Spring Break seems like months ago and the countdown to summer is still in the twenty-some days. The weather is getting too nice to be cooped up in a classroom learning about vectors or spending hours on a homework assignment that is due in three hours. You are itching to say goodbye Iowa State, hello summer!

Still it seems like eternity before the school year is over. There are the group projects from hell, the 15-page research papers, book reports, more projects and presentations, not to mention any last-minute exams before the dreaded finals week. Mix it in with the beautiful weather we have lately, and it’s a surprise that anything is getting done.

We are reaching the final stretch of the school year, and while it might seem like the perfect time to slack off, maybe skip a class or two to lie out on Central Campus and soak up some sunshine, I say to you, keep focused, and keep up with classwork.

End the year as strong as you started it, or better, in some cases. While it might seem like a good idea to slack off, summer isn’t going anywhere — it will be there as soon as finals are over with. Why have your grade lowered because you slacked off a little bit? Waiting until the last minute to get with the schoolwork only leaves you with more stress that will make you want to procrastinate more on the next assignment. If grades aren’t a good enough reason to stay in the classroom, think about how much less confusion you will have when you have to study for the final, if you actually go to class and ask questions.

Why not compromise with summer and college life? Who says you can’t work hard and enjoy the weeks left before summer without having any fun?

The same tips that teachers and faculty have shoved down our throats when we first got to college still hold true. Take breaks from those long projects and do something fun for a bit; just remember to actually come back and finish your project. This will save you from being burned out and help you stay focused on the task at hand.

Don’t procrastinate. I repeat again for emphasis, do not procrastinate. Waiting until the last moment just gives you added stress, usually a lack of sleep and a less-than-stellar project than if you actually gave yourself enough time to do it. Plus, procrastinating may take away time from actually doing fun stuff rather than spending four hours on YouTube or Facebook.

Yes, they sound corny but they do help. It doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun in the last four weeks before school is over with — it just means prioritize and make sure school is still up there on your list.

Give yourself room to enjoy the weather, go disc golfing, have a picnic, ride a bike or just be outdoors. Relax and don’t over-stress; summer is almost here.

Do your homework outside if it isn’t too windy. That way you can get a sweet tan while learning about physics. Eat your lunch on Central Campus, rather than in the library or wherever it is you eat lunch. Try to persuade your teacher to have class outside — it rarely works, but it does make things sweeter when the teacher actually says yes.

Also, it’s VEISHEA weekend — go out and have fun, wash away some of your school anxiety by going to the parade, eating a cherry pie or any of the other fun activities going on this year. It’s like a mini-Spring Break; go ahead and enjoy it. VEISHEA only comes around once a year; you might as well enjoy it.

School is almost out, but keep with it for the next few weeks, and then you can finally be free to do whatever it is your summer includes.