Everyone's book is jumbled

Once again at Centre, midterms are here, and we have to keep our minds focused on school and out of our spring break plans.

Classes this spring have really flown by. I can't believe it's already time for midterms! The middle-school girl I tutor asked me yesterday, "Why is your assignment book so messy?" I explained to her that it's where I write down everything that I have to do, and that at Centre, everyone's book looks just about as jumbled as mine. There's definitely a ton to do around here, but at least I'm actually interested in what I'm learning, and having fun with my extracurriculars.

The whole freshman class was required to go see "The Marrige of Figaro," an opera written by Mozart, last night. We've been studying it in Humanities for a couple of weeks. When my study group was working on memorizing everything for the test, we were actually surprised to realize that we were starting to enjoy the songs, how the music goes with the words and so on. So, here we are, sitting in Newlin Hall at 8:00, humming along with the songs. I don't know if I should be ashamed of our nerd-like tendencies or happy that we're really learning information, as well as learning how to appreciate the things we see in life. I'm thinking about going with the latter.

And as our exams come up, here are some things I have learned since first semester midterms:

1. Once you get to college, caffeine is your new best friend.

2. Yes, it's necessary to do the reading...

3. ... If you don't, you may try to do it the week before the midterm, but it's just NOT going to happen.

4. The professors know you're sleeping in class, and they also know how to get you back for it later.

5. It's always a good idea to get some of your work done before you go out on Friday night (and you don't have to feel like a nerd because lots of other people are doing it too).

6. Arby's has free refills on coffee (see #1) and is open all night.

7. An all-nighter isn't as bad as you think. Also, it's easier once you just accept that you won't be getting any sleep.