by Erin Thompson

Created on: November 19, 2008

To many students, this time of the semester is affiliated with the dread of knowing that finals are right around the corner. For me, it brings the enthusiasm that I need to make it through.

For one night, about a month before the end of each semester, I synchronized all my clocks so that I will know exactly what time it is no matter what room I am in.

Then I anxiously work on homework as the clock gets closer to midnightI couldn't sleep if I tried.

10:30-I just spent two hours studying grammar, I need a break. Maybe I'll pace around the apartment.

10:47-I need some caffeine.

11:02-I start working on a paper that's due next week.

11:22-I realize that I can't concentrate on the paper.

11:37-I start pacing again.

11:42-I open my math book and attempt a few problems.

11:54-I give up on math, go back to my desk and anxiously click the "refresh" button on the Edinboro Web site.

"What if I set all my clocks to the wrong time?" I think to myself.

"Nope, still nothing."

11:57-I tap my fingers on my desk, gettingeven more nervous.

11:58-Still tapping my fingers.

11:59-"Refresh." Breakthrough.

Edinboro University students go through this every semester: scheduling, a word, which, to me, has always been synonomous with Christmas.

I stay up late and wait for just the right moment.

A moment that I have been anticipating for weeks.

A moment that gives me something to look forward to.

A moment that gives me that extra ambition I need to push myself through the rest of the semester.

When the clock strikes midnight, I furiously enter my PIN and the server slows, I am filled with the uncertainty of knowing whether or not I will get the classes that I had been hoping for. It fills my stomach with butterflies.

Then it's over.

What a rush.

OK. So maybe this is a slight dramatization, but unfortunately, I am not being sarcastic.

I am always shocked when I run in to someone who does not know what classes they signed up for. Scheduling is something that I have always prepared for weeks in advance, and I can't imagine it any other way. I gain a certain sense of satisfaction from feeling organized as far as classes go.

When I was a freshman, I even went so far as to create a spreadsheet on my computer that was based on the class requirement sheet for my major and that calculated my grade point average at the bottom.

There's nothing quite like starting a semester with a brand new planner (that's color-coded according to classes, work, meetings and homework) and knowing where you're supposed to be and when.

Now that I have filled in all the requirements and start preparing for graduation, I am filled with a sense of grief because I know that I will not be scheduling again, but at the same time, I have gained a sense of completion and satisfaction in knowing that I can move on to the next exciting thing.

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