An open letter to students, written by Mad May.

Well, would you look at that! We’re halfway through the time of year allocated to me! To many, this may seem like just another month – it means we’re pumping through the year, it’s starting to get colder here in Australia and maybe you have a birthday or you know someone who does (happy birthday!). So many things to celebrate, right?

All these things are great, however, try name-dropping the month of May to an Avondale student or anyone else at uni and you may just get an eye-roll. Poor old me can get a bad rap in the tertiary calendar because it’s often when the semester really starts to squeeze and students feel like everything should have been done yesterday. Yeah, I see you in your pyjamas at 2pm wondering if you’ll make it to June.

Not going to lie, it can get pretty hectic – hence the nickname I often get: Mad May.

But, part of keeping your mental, physical and spiritual health in check during stressful times involves thinking of negative things in a positive light. Easier said than done, I know! But, if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it, right?

So, let’s start here:

Shift your attitude from “I have to” to “I get to”

“I have to write 2, 000 words on consumer behaviour and complete two forum posts by Friday” >>> “I get to learn something that will help me in my job one day, and hey, forum posts are a glorified way of sharing my opinion – let’s do this!”

Turn your overwhelm into underwhelm

“Not only do I have that essay and two forum posts due this week, but straight after that I have a portfolio due the next and oh, that exam I don’t know how to start studying for” >>>“That’s cool! And that will all happen in due time, but I’m going to pick ONE thing to do for the next 30 minutes. About eight minutes in I’ll probably start breathing normally again. Go me!”

I’m only mad if you are

I know you’ve heard this 1, 000 times but you know it’s true. Take time out to walk, watch a movie, go out for dinner – anything to keep yourself sane. Saying yes to things that ground you and no to things that only distract you will help you from turning into a madman/lady. And no one wants that.

If you’re not in uni yet, don’t let this freak you out! Assessments do seem to come all at once, but treasure the crazy and awesome time you have at Avondale, because before you know it, you’ll be swapping six months of holidays for four weeks – and that stings a little in your first year out.

Now, stop hating on me and go get stuff done!

Love, Mad-nificient May xx