[the chaos of cramming]

Me and procrastination go together like white on rice — and I hate that for me.

Every semester, I start off with the best of intentions. I make a spreadsheet of my assignments. I map out deadlines. I block out specific times in my calendar to get things done.

And yet… here I am, less than two weeks out from the end of the semester, staring down a mountain of unfinished work. Somehow, some way, I still have 13 assignments left to complete.

Yes — thirteen.

These blog posts? Unfortunately, part of the 13.

Add in a video project about myself, two podcast episodes, two longform narrative articles, and a handful of other journalism assignments I can barely keep straight. Oh, and let’s not forget: a draft of my master’s research project — you know, the thing I came to grad school for in the first place?

Here’s the thing, I always get it done. Always. But why do I wait until it’s all on fire to move? 

I swear I’m a planner — type A in my head, at least. But this program, combined with working almost full-time, has really humbled me. It’s like my to-do list has a to-do list. And sleep? Haven’t truly known her in about a week.

Still, there’s a tiny voice in my head that keeps me going, reminding me that everything is temporary. The stress, the deadlines, the caffeine-fueled nights, they all pass. So I push through, even when I’m running on fumes.

If you’re reading this and nodding your head… you’re not alone. Being in your mid-twenties is a weird season of building your life while still figuring out who you are. And sometimes, that means doing your best with what little energy you’ve got.

Check back in a week to see what I actually pulled off. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be impressive. It always is.

In case you're interested, this is the Spotify playlist I like to vibe to when I'm studying, ,writing or having a cram session.