Spring 2023. Back At It.

<Daily: Finals Period>

 

Date: 2023.04.20                

 

[Back to School]

It's hard to believe that I've been back in school for four months already. As I navigate my daily experiences, everything that used to bother me now feels like a new adventure. Even the rainy days, all-nighters, homework assignments, and exams seem exciting. Being on campus has been such an enjoyable experience that I've decided to take a moment to reflect on some recent thoughts that have crossed my mind.

 

[How I usually Study]

When it comes to studying, I've found that working alone is usually the most effective approach for me. Attempting to study with others often proves to be more of a distraction than a help. The school library, which is widely considered to be the most popular study spot on campus, is overrated in my opinion. Luckily, I've managed to find an amazing study spot near my dorm.

 

However, my sleep schedule has taken a hit since the start of the semester due to my morning classes. I typically work best late at night, from 1 am to 4 am, but with a 9 am or 11 am class to attend, I've had to adjust my sleep schedule. I usually take a 3-4 hour nap after my morning class, which can often impact my night sleep, creating a repetitive cycle.

 

Studying at 2 am usually puts me in an isolated environment, making me feel like I'm not in a position to help someone, which is another reason why I prefer to study alone. While this approach has worked out well for me throughout the semester, I've realized that I'm missing out on valuable experiences that come with team collaboration and working with peers.

 

[Studying for Finals]

Recently, I had my last exam for one of the computer science classes I'm taking this semester. My work productivity while preparing for the exams was poor due to the pressure of landing an internship over the summer. I was desperate to update my resume and Github account, and preparing for school work only served as a distraction.

 

Eight hours before the exam, my friend asked to share my study room. Initially, I was hesitant since my productivity usually drops, but at that point, I had nothing to lose as I hadn't done much preparation. Working together proved to be a great decision. Even though we didn't discuss or solve questions together, the environment itself was studious, and it made me look forward to working with others in the future, hopefully starting from the upcoming summer if I land an internship.

 

 

[Final Thoughts]

It feels like the spring semester flew by in the blink of an eye. However, sometimes, I still find myself living in the past. My experience in the army has left a psychological after-effect that is not unique to me. People who have gone through challenging times often find themselves living in those moments because the dark times can haunt them and drag them back into their nightmares.

 

I've been working hard to move on and think positively, but I have also noticed that some of my motivations have become toxic. While I'm proud of the fact that my time in the army motivates me to push forward during tough times, it can also be a negative influence. I sometimes feel like I need to prove to myself and the world that the army did not hold me back or cause any delays. This mindset can lead me to view my Korean peers who didn't serve in the army as competitors, even when I know that they are not the real competition.