You’ve Got This: End of the Semester Tips from your NAU profs
Note to Self: You’re going to Kick Axe
Chef Mark Molinaro | NAU Hotel & Restaurant Management
When I ran the Phoenix Rock and Roll half-marathon and hit my wall at mile 11, two thoughts got me through the finish line for a personal best that I hope will help you cruise through your semester finish line:
- Remember your why: each class and experience you complete (like steps in a race) add up to a larger purpose and calling.
- Encourage others: Saying, “You got this!” to other runners while I was sucking wind brought a lightness and intention to my efforts.
Getting outside of ourselves to help others is a salve for the soul and brings joy to your spirit.
Find another student who may be struggling and give them some encouragement!
Janice Sweeter | Associate Director of Student and Academic Affairs for the School of Communication & Associate Professor of Practice, Strategic Communication
My favorite word these days is intention.
My advice: Live with intention. Whatever you choose to do, do it fully with your whole heart and mind.
Be attuned to the exquisite vibrations of life. And don’t do it alone.
Glenn Edgerton, EdD, LAT, ATC
Clinical Professor/MSAT Program Director
It is amazing what we can learn and retain when we WANT to learn something. Whether it be sports statistics, video game maps, strategy, or ‘cheats’, or, yes, even academic/clinical content.
It is all about your focus and purpose for learning.
If you focus your energy on learning and retaining material so that you can excel in your area of interest, the grade needed for success will happen.
If you focus your energy on the desired grade you want, the learning and retaining of material will not happen and it is likely that the grade won’t happen either!
TRUST your ability to learn and focus on what truly matters to allow you to be successful in your future career!
Megan Meyer, Lecturer | Health Sciences
- Get organized: Write a to-do list of everything you need to do, and give yourself due dates for any large projects/papers that are at least a couple of days before the actual due date so you have time to revise and refine. Remember-Due does not equal do 😊
- Chunk out large projects/papers: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by an assignment, break of the instructions into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Take care of yourself: Get plenty of sleep, drink water, have nutrient dense snacks on hand, and break up your study sessions with some stretching or walks.
- Take advantage of the library: The quiet atmosphere and study rooms are perfect for creating an environment that helps you focus.
- Put your phone/devices on do not disturb while you’re working to help limit distractions and multitasking.
Rory Faust | Associate Professor of Practice, School of Communication
“Remember to take some time for your mental health.
Get outside for a walk or run through the pines and breath in the fresh air.
Don’t stress over the unknown outcomes of final exams and projects.
Study, prepare, work in a few mental health breaks, and learn to live with the results knowing you tried your best!
This quote by Teddy Roosevelt has given me inspiration over the years.”
Amy Hitt | Strategic Communication Program Coordinator
Associate Professor of Practice, School of Communication
Journaling in the morning has been hands down the best practice for my mental wellbeing. You dump all your worries and dreams on the page and that clears your headspace for other tasks.
Talai Osmonbekov, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing, and Information Systems Management
- Remember the deadlines for exams, quizzes, and other graded stuff. Sounds silly but every semester someone forgets something in my classes and gets lower grade than they should.
- Get plenty of naps, so you in your best form for the finals. Don’t feel guilty about it, your brain is still working while you’re napping, organizing information in your head.
McKenzie Cassens, Assistant Professor of Practice | Management, Marketing, and Information Systems Management
My recommendation is:
Make time to destress!
Studies show that dancing and singing at the top of our lungs is a great way to regulate our nervous system.
So whether you are jamming out to your favorite songs in the car or stopping in at Karaoke Club’s meeting, make some time to decompress with song!
Karaoke club has a great Instagram account too!
Landi Morris, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting
My advice is, to make sure to prioritize time to rest.
You can’t make it through the craziness of finals if you don’t make time for yourself.
Len Hostetter, Professor, Assistant Professor of Practice, Marketing and Executive-in-Residence
My words of encouragement are, “Stay committed. Finish strong because it’s a reflection of you and your personal brand.”
