Spring Semester & A Tubing Trip

Mar 19, 2019 • Abby B.

It was my first time tubing, and my fingers clasped the plastic handles of that 3-person float with a death grip. After buckling my life jacket and securely stowing my glasses in my friend’s beach bag, I flashed a thumbs up as the boat began picking up speed. We coasted slowly, bouncing a bit here and there as we scooted across the lake. The wind rushed through my hair, and I laughed. So far, so good. Suddenly, though, the boat occupants apparently decided I had been properly introduced to tubing and was ready to experience the next level: the extreme edition. Cranking the throttle, they sliced through wakes and turned sharply as we jostled along behind like a puppet on a string. The next thing I knew I was getting more air time than water time, and every moment our float went airborne and slammed down on the waves I thought for sure I’d be catapulted into the cool blue waters. Thankfully I survived, and I would do it again. There’s something about the thrill of ride that gets my adrenaline pumping.

I’d say that spring semester of college is a lot like tubing. You start off gradual, and you hold on wayyy tighter than you need to. Then, as soon as you start to relax your grip and find your rhythm, the semester rockets off the launchpad and you find yourself hanging on for dear life while careening across the waves faster than you can blink (or submit your assignments on BlackBoard). After three years of college, I’ve discovered that the secret to enjoying the spring semester experience is to practice productivity, and I’ve created three key steps you can take to enjoy your ride!

1. Plan like your life depends on it (because it does).

I can’t stress this enough, but you MUST figure out a system to keep track of your responsibilities and commitments. Whether that’s sticking Post-Its on your mirror, tattooing meetings on your forehead, typing reminders on your phone, or swearing by a pen and paper planner, discover what works for you and develop a habit of keeping track of everything going on in your life. This semester alone I’ve already double-booked three events for one-time slot, forgot an assignment until an hour before class, and had to rearrange my work shifts to attend an important meeting for my degree.

2. Enjoy the ride (because it ends).

There is something to be said for challenging yourself and leaping out beyond your comfort zone, but it’s also important to do what you love. I wouldn’t have known the fun of tubing if I had stayed in the boat, but I prepared before jumping overboard. I buckled my jacket, secured my glasses, grabbed a friend, and THEN clambered in the float. In the same way, it’s totally okay to drop a class, join a new club, or change your major, but take time to think before you start calling Registrar. Find something you love and do it well, but never get so comfortable that you find yourself unwilling to explore new opportunities. If I had stayed within my degree and never explored elective options, I would have never discovered Dr. Prior’s ENGL 417 course, “Writing for Cultural Engagement.” That class is one of my favorites this spring, but if I had stayed where I’m comfy I would’ve missed out on an incredible course. College will end one day, so live this time to the fullest while you can. Enjoy it.

3. Link arms with your pals (because you weren’t meant to do life alone).

It’s easy to stress out over exams and labs and discussion board replies, but you can only hide out in the fourth floor of the library for so long before needing a break. Diligence in your studies is crucial, so definitely set aside prime work time to plow through research papers and study for tests! However, one of the key characteristics of a good leader is the ability to balance completing tasks with building relationships. The best leaders do both; they accomplish the to-do list while also honoring the people around them. If you work best alone, don’t be afraid to leave the game early or skip the hall dinner, but don’t allow your studies to isolate you from your peers. It’s okay to take a few hours to explore downtown, drive up to Snowflex, or grab dinner with a friend. You weren’t created to do life alone, so put friendships on your priority list!