Navigating Academic Pressures and Personal Growth: A Student's Journey

In this candid vlog, the creator provides a glimpse into the life of a busy university student balancing rigorous academic schedules, personal self-care, and the anticipation of graduation. The narrative captures the raw reality of exam seasons, the desire for seasonal renewal, and the frustrations inherent in higher education curricula.

The Grind of Midterms and Academic Stress

The creator’s life is currently dominated by the high-pressure environment of midterms. Describing her routine, she notes, "I was so tired," after sleeping for 15 hours, yet she immediately shifts focus to preparing for an exam just "45 minutes" away. This cycle of exhaustion and academic performance is a recurring theme, with the creator highlighting the anxiety of specific classes like "OM252XL," which she describes as "a lot scarier" than her previous assessments. The stress is compounded by the logistics of student life, including "packing my school bag" alongside a gym bag, illustrating the constant hustle required to maintain a balance between mental exertion and physical health.

Embracing a Fresh Start: The Spring Mentality

Amidst the academic chaos, the creator expresses a strong desire for a "clean, fresh start" as spring approaches. She explicitly states, "I personally hate winter," and views the spring season as a "new kickoff season." This mentality is not just about changing seasons but about personal development, such as the motivation to "pick up new hobbies, learn new skills and even pick up a new language." This transition serves as a mental reset button, allowing her to look beyond the immediate stress of schoolwork.

The Value of Practical Learning

To facilitate this desire for growth, the creator discusses the benefits of platforms like Preply, which moves away from "memorizing certain phrases or vocabulary" to emphasize "natural conversation skills." By engaging in "one-on-one live French language lessons," she highlights the importance of finding a tutor who cares about "your progress and your confidence." This reflects her broader philosophy that learning should be personalized and goal-oriented, whether for "travel, relationship, work opportunities or just for yourself."

Reflections on the University Experience

As the graduation season approaches, the creator offers a poignant reflection on her time at university. She admits that while she initially feared university would fly by just like high school, her perspective has shifted. She candidly remarks, "If I had delayed my graduation even by a semester or a full year, I would have literally wanted to drop out."

Her frustration stems primarily from the curriculum structure, specifically the requirement for business students to take numerous "electives." She questions the utility of classes like "nutrition," "futures," and "sustainability," labeling them as "a waste of money and time." This sentiment underscores a common student struggle: the feeling that mandatory coursework often distracts from the core passion of one's degree. She contrasts this with her outlook on "grad school," which she believes will be a "totally different story" because the focus will be on subjects she is truly "passionate about."

Small Joys and Personal Maintenance

Interspersed with these heavy reflections are the small, everyday moments of student life—shopping for a "cute" bikini from Hollister, noticing the school mascot, and the spontaneous attempt at "eyelash extensions." Her honest admission that using "random glue from Amazon" resulted in lashes that only lasted "3-4 days" serves as a relatable reminder that even when trying to optimize one's appearance, there is often no substitute for professional expertise. Ultimately, the creator concludes that while she is happy with her exam performance, she is eagerly looking forward to the finish line of her undergraduate journey.