So we’ve set the clocks ahead and are getting ready for the nice warm spring weather that will, hopefully, be coming soon to stay. Let’s hope we have all come back from spring break relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on what is left of the semester. For those of you who have even less motivation than before break started, I can imagine you’re in for a long and bumpy ride, so try to hang in there.

I think that each person handles the time after spring break differently. If there is anyone like me out there, I’m sure you came back prepared and even more determined to boost your grades up. Also, if you’re like me, that motivation will slowly start to disappear. Maybe for some, spring break was a wake-up call and now you are really hammering down on yourself to work at your fullest potential. You could just be so excited to finish this semester, so the break was the high point and now you’re just along for the ride. Last but not least, for those who are going to graduate, I hope you enjoy what’s left of the semester.

The first week back can be a little rough for all of us. We got so used to sleeping in, relaxing in the sun or just not doing anything at all and then we got thrown right back into work mode. Naturally, it would take us all a little adjustment to get back into the swing of things, and if you are one of those people who have no problems adjusting, I commend you.

Although this first week back may be a little on the hard side, I don’t necessarily think that anyone could do enough academic damage in this time frame to totally destroy his or her grades. However, that is highly unfortunate if that does happen to you. I understand that professors will pick up where they left off and maybe your first few classes weren’t that bad. Just think about it; professors were on break too, and I can imagine that some may feel just like we do and they need that adjustment.

As I looked around at my fellow classmates this week, I took in all sorts of different people. Some were writing feverishly trying to take down every single word that the professor was saying. Some were taking notes but were also zoning out from time to time but always came back into focus. I’m happy to say that I did not notice a single person that was completely slacking off and not paying any attention at all. I guess by stating this I was one of the people that was taking notes but also zoning out from time to time, and I have no problem admitting that. We have to observe our surroundings every now and then, right?

I can also admit that spring break was a wake-up call and a motivation booster for me. As spring break was drawing closer, I found myself only concentrating on doing what I needed to do to get things done. I wasn’t putting my all into every single little thing because I was so focused on getting ready to go home and, of course, I regret it. I was beyond ready for a break. I then spent my entire break working. With each hour that I spent at my part-time job making pretzels and dealing with rude customers, I realized that I should start putting even more time and effort into my school work because I don’t want to be stuck making pretzels in a mall for the rest of my life. So needless to say, I’m more determined to finish off this semester by doing the best that I can. Of course, I’ll have my lazy days; everyone does. But whenever I need a boost I text one of my co-workers and they remind me that I’m here for a reason.

I know that the warm weather is coming and with it can come distractions. We look at spring break like our own mini-vacation before summer to do whatever we want. The sad realization is that we are not on break anymore. We have to go to our classes, or, at least, we should, and we need to focus. We’re here for a reason, and we need to push through the hard things so we can relax and enjoy the upcoming warm months we are all ready for. I’m not saying we should all storm the library and spend all of our time in there to crank out all that we need to, but your work does need to get done. Motivation is a key to success; you just have to make sure you find it before it’s too late. Welcome back, Blue Jays.