Julianna Mariani ‘24

A Not So Relieved Chief

Well folks, it’s the final issue of “The Spire” for this semester. It’s certainly been a whirlwind, but it’s definitely bittersweet. I’ll miss writing this column every week. That’s really what it is, isn’t it? A column where I update you all on my life every week? I say you all like I’m assuming more than ten people read my articles religiously (and I’m including my entire family and friend group in that number). I’m hoping to up our viewership by at least one next semester. Fingers crossed.

This next week is scaring the heck out of me. Hell week is coming up fast, and I have zero time to prepare. Remember when I said I would be productive over Thanksgiving break and get ahead on work? Yeah, that didn’t happen. I know no one’s surprised. I’m also genuinely confused as to where our study period went. Didn’t we have a ton more time last semester? I feel like we’re getting thrown right in after classes end. I wish you all could see me over here typing this out, I’m for sure panicking. Although I’ve been told that I always look like this so maybe a difference wouldn’t be easily detected. I think I need to work on hiding my emotions better because I definitely have an RWF (Resting Worried Face). 

The thing is, the end of “The Spire” for this semester just means that I actually have to do real work now. I’m literally writing this article a week in advance, which I never do, so that I don’t have to work on the 700 other assignments I need to do in a crazy short amount of time. I’m slightly screwed. I would say I would update you all in a couple weeks, but no one’s going to remember where we left off when next semester comes around.

Anyway, at least Christmas is almost here. I love Christmas. Some might say I’m obsessed with it. So obsessed that I’m sure you all picked up on that in my last article. Right now I’m listening to “Carol of the Bells,” which is arguably my favorite Christmas song. I’m not really sure if I’m allowed to say that because I think it’s a bit of a hot take, but it’s a great song. The best renditions are the instrumental version by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the one with John Williams and Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, which is the one that’s featured in “Home Alone” (another classic Christmas essential).

Here are my tips for finals week; keep in mind that I am really not qualified to be giving advice for this kind of thing, but here I go anyway: 

-Listen to lots of Christmas music (to keep you sane)

-Cry a healthy amount (it’s a good outlet, but make sure it’s not excessive)

-Study (you’d think this is self-explanatory but it might surprise you that some don’t)

-Hang on tight (really tight)

Those are the things I’ve been telling myself every day and they seem to be keeping me afloat. I wish you all an immense amount of luck in the next week. We’re almost there! Arrivederci until the spring.