Now that midterms are over, we can let out that breath that we have all been holding. However, ever since I let out that breath, I’ve felt like I have been living a nightmare, one that I’m struggling to wake up from.

On October 24th I received a call from my mom with the worst possible news that anyone from my mom’s side of the family could imagine. My great-grandmother had a massive stroke that damaged her heart and her frontal lobe.

The next day, the hospital in Arkansas called for family to say their goodbyes. When my mom told me this, I broke down into tears. I literally was ugly crying while I finished my course work so I could get to Arkansas.

While I was driving down, my mom called and put me on speaker with my great-grandmother in case she died before I could get there. I let her know that it was okay if she wanted to go and be with my great-grandfather, who died from lung cancer when I was five. I got to tell her that I loved her and asked her to hang on until I got there.

And she is still hanging on, as of this morning. We do not know how much longer she has. It could be a couple days, a week, even a month. For now, the hospital is keeping her comfortable in a swing bed.

 

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Senior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)

It’s Midterm Season!

In the past couple weeks, it has truly felt like fall has hit us. Here in Springfield the leaves are changing colors, the air is getting colder, and the nights are coming faster. It’s so great! However, there is another thing that always sneaks up on us this time of year: midterms! The dreaded exams that come right in the middle of the semester. Whether you are scared or excited, I wish everyone the best of luck. If you are worried and feel some anxiety about midterms, here are some good tips for success!

1. Schedule out the dates for your exams
2. Find time to study at least a week or two in advance
3. Study with other students in the class to try and bounce ideas off each other
4. Find some time to relax and clear your mind
5. Show up with confidence and do your best!

Midterms are the Gateway to the Holidays!

Something that always motivates me to keep moving through the semester is remembering that the holiday season is closing in! Within the next couple months, we get to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and eventually winter holidays near the end of the semester. I am especially excited for Halloween so I can throw on my banana costume and go get special deals from Chipotle! Either way, for those who are stressed out about class, just remember that as soon as we make it past our exams and assignments, we will get to have a fun time with our friends and family during the holidays!

Things are getting ~Spooky~ in Springfield

Obviously, Halloween will be difficult to celebrate this year due to COVID. However, if you aren’t sure how to celebrate Halloween this year, here are some good ideas!

• Decorate your apartment/dorm with Halloween-themed items
• Figure out fun costume ideas
• Don’t be afraid to wear your costume on campus!!!

I know it feels like the current pandemic may be a struggle for all of us right now, but I hope all of you still find fun ways to celebrate!

(BIO: My name Is Michael Rexroad, a transfer student from Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City. I am a junior currently studying cell and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry.)

Midterms. The one word that strikes fear into the hearts of students around the country and frankly around the world.

Since the beginning of the semester, like for most of the student population, it has been a roller coaster ride. From not knowing if you have the common cold or coronavirus to trying to study for exams that are back to back.

But as we all reach the midpoint of a sixteen week semester, it is okay to breathe. It is okay to let that breath you have been holding since the second week of classes out. It is okay to have a little fun and have some well deserved relaxation. However, just remember that you still have assignments, and exams to finish. You have enrolled here for a reason. Remember that reason as you take your midterm exams.

 

~Rhiannon

(Bio: My name is Rhiannon Casey, a transfer student from Arkansas State University. I am currently a Junior Marketing Major with an emphasis in Advertising and Promotions.)