For the past week, the biggest concern for most students across campus has been how much time is too much time to spend watching Netflix. Now, as spring break comes to a close and assignment deadlines once again begin to collect in our agendas, many of us can’t help but wonder “is this really worth it?” 

Wading through the last part of any semester is challenging. While it’s tempting and easy to put in the minimal effort required to reach the finish line, it’s important to remember to keep pushing.  We want to encourage students, faculty and staff at Grand Valley State University to focus on how to make their educational experience at the university count, even with summer on the brain. 

We know that there are few things more discouraging than falling behind in your classes. Procrastination and skipping lectures becomes easy when you’ve decided to “just get a passing grade.” Instead of accepting that you won’t be able to pull that D up to an A by the time April rolls around, switch your perspective and take steps to pick yourself back up. 

The university is packed with helpful resources to make even the most difficult assignment manageable. Instead of taking a zero on assignments that stump you, check out the tools offered on campus that are designed to help you be successful, including the Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors and the GVSU Speech Lab located on the main floor of the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons. Not many people like writing research papers and making speeches, but the staff at both centers aim to make it as painless as possible. 

Additionally, take advantage of your professor’s office hours–they were created for a reason–and make an appointment. Create a list of specific questions you have regarding course material you find yourself struggling with and run through it with your professor to ensure you end the course on a high note. Believe it or not, professors actually want to see you succeed, and most are more than willing to work with you until that happens. 

Unfortunately, we can almost guarantee there are going to be some rough times ahead, which means now is the perfect time to look at the opportunities before you. Every class you attend, every paper you write and every quiz you study for is bringing you one step closer to your professional career, which is an opportunity that not everyone has. 

Before you know it, you’ll be receiving your cap and gown and heading on stage for your long-awaited diploma. Make sure you can look back at your time on campus without regret. Buckle down and squeeze as much experience and knowledge out of GVSU as you can–there’s a lot to go around.