Can you believe that midterms are over already? How did you do? Has this term been going as well as you hoped? The West Street House (a.k.a. the Student Development and Counseling Center) staff hope that it has, and we are available to help you if you think you're not reaching your full potential. Your chances of academic success are greatly increased when you take care of yourself physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Take a good look at yourself....
Physically.....Are you eating three meals a day? Pizza for all three doesn't count. Get some fruits and veggies in there somewhere. How much sleep do you need? Are you getting enough? You need about eight hours of good sleep in order to be capable of your peak performance. If typing on your computer keyboard is about the extent of your exercise regimen, create time in your day for a twenty-minute workout. Also, an abundance of caffeine will make you more jittery than effective. Maybe you can replace some of that caffeine with exercise, which will wake you up and give you energy.
Emotionally.....If stress has not hit you yet, it probably will soon! Make sure you have a healthy outlet for your stress. Grinding your teeth does not count and will prevent your roommate from getting the full eight hours of sleep. Instead, try an outlet such as exercise, meditation, relaxing walks, or talking with friends. Taking care of problems as they come up can be a great stress reliever. Also, be aware of your emotions; chances are you are feeling a lot of different ones, possibly including loneliness, sadness, and frustration. Explore these feelings on your own or with someone else; talk to a counselor if you'd like. When you get a bad grade-forgive yourself. Do something positive to prevent it from happening again-such as joining a M*A*S*H group or talking to a counselor about what may be affecting your academic performance and what you may be able to do to improve your grades-and your life!
Intellectually.....How are your study skills and time-management skills? Come to West Street House if you need any tips. Notetaking skills may vary from one course to another; ask your professor or TA for help. Form study groups that meet regularly. If you need a place for the meetings, contact West Street House; we may be able to provide that space. We also have counselors who are available to facilitate your group and to lend their expertise regarding academic success.
Spiritually.....Slow down! Stop to smell the roses; take time to enjoy yourself and find meaning in life. Celebrate old rituals and create new ones for yourself. Take chances and try new things to expand your mind. Also, put time aside to be alone and to be with friends...you need both. Get involved with community and campus events. And whatever you do-laugh at yourself!
WPI takes pride in offering a challenging experience to students but also takes pride in the quality of support services that are offered to assist you in this endeavor. You have an entire academic success team already in place for you. Take advantage of them! See your advisor on a regular basis for feedback and guidance. Meet with your professors during their office hours if you need assistance or clarification. Find a staff or faculty mentor who will support you and share ideas with you. Make use of the various support offices on campus, including Academic Advising, the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, West Street House, Health Services and Healthy Alternatives. Join a M*A*S*H group. Form study groups that meet regularly. Get advice from your R.A.s, O.L.s, T.A.s, family members, friends and peers.
Keeping yourself healthy physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually-and creating a strong support system for yourself-will make the upcoming final exams and projects more manageable. So take care and take advantage!