Keep midterms in perspective

Grades don’t matter.

OK, they do, but we need to relax about them.

We are in the midst of midterm season, and nothing feels better than the release of stress as you walk out of your last exam. I don't know of anyone that enjoys taking the actual tests.

I spent the three days prior to Fall Break studying in the library. I procrastinated, as I do best, so all of my studying was crammed into the nights before exams. 

That being said, we get out of this what we put into it. I put lots of stress and cramming into it.

Many of you may feel as if you are not quite getting back what you are throwing in.

“I feel like midterms are not really midterms, they’re just tests that are perpetually happening,” Ayla Gizlice, a junior environmental science major, said. “Calling them midterms makes them much more stressful.” 

I know that I spent a ridiculous amount of time creating study guides, rereading textbooks and practicing essays in preparation for my dreaded midterms. I knowingly did my best and I answered all of the questions on each exam to the best of my ability.

While I did not get all A’s on my exams (which is my goal because I am a total grade freak), I was still satisfied with my not-so-good grades. We all get so caught up in the numbers and letters that we begin to define ourselves by them.

“Grades are extremely important to me; they’re my main priority at this point in time,”  Emily Sasser, a junior public relations major, said. 

I am here to tell you that you are more than your grade. 

Yes, grades are important. But your view of yourself and your mental health are exponentially more important. One poor grade does not make you stupid or worthless. Trust me, I am guilty of feeling this way.

I have even gone as far as saying that my new plan is to just drop out.

Do you see how wild that is?! I worked my tail off to get into Carolina and I could not be happier here, but one bad grade can make me say those things and want to leave!

You are worth way more than the D you got on that last chemistry exam. Or that one time you forgot to do homework for Spanish class because you were up all night studying for a history quiz. 

School is important. You are important.

Do not get caught up in grades, people. We have been accustomed to immediately want to know what we got on a test or a quiz. This is not normal! Do not sit around waiting for that number. Instead, start getting excited for what you get to learn next.

When you finally receive all of your grades from midterms, do not stress. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and understand that you will live. Professors are incredibly helpful and will listen to your concerns so they can do their best to help your future success.

@taygreymay

swerve@dailytarheel.com