Each academic semester at Bates has its tell tale signs that the end is near. Whether it’s absent friends or that the study carole on the third floor of the library that you’ve occupied since the beginning of the semester is (gasp) taken by someone else (So frustrating, especially for people like me who get used to being geographically located in a specific manner in a specific space and get uncomfortable when that’s messed with) the end of the semester brings with it change. And not always what you view at the time to be good change. But alas, don’t be frightened as things don’t stay changed forever. Batesies are not notorious for being locked in the library forever. Things fall back into place once people have finished their finals and returned from a nice break (either winter or spring).
However, the end of semester stressors have affected me differently this year, I think due to the change in lifestyle that is brought with living off campus. I have different responsibilities than I have had the past three years. Number one: I DON’T do laundry. Now I never want to spend two dollars to wash and dry a load of laundry ever but when I’m stressed and trying to manage the end of all my classes and finish thesis? Forget it. Number two: lunch goes down the tubes. Now for those of you who know me you know I eat the same thing for breakfast every day and that it is one of my life’s little joys. You may also be aware that my off-campus living arrangement includes communal dinners so there is always something at least put together for dinner and usually very tasty. Now lunch… lunch I’m on my own and I’m busy. And not only am I busy but I don’t have enough money to eat out every day. And I don’t always have time to do intense shopping (though grocery shopping is one of the loves of my life. I amble through the natural foods section of Shaws like a pair of lovers in Central Park on a warm day). But anyway, bottom line is, I’m not eating gourmet here, I’m eating for energy. And that means vegetables so my whole life doesn’t go to crap, protein so I don’t atrophy away sitting at my desk and carbohydrates. I eat carbohydrates like a high school cross country runner the night before a meet. But unfortunately, these foods translate into frozen vegetables, lentils, bread and fruit. And peanut butter. Lots and lots of peanut butter. Number 3: I don’t do dishes. My roommate deserves a medal for putting up with me and my oatmeal stained pots. She has been insanely wonderful. I will pay her back (we’ve discussed this), I just can barely think about cleaning myself more or less cleaning inanimate objects. Number 4: I sleep in/on things that aren’t my bed… like my study table at the Ronj… one of my roommate’s caught me the other day and I felt I felt actually embarrassed. I felt caught in a sad, sad act.
But you know what? I don’t know if I’d have the end of the semester be any other way. I honestly believe that if you keep on top of your work during the semester, the end doesn’t have to be painful. The only reason it’s painful for me is that I chose to totally restructure my thesis and gave myself two weeks to do so. But I’m nearing the end and boy when I do… I have plans. I am going to do laundry, eat some delicious food, do some dishes, sleep in my own bed and spend some quality time with my friends. I can’t wait.
Shhhh,
Steph
