The time has come for one one of the most bittersweet months of the whole school year – the last one.

Some find this time of the year to feel the longest, as stress of finals takes over and the excitement of being done feels like someone waving candy in front of a toddler.

“I am stressed, but very thankful that it is almost over because it’s been a year, to say the least,” VTSU student Kierra Rice said.

Others are feeling happy during this time because they are looking forward to getting closer to their future goals.

“I am most excited about the end of the school year because it gets me a step closer to achieving where I want to be in life!” VTSU Nursing student Kallie Haynes said. 

It can be a lot sometimes to try and juggle the life of a college student, especially this time of year. Some find it easy to get caught up in the mindset of being done, but the one month left still holds big importance. 

For most students, days are spent by waking up, going to class, studying, and then repeating it all over again the following day. That schedule makes it crucial to find an outlet to use as a way to relax and ease the mind. 

Claudia O’Connor finds talking to her community of friends to be a good motivation, especially the ones going through this same stressful time. Like O’Connor, Haynes finds her motivation through her community too, with her family as her biggest support system. 

“My family is the thing that is helping me get through the semester because they are always there for me and always push me to do my best,” she said. 

“Many students say the struggle is real and many say they have not related so much to this phrase until now. For O’Connor, the biggest struggle is juggling assignments while the demand of studying for tests is growing. 

For Haynes, the biggest struggle right now is finding her motivation when the end is so close. Similarly, Rice explains her struggle with motivation too, but she has found great help at the on-campus Wellness Center, along with some much needed visits from the best doctor of all, Max the cat!

Although struggles are very much real for these students, one good thing about the last home stretch of classes is that beautiful spring weather is finally coming into play.

“One thing that helps get me out of a rut that comes at this point in the year is really making sure to stay active and get outside. The fresh air definitely helps clear my mind,” O’Connor said.

The key to getting yourself out of an end-of-the-school-year rut is to find the things that make you feel energized during a time that can, more often than not, be very draining. 

“I try to find time to relax, spend time with my animals, go for a walk, and enjoy the fresh air,” explained Rice. 

It is too close to give up now! Only a few weeks away from becoming a step closer to career goals, which is the greatest motivation for Haynes. 

“Taking the time to remember why I am in school doing what I’m doing, (to help others) helps me to keep going,” she said.