To Study or To Procrastinate?
Ten reasons why studying is the Answer
By Lauren Pennell

            With the end of the year fast approaching and finals with it, Rockhurst students across campus are being forced to acknowledge the necessity of studying, studying, studying ‘til no more studying can be done.  But who really wants to study with Thanksgiving break just behind and Christmas break so close that sweet, sweet freedom is almost tangible?  With papers, projects, and tests cluttering up students’ last week of classes, it is nearly impossible to find true motivation and productivity among the student body.  Regardless, finals are looming resolutely, ever closer, taunting us with their simultaneous promise of impending anxiety and ultimate freedom.  To aid you in your decision between procrastinating further and actually, finally getting around to studying (meh), here is a list of all the reasons you should crack down and get to work even though it’s the last thing you want to do.

1. Studying gives you a sense of purpose.  Sure, so does sleeping, eating, socializing, and watching movies on Netflix, but just think of how rewarding studying really is.  Nothing beats that bleary-eyed, fuzzy-brained, emotionally drained feeling of accomplishment associated with a good, hard study session.
2. Studying is a stellar group activity.  Of course it’s easy to get distracted and strike up a conversation with your fellow study companions, but when did a study break ever kill anyone?  Having others around to commiserate with and even join in on your finals-induced panic attacks is always comforting and gives you the encouragement to continue with your studying.
3. Studying allows you to realize just how much you learned (…or didn’t learn…) all semester.  It’s amazing to think about all the knowledge rolling around in your noggin after a mere few months.  It’s surprising there’s room for anything else in there, really.
4.  Studying gives you an excuse to opt out of the plans your misguided friends try to drag you into.  You didn’t really want to go out and have fun on the weekend before finals anyway.  Much preferable to stay in, alone, and stare hopelessly at your textbooks.
5. Studying negates any sort of caloric intake.  Eat that ice cream, my friend.  Chow down on those potato chips.  Now is the time.
6. Studying introduces you to the classmates you hadn’t ever paid attention to before.  You never talked to half the people sitting beside you in class until you realized you know absolutely nothing and need them to hit you with their wisdom to pass your class.  You wouldn’t turn up your nose at the prospect of new friends, would you?
7.  Studying diligently makes you a more well-rounded person.  You can’t go through a whole week of sleepless nights, sporadic meals, high-running emotions and long hours of making notecards, reviewing information, poring over texts, and stressing over grades without coming out a better person in the end.
8. Studying brings out the honesty in people.  As tensions mount higher and higher and emotions run wild, friends are sure to speak their minds regardless of the consequences.  You were probably due for a good, healthy fight anyway.  Let the angst and drama begin.
9. Studying gives you the chance to achieve that A.  Or that B in some cases.  Maybe C, depends on how focused you were the rest of the semester.  At the very least, it helps you achieve a stress-induced meltdown.  Always good to get that out of your system.
10. Finally, studying allows you to learn about yourself and what is most important to you. Do you put more of an emphasis on personal enjoyment or doing well in everything you do?  Are you devoted to growing and developing as a person despite all of the seemingly unsavory aspects of studying, studying, studying some more?  Can you make the right decision for yourself and delve into something mildly unpleasant with the knowledge that it will bring you ultimate satisfaction rather than thoughtlessly pursue instant gratification?  Is it possible for you to remain patient and kind in the face of intense pressure?  The times that we are stretched the thinnest and nearest to breakdown are the times that we come to terms with our true identity as a student, friend, and loved one.  Committing yourself to studying will assist you in attaining self-actualization.

If that didn’t inspire you to study, nothing can.  Now, go forth and own those final tests and projects.  Drink lots of water, eat something healthy at least once a day, and do your best to focus.  You’ll be glad you studied in the end.  Good luck Rockhurst, and may the odds be ever in your favor.