The reading period before final week is meant to be for us to study hard before the onslaught of testing begins. Reading week begins the day classes end (two Fridays ago) and go until the day before exams start (last Thursday: my econ exam at 9 am!!) To help us relax before, in-between and after our studying, the school gives us a weekend of fun events and various study breaks through the week.
Willets Carnival
There was a popcorn and cotton-candy machine, an inflatable obstacle course, a dunk tank, lots of food and happy people. That evening, they also showed movies on Parrish beach.
SAC Study Breaks
SAC, our Students Activities Committee, held daily study breaks with the left over money from the Fun Fund. It was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. They gave free pizza, donuts and muffins, sushi, fresh fruit, chocolate, cheese, and sparkling drinks, Coldstone ice cream and Rita’s water ice. (My friend adds “happiness and joy”.)
Entertainment
A few Swat bands played in Worth courtyard…all of Saturday. On Friday, a few of the dance classes preformed, and I think there were a few plays being preformed. On Monday and Tuesday there was Rhythm-n-Motion a performance as well as Jamboree. Graduating members of SASS (an Intercultural Group) held a grill party on Parrish beach. And people decided to sing folk songs for hours in Parrish Parlors. It was supposed to be relaxing?
There was something for everyone…really.
And then…
FINALS HIT
It’s been a long two weeks since we have nothing else to do but study and write papers. The days are endless without any study breaks. It’s been strange to lose the everyday structure that grounded us through the school year. On one hand, it’s liberating to wake up to your own schedule, but it’s hard to pull yourself into work-mode. Except when I do, I can’t stop. Yesterday, I edited my paper from 9 am to 5:30 pm (it was due at 6 pm); I was revising a revised draft! With papers you can always find more to add or revise. With studying for exams, you can never attain certainty that you have studied enough. It’s the universal trauma of academia.
I’m envious of those people who got to leave last week. But the seniors are leaving forever…so I’m glad I get to spend these last few days with them. Same goes for my Swatties.
I’ll update you on whether I am still alive by Friday.
Meanwhile, below are a few pictures from first collection.
Oh, Tiffany!
Class of ‘10 : )
