Street Interviews: Are you ready for the end of the semester?

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor|April 25, 2023

DeKALB –The end of the semester is upon us, spring weather is flourishing (for the most part) and the NIU community is eager for the break to begin. Finals, however, will rear its intimidating head in a couple of weeks, and students are beginning the cram. Deep breaths, NIU, we’re going to make it.

 

Avery Muloski, a junior illustration major, standing by the Starbucks in the Student Holmes Center. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Averi Muloski

Are you ready for the end of the semester?
 Answer : “Yes, for sure.”

Why?

Answer : “I don’t know if anyone else has been talking about this, but I think it’s really important to note about it. And that is student health. So I think this semester, from what I’ve heard from a lot of students, is anxiety and a lot of depression has been riling them. So I think a lot of people are expressing that or just pushing through, and I think that’s really important to acknowledge. As for myself, I had to deal with a lot of anxiety and a lot of issues circling around the semester. But I’ve also learned a valuable lesson and that is to just give myself some time and push through, and you’ll be okay.”

Brianna Watson, a sophomore elementary education major, sitting at the Einstein Bros Bagels in the founders memorial library. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Brianna Watson

Are you ready for the end of the semester?
 Answer : “Yeah, I mean I’m definitely ready for summer to come.” 

Why?

Answer : “I think the next two weeks are definitely gonna to be a lot of stress, just cramming in the work, which is completely on me because, you know, I started off the semester really good, pounded out a lot of work and then, you know, middle of the semester got a little lazy. But I’m glad I started off strong because I’m definitely staying afloat. But I will have to be back in the library at least three to four times a week for the rest of the school year. But, you know, I like my major. So all the stuff I’m reading about and doing is interesting. It’s just a matter of getting here and getting to the library, but once I’m here, I mean, it’s not bad at all… When you walked up on me, I was just watching TikToks while I did my work… and that’s how I get by! I mean, I got lunch and then I give myself a break with TikToks. So, I mean, if you do it – like give yourself mental breaks, it’s not bad.” 

Anything important to add?

Answer : “I think that’s it. I mean, the school year is winding down, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tania Smith, a sophomore nursing major, sitting in the basement of the founders memorial library. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Tania Smith

Are you ready for the end of the semester?
 Answer : “Oh yes!”

Why?

Answer : “I am ready because I started this semester off taking 22 credit hours, and now I’m down to maybe like 15 now. Yeah, because I finished one of my courses. And I’m really ready. I am extremely tired, exhausted. I just need a mental break. Check out.”

Anything important to add?

Answer : “Stay motivated guys and stay positive!”

Shaquille Holmes, a senior Bachelor in Fine Arts drawing major, sitting in the basement of the founders memorial library. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Shaquille Holmes

Are you ready for the end of the semester?
 Answer : “Yes, I’ve been ready since I started.”

Why?

Answer : “It’s just been a very, very, like, tough semester, but…I’m going through it strong and I just can’t wait until I just walk across that stage and be done.”

Michael Rojas, a senior Bachelor in Fine Arts dance major, standing in the basement of the founders memorial library. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Michael Rojas

Are you ready for the end of the semester?
 Answer : “Yes.”

Why?

Answer : “Because I’m graduating May 13, so I’m ready to, you know, see what else I can do with my time, I guess. I’m a dancer… I do ballet and modern.”

Anything important to add?

Answer : “I guess, go get what you’re after. That’s all I gotta say.”