When I was growing up, every time I ever said something like “I wish this week was over,” or “Summer can’t come soon enough,” my mother would always respond the same way — “Don’t wish your life away!”

I hated it. I never understood why she wouldn’t support me during my fits of whining. But, as I’ve grown up (a little), I’ve realized it was some of the most sound advice Martha Sr. ever threw my way. Mothers have a terrible, wonderful, awful habit of being right about most things — something which I would never tell her to her face.  

It’s so easy to wish time away at this stage of the semester. You’re burnt out. Depending on your age or personality, you’re either fighting some extreme stress or crippling lethargy right now — and you know it’s only going to get worse after Thanksgiving. 

But, counting down the days until Christmas break or summer is a comfortable trap – an easy way to ignore all the good things around you. 

Realizing this on the advent of my graduation is like only savoring the last bite of a meal.

Now that I’m a senior, I’ve reached a certain level of “who cares.” I don’t remember why I got a C in Constitution three years ago because it’s never affected me, and it probably never will. I’d prefer to get good grades, and I try my best to do so, but sometimes I don’t — so, who cares?

I’m not saying you should get apathetic about school work. Always try your hardest, study, blah, blah, blah. But no test or presentation is worth staying up until closing time in the library every night — it’s just going to make you hate what could be a fun time of the year.

This more relaxed mindset has made my midterms season so much more tolerable this semester. Giant chemistry exam tomorrow? Guess what: I can still go to Taco Bell with my friends as an hour long study break. Despite the impending doom, I’m making some great college memories in the moment, and that’s fine by me. 

Unless you’re planning on going to graduate, law, or medical school, you don’t have a real reason to lose your minds this season. And, even if you are doing those things, you’re probably smart and passionate enough about your subject that you’ll be just fine. 

Midterms and finals will pass when they’re good and ready, so enjoy the last month of the semester — you’ll never get it back.