Smells like Teen Spirit (and stress)

What are you doing right now?! YOU SHOULD BE STUDYING. Seriously. Go study. Go.

He's lying. You need to sleep. Please. Please.

You're still here? Okay, fine. Maybe you're taking a break from studying, so here's the Virdin pep talk (I know you all need one. I've seen your faces of pure fear and exhaustion).

You CAN do this. You really and truly can. The next week is going to be full of moments that aren't fun, like studying all day and skipping time to hang out with friends because your face is buried in piles of notes taller than I am. But if you make studying your priority, you will be be fine, because you've been working hard all semester long to learn this material. So crack down, focus, don't cry, and just do your best. YOU GOT THIS.

We gave you all this speech on Friday (and maybe refreshed it today as well), but here are some studying tips from the masters (aka, adults who have done this before and made lots of mistakes):

• Figure out what kind of studying environment you need. Do you focus better around other people who can help keep you on track? Do you need a silent environment? Is your room the best place to concentrate without distraction? Think about how you are as a learner and make sure you are studying in the best environment for your personal needs.
• Start from the beginning of the semester and prioritize that material...I bet you have a pretty good grip on the latest six weeks but not material from September. 
• EAT HEALTHY FOOD. Seriously, you laugh, and I know this is such a mom thing to say, but you really and truly need to have protein and whole grain carbs. None of this pizza and PopTart business...save that for winter break when you can stuff your face and then take a nap while binge-watching Netflix. 
• Make sure to get up and move and take breaks. I suggest a good dance party...

Extra points if you make the same face as Ross. 

Don't forget that your teachers are also offering tutorials starting Tuesday after school. Each afternoon's tutorials begin at 2:30 and morning tutorials start at 8:15. Come with questions just like normal!

Lastly, if you need some fluff and rainbows in your life right now, here's a couple of sunshine-filled videos guaranteed to make your heart happy. 

• Mr. London's future child
• Inspiration for your next dance party?
• YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT ADOPTION. All the feels...this video made me cry. Thank you Stanton.
• "Why were the early days of history called the Dark Ages?" Scroll down to the bottom for the answer. Joke courtesy of Alma F, our favorite Swede.

Now get out there and crush your exams! Sweet freedom in only five days! YOU CAN DO IT!

Beyonce survived finals, so you can too. 

*Because there were so many knights!