Q: Dear Helpful Hawk,

Finals are next week and I am struggling with staying focused.  I am so excited to go home and see my family, I do not want to think about school work.  I have okay grades but my class have only gotten harder since the beginning of the year.

My roommate also tells me that I am really distracting in our room because I can not sit still and just do homework.  I am constantly getting up and walking around the room.  My roommate says if it does not get better then we can not be roommates anymore.

I really like my roommate and I do not want to lose a friend.  I am very worried that next week is not going to go well.  What do you think I should do?

-Stressed Out Hawk

A: Dear Stressed Out Hawk,

First of all, take a deep breath.  Finals are the only thing that is in your way from going home and it is hard to motivate yourself to get the work done. Use the idea of being able to go home to motivate yourself to get your work done.  Grades are important and it is important you put your best effort in.  If you tried your best that is all you can ask for.  So, yes there is a possibility you will not get the grades you were hoping for, but try your best.  If you put everything you can into it, then you can at least be proud of yourself for not giving up.

It is not a good idea to study in your room if you are distracting your roommate. Head over to Arrupe Hall where there are plenty of rooms that have a lot of space to move around in.  Be sure to talk to your roommate and apologize for being distracting. An apology can go a long way. As the semester drags on dorm rooms can get tight and tension can arise; just give your roommate space.  Your roommate might be just as stressed as you are.

Jimmy Valvano said it best, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”. Good luck with finals and have a fantastic winter break.

Your friend,

The Helpful Hawk