It’s that time of year again: Christmas music is on every radio station and snow is covering the ground. It’s time for exams!

As the winter ‘blahs’ set in and the workload piles up, it’s easy to ask yourself whether all of the effort and time you will be putting into school over the next few weeks is worth it. Do yourself a favour and hold on, at least until exams are over.

Last year, during exams, I had the brilliant idea of adding to my stress pile by contemplating whether or not Carleton and its journalism program was the right choice for me.

I was researching other schools, possible majors and how many transfer credits I could receive if I was going to make a change — all instead of studying.

I wasn’t doing myself any favours in terms of trying to successfully complete my first semester of my first year at university.

If any of you can relate to me at this point, stop, sit down and take a breath. I promise it gets better.

At the time of my ‘meltdown,’ as I like to call it, I was quoted in an article for the Canadian Press stating I was deciding whether or not to jump ship.

I received many emails and phone calls from family and friends asking what I was going to do with my future. This put the whole situation into perspective for me.

I didn’t want to be seen as jumping ship.

In that moment, I decided to take all of my worries and push them aside. I had exams to write and I could deal with my problems when I was not already stressed.  

This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

The truth is second thoughts about your major and university choice is normal to go through. Currently, living in a house of five, I can say all of us have expressed concern at one time or another.

Talk out your problems. This can determine whether or not you are thinking rationally or if project and exam fever has got the best of you.
Explain what is going on and how you feel to your parents. They will calm you down and try to give you an experienced opinion.

Take your time before making any final decisions. Dropping out of school, or even courses, after only a few days of contemplation is a major life change.

Waiting a few weeks, or at least until exams are over, will guarantee you’re not looking for an easy way out.

With that being said, not doing well in a course cannot always be used as an excuse to drop out. Good, old-fashioned hard work and persistence won’t limit your future possibilities, but dropping a course might.

This is the position I fell into last year. I wasn’t doing particularly well in my major and believed I had no choice but to drop it and move on.

I discovered there are many more choices. Turn to student services, friends, family and most importantly, wait until nothing else is on your plate to question your major and courses. This way, every decision you make will be with a clear head.

Looking back at myself a year ago, I can now laugh. At the time, I felt trapped but I wasn’t opening my eyes. By working as hard as I possibly could, I learned my meltdown was temporary insanity and brought on by an overload of stress.

I’m currently working harder than I ever have before at school because it’s opening me up to new opportunities and allowing me to find enjoyment in my work.

If there’s anyone out there thinking about walking the plank and jumping ship before the holidays hit, use this article as advice before making any decisions.

Come join me. I’m on board and ready to set sail, no matter what these exams or next semester may bring.