Reflections On Final Exams

Final exams are just around the corner and this week our Cal Athletics DEIBJ Office is pleased to share collective encouragement from our squad to remind each student-athlete that you have what it takes to be successful on your final exams and final papers.

Our DEIBJ Office is grateful to have a diversity of positionalities and backgrounds in higher education, including a Berkeley double major and high honors in sociology grad (Ladislao Rodriguez, Director of DEIBJ Operations and Engagement), a current third-year Berkeley student (Jacqlyn Jones, Coordinator of Videography and Media), a first-year student (Ariana Bayardo, Content and Operations Support) and an administrator / professor (Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas, Associate Athletics Director of DEIBJ). During a recent DEIBJ team check-in meeting, we shared a few insights with Ariana to encourage her as she prepares for her first dead week and final exam sequence at Cal. We thought we'd share some of our final exam reflections with you!

Lessons From Ladis: Final Exam Encouragement

1. Eat healthily and regularly; I recommend a salad as you will need the clean energy to attend to your studies with full energy.

2. Have a study group and try to have someone in your group who is more motivated than you or has more work than you. This person will hold you accountable when you feel like you don't want to study anymore.

3. During dead week, Wednesday is the time when people say "it is time to lock in." Knowing this, I typically used the Sunday before dead week (definitely by Monday or Tuesday) to plan out every hour of my dead week. Be thoughtful about how you plan your time during dead week so that you can follow through on a plan - rather than scramble to study.

4. One day you are going to wish all you had to do was an essay or a test. Reframing your current stressors is helpful to your peace of mind! Go study, Go lean, GO BEARS!

JUICE from Jacq:

1. Do the best that you can with the capacity you can; whatever the outcome, you are going to be ok.

2. Finals can be stressful so have a moment or a day when you attend to self-care intentionally during finals week (e.g. get your nails done).

3. Be sure to get rest the night before your final exam

Insights from your guy, Dr. Ty

1. Don't be afraid to respectfully ask a clarifying question from your professor or seek help from a classmate or tutor. You are not alone.

2. Going for a walk when you feel stuck or need a study / writing break can be helpful to maintaining balance and mobilizing your brilliance.

3. Study hard. Do your best. Believe. Breathe. You are going to be good. You are more than a transcript or grade. You belong at Berkeley!

Our DEIBJ Office congratulates you for making it to this point in the semester. You've Got the Juice! Stop by our office (Haas Pavilion, Rm. 122) if you need a friendly face, a fist bump, or a study break (the yellow chair in our office is comfortable ??). You are always welcome!

Go Bears!

The Cal DEIBJ Squad

California Golden Bears Athletics

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