Finals

This week, the infamous five-day period known as finals, has contained more than its fair share of stress. Last year, at the end of fall term, I had 5 hard courses--each day of finals required hours of studying for the corresponding end exam. This year, however, I traded in my spot in the alcove of Hamersly for my desk in the Journal office. Tucked away in the basement of the student building, I have a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and, of course, my supply of chocolate.
Rewinding to the end of last week, I had hoped to use some of the weekend's precious hours to get ahead on my final projects. The hours of studying were not needed this year, but take-home exams and group work substituted their own time demands. Nonetheless, unexpected messages brought new issues to deal with and the need to spend some time in prayer. Monday through today, I spent my days running from building-to-building, my schedule of back-to-back meetings, holiday parties, interviews, and work keeping me on my toes from sun-up to sundown. Monday afternoon, I thought I'd sneak home early--enjoy a rare dinner with dear friends and work in the quiet of the upstairs bedroom. But the stress of the week was already evidencing itself upon my psyche--misinterpreting messages meant for good caused tears and made potentially productive hours dissolve in grief and guilt. Maybe one day I'll learn to stop interpreting--to somehow be more genuine and open--but Monday proved another failure. Tuesday dawned as busy as the rest of the week. Only around 9 p.m. was I finally able to creep into my basement lair and begin the work of writing my last final. Questions expanded, answers extending much longer than required, but the careful crafting together of phrases soothed my rattled mind.
Wednesday, another busy day, but the busyness was conquerable--as long as its scheduled, it's something I can control. Emotional surprises are harder to deal with than a 6+ hour marathon working to complete a final. Life, I'm sure, will require its share of both, but now, waiting for the last meeting of my crazy week, I'm happy to report that I made it--the finals have been written, the papers turned in. Let Christmas Break begin!