When a sudden impact hits
By Sarah Van De Weert, Opinions Editor
Only a short week ago, I wrote that I could handle it. I thought that I could handle the storm. I thought that if I stayed in the library long enough I could accomplish all of my work eventually, step-by-step. I would be able to go through the motions until it all got done. That was the plan.
But as all plans do, things changed. Something happens. Everything changes. And then I get this feeling that someone is purposefully trying to prevent me from following through on my plan. There’s always a catch. Some snag that I did not foresee. And there’s nothing I can really do but deal with it. Roll with the punches.
Last fall during midterms, I was busy preparing for my examinations. I studied all weekend, pouring over my notes and textbooks, just so I could feel ready. And I was. I knew the information, for the first exam at least. And that mattered most to me, because that one was going to be the most intense.
The sudden onset of an illness such as the stomach flu can be detrimental to one’s ability to focus on work.
That Sunday night I closed my books, snuggled up to a television show, and decompressed for the rest of the evening. Following that relaxing evening, I finally closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep. The next morning, my alarm woke me up and I started my day as usual. I emerged from my comfortable bed, and headed straight for the shower. But something was not right, I was not sure what exactly, but I was off.
And then out of nowhere, I experienced a hell like no other. I later learned that this hell was none other than the stomach flu. Of course, exactly what I needed for my midterms. And so I faced this trauma and constant nausea for four days straight. I took my midterms and survived, barely. But after that week was over I was five pounds thinner and relieved that it was all over. I made it. I dealt with the hand that was given to me, but it was no easy feat.
And so it goes I guess. This week is plagued with interviews, two tests, and a presentation. I was doing everything that I could to keep it together. I would spend most of Monday getting some work done in preparation for my big day of interviews on Tuesday. But then, almost on cue, my plan was foiled. Falling ill again, though not with the stomach flu, I stayed cooped up in my room, hoping that I would feel better. But no, that would be too easy.
Nevertheless, this is just a small setback that I will have to make up somehow this week. I will work harder, sleep less, and do whatever it is I need to do to make sure this week goes off without a hitch. At least that’s the plan, but we all know how those go.
But what plan is in motion, is not how I will master this week, but how it will break me. It has already weakened me and my stress has reached a critical level. I might be able to hold off until Friday, but once Glatfelter tolls at three o’clock and my classes are finally over, I can surely expect a crash like no other. I have to be ready for it. Sometimes you cannot anticipate a sudden impact, but at least now I know. I should always be braced for one.
