Final Countdown

Time: 3:23AM Word count: 2,929. (just 71 words short of finishing my 3,000 word research paper) Typical countdown of a U of T student during finals week. (or even any typical week while drowning in schoolwork for that matter!) In 14 days, 2 final papers, and 3 exams, I will have officially completed half of my undergraduate degree at U of T. Looking back on the past two years of my postsecondary career, I have learned, unlearned, and relearned more than I have ever expected to in such a short amount of time. And the time went by so quickly! You know how they say time flies when you're having fun? Well, who knew that education could be considered part of that time-bending bracket of fun? Blogging with UpbeaT this school year has contributed greatly to my experience and has challenged me to think outside of the box and actively seek out opportunities. I found answers to my own burning questions and discovered the hidden gems of our university. Collaborating weekly with the other bloggers has also allowed me to gain a small sense of community in the sea of U of T students. We touched base weekly, supported each others ideas and even sweat out buckets at Frosh Fit together - a fun experience I will never forget. Shout out to the rest of the UpbeaT team, this year has been a blast with you all! So while I take advantage of the free wifi and 24-hour service here, I am leaving you with my final UpbeaT blog live from the golden arches of McDonalds. I look around and find myself among the night owls, fast food fanatics, and even other students entering the trend of taking late night study sessions to McDonalds. (Don`t judge me. It saves the trip for coffee runs!) As we all stare at our laptop screens in zombie mode, studying for finals, I can't help but hope that every student here has put a little UpbeaT step in their stride and gone beyond the classroom to seek out opportunities on and around campus this year. It's hard to explain my experience into a few words, but here's the best way I can explain it: You know when you discover something really cool that is just so awesome you can't keep it to yourself and you just want to tell all your friends and your friends' friends, and friends of friends of friends? That is exactly what UpbeaT means to me. Every Tuesday, I've had the opportunity to share my insights and discoveries with you and although it is my final chance to do so, my never ending thirst for discovery still remains. In fact there are several ideas I never fully got to pursue. The opportunities are endless! So I leave you with these final words and snippets from lessons that I have learned throughout the last two years: 1. Partying hard = studying harder. 2. Always back up your files. Especially when you least expect you should. 3. Deadlines are closer than they appear. Instead of wasting time thinking about starting, just start now. Open the book, write the date, anything to just get you started. Fight procrastination! 4. No pain, no gain. Keeping physically fit = keeping mentally fit. 5. We've got spirit, yes we do. U of T has school spirit! How about you? Lastly, I encourage you all to keep the UpbeaT torch alive this summer by discovering your passion! I know I will be doing so during my summer abroad. When I return on campus next Fall, only then will I know what the next school year has in store for me. Until then, good luck with exams and if you're already done - get off the internet and enjoy the sunshine! - Danielle