Still running...

Out of the few things I've managed to love in my life, track my be one of the biggest. In high school, track was my life, but I made the mistake of giving it up so I could follow my at-then boyfriend to a community college that did not offer the sport. At the time I made the decision, I vowed to never look back, never think of track again, but lately it's been all I've thought about because I have come to a conclusion as of late: a college semester is like one big race.

I ran the 800, so I will use that as a basis of comparison, partly because it's what I'm familiar with, but also because it is a fitting race to compare a semester to. When running this race, one starts out strong, working to get into a good position. This is much the same as a semester, when a student begins with enthusiasm, working to be placed above the rest of the pack. However, the race is longer than the first hundred meters, and soon you find yourself settling into a comfortable pace. You find yourself lulled into a false sense of security, thinking this isn't so bad. This is parallel to the middle of the semester, when students begin to relax, organize their schedule and feel as if they have control.

Just when you get comfortable, you go a few meters further and suddenly, the pace does not feel so comfortable. Fatigue has set in, and you find yourself struggling to push through the exhaustion. This is comparable to the phase toward the end of the semester, when students feel worn down, and have trouble envisioning the light at the end of the tunnel. You find yourself wondering why you strapped on your cleats (or picked up your pencils). The reward does not seem worth the means, and one finds themselves thinking, what's the point?

This is the stage where the weak falter, and drop out of the race, or their classes. The strong push through, even though they're undoubtedly dreading the last phase: where you must run harder than ever despite the fact that you're thoroughly exhausted. Naturally, this is the 'dead' week and finals week stage. If you can manage to push through, however, nothing feels sweeter than crossing that finish line. So put on your running shoes and finish the race that is the final part of the semester.