Second Semester Motivation-How to Keep Going When You’re Over it

Meg Carroll

Staff

We are right at that time of the school year where keeping up with work and going to

class feels exhausting. The fall semester feels so new, new roommates, new people to meet, it

feels like a fresh start, but once the spring semester rolls around, the shorter days and cold

weather brings burnout and homesickness. It is beneficial for a student to do things differently

every day to avoid feeling that lack of motivation.

The lack of motivation is more about the environment the student is in rather than the

work load or the assignment. Even if students build up small habits everyday, it can make a big

difference.

Especially with spring break right around the corner, it can be very difficult to want to

come back after the break and finish the semester off strong, but one thing to combat those

feelings is giving yourself a reason to be excited to come back.

For some students it may be an activity planned with friends, while for others it may be a

new hobby they want to work on. The anticipation for these events is not just going to bring back

motivation, but make students feel excited to come back after the break.

The main thing students need to do to improve their motivation is change something in

their everyday routine. Maybe that means studying with a friend, motivation is contagious and

working with a friend can bring a feeling of productivity while also helping hold one another

accountable.

It could be that a student needs a change of scenery, maybe try studying in the library or

working on homework in a coffee shop.

It could also be setting goals, a student could dedicate a certain amount of time each day

working on assignments, or tracking attendance streaks, helping students feel motivated to not

break that chain.

Lindsay Chaney, a biology professor here at Snow said “I encourage students to keep the

big picture in mind. Think of your long term goals, and find a way to have fun in class.”

Overall, there is not one specific thing each student has to do to bring back motivation,

but there are many things a student can try to do. It is important for students to reflect on what

they have done and remember that consistency beats intensity. If a student tries their best each

day and does what they can, that consistency can help in a student feeling normal again.