and mind that are surviving this weird time. There are just a few days until the exam season is over, so just give it your best shot and remember to get help if you need it. Take little breaks in between your study sessions and hydrate! Once you do finish your exams, please allow yourself time during the break to recuperate. I hope you have a happy break and a happy New Year and we'll see you next term!"
-Akshi Chadha, President
"I know the first quote might conjure images of herbal teas and bubble baths, but that is not what Shakespeare meant! Self-love is about asserting your identity and overcoming the fearful avoidance of yourself. Thus, we should make sure to be mindful of ourselves--our needs and capabilities and try our best by overcoming our fears (according to the Dauphin of France in Shakespeare’s play, Henry V). Only self-awareness can lead to self-love and self-improvement. So don't be afraid to assert your identity yourself and to follow your dreams!
The second quote might seem really disheartening, but not if you look at it in context (Read Macbeth if you can--it's awesome!). When Macbeth said this, he was the King of Scotland (If anyone needed a reminder that getting a 4.0, or not getting it, is not the end of the world, this is it).
Macbeth became King by engaging in illegal activities and afterwards he and his wife start going crazy because they cannot stand the guilt that they’re feeling. And so Macbeth feels that life is uncontrollable and meaningless. Therefore, the kinds of decisions we make are way more important than the results. It's the fact that we were true to ourselves and gave it our best shot that counts!"
-Jothie Muraleetharan, Outreach Officer
"We've made it to the final stretch of the semester so it's time for one last push! Today is a new day where you can turn around the semester if it hasn't been going your way or finish out strong. But remember to make time for yourself, to take study breaks and drink hot chocolate. It also helps to remember that the holidays are just around the corner! Good luck everyone!"
- Britney Forget, VP Academics