Finals. A two-syllable word originating from the Latin word for end. If that’s not intimidating, what is?

However, all of Guilford is creeping toward the end of the semester together. You are not alone in the struggle of finals, and you can use this commonality to your advantage

With finals comesummer jobs, various internships and a surplus of opportunities for next year. In the midst of all the commotion, we should stop a moment and listen to the advice of those around us.

Finals: 

“Work hard, study hard and don’t freak out,” said Administrative Assistant of Alumni Relations William Koppenhaver ’15. “Everything will work out one way or another.”

“Give all of your assignments your absolute all,” said Student Success Mentor, Community Director of Binford Hall and Assistant Coordinator of First Year Experience Brian Daniel ’11. “If not, you will have the entire summer to reflect on grades that might not align with your abilities.”

“Study, study, study,” said first-year Celene Warren, the recently elected Community Senate secretary for the upcoming year. “But, please remember to take a break. It’s good for the brain and body.”

Students and alumni alike share common advice because it is effective and rings true. There is no trick to finals other than hard work.

Summer:

“The summer is an incredible time to complete internships and jobs that are worthwhile and meaningful,” said Daniel.

“Many CCE students use summer as an opportunity to take a couple extra courses in order to graduate sooner,” said Robert Overman ’08, assistant director of student support for the CCE department. “Summer is a good time to focus on just one or two courses that they have been putting off.”

The summer is a time full of endless possibilities. Go talk to an advisor or alum and learn about an opportunity that fulfills and benefits you.

Staying happy and healthy:

“Laughter is the way,” said Warren. “It is so healthy to laugh.”

“Remain open-minded during your time at Guilford,” said first-year Veronica O’Neill. “Do and learn about things that you might not usually look into or care about.”

“Discover your passion and have the courage to pursue it,” said Daniel.

Guilford is about so much more than grades and exams, which is apparent in the voices of everyone involved with the College. Through listening, you can find your passion and meaning.

Why it matters: 

With Guilford being a small college, the atmosphere is open and interconnected. There are various opinions and voices floating around campus, and anyone can have a chance to be heard if they wish, but occasionally you must stop and listen.

While you may not decide to act on all the advice given, it is beneficial to hear what others have to say. After all, people are not just screaming into the abyss. Instead, they have a motive, a large portion of which is usually to be helpful.

So try it. Just for a day, stop and listen. It could change your actions or your way of thinking for the better.