As the semester is coming to a close, some students are panicking.
Memes are circling around the internet about bringing grades from a D+ to an A-. Everyone and their mother is having a mental breakdown.
If anyone is wondering, it may be possible. However, the issue many students are facing is they aren’t aware catching up is an option. A lot of students believe that if they’re behind, that’s it. Game over.
There is such a stigma surrounding what happens if you turn an assignment in late or not at all.
I know I have definitely felt this way, so I can account for it.
Professors and teacher assistants are generally very understanding about issues concerning mental health, physical health and even genuine misunderstandings.
The best way to find out if your professor falls under this category is to talk to them.
Email them, go to their office hours, stop them after class — do whatever you can to get across that you are in need of their help or even an extension.
Most professors I’ve had make an announcement at the beginning of each semester telling students that if anything comes up that prevents them from performing as well as they can, to let them know immediately.
This includes any type of mental illness. Yes, including anxiety.
Professors want you to succeed in their classes, as much as they may make you think they are hell-bent on making this the worst semester of your life.
Sure, it may seem daunting if you are in a class with two hundred other students. This is where TAs come in handy.
Many zeros in the gradebook can at least be brought up to a fifty percent, and surprisingly, that can do wonders for your grade.
Another great resource for students that many aren’t aware of is the Student Advocates Office.
They help students with all types of issues and work with the University on the student’s behalf. If you’re having an issue with a professor, or other students (whether it be social, sexual assault or a misunderstanding), student advocates can provide you with help.
Maybe you have had to miss a bunch of classes because you’re going through something.
That’s okay. Student advocates along with Counseling and Psychological Services can work with you to help your professors understand what you’re going through.
So, instead of wallowing in the self-disgust you have from not turning in six finite assignments, or crying yourself to sleep after failing your fourth quiz in a foreign language class, talk to your professor.
Talk to CAPS. Talk to student advocates.
You can take charge of your schoolwork.
If you manage to pull off passing all of your classes exceptionally or even averagely, you will feel so much better knowing you tried.
But above all, your mental health and physical health are the most important things you need to take care of.
Don’t let finals season bog you down so badly that you can no longer function in a healthy manner.
Sleep well.
Eat well.
And take a shower.
mmgarbac@umail.iu.edu
@uma_merman
