The Moser Messenger: Getting Out of My Slump (And How You Can, Too!)

Recently I have not been able to update the Moser House blog as much as I would like to; however, I am now officially back in action. Since the start of the second half of the year, classes have seemed to not necessarily get harder, but my drive and focus has been more difficult to maintain. So, after a few weeks in this academic-focus-and-drive-slump, I am slowly getting back on track and have some newly found, sage advice on how you can, too. 
           
First of all, passion and learning go hand in hand. Without passion in the classroom, students are nothing but regurgitators of random bites of knowledge which, at least as a Darlington student, goes completely against the point of school in general. This is why finding something that you are passionate about that is relevant to the class lesson can help bring focus to what you're learning. For instance, if an English lesson holds absolutely no interest to you, find something about the culture that you like and bring it up. The simple effort of Googling your class topics can help you refocus and impress your teachers. 
           
Another important way to get out of the slump is to rediscover how good it feels to feel smart. Now, in my opinion, grades have never equated intellect or intelligence, but more so the ability to execute graded assignments with obedience, wailing and gnashing of teeth. In reality, one of the best ways to gain wisdom is via knowledge, which is found, most of the time, through academics. This is why it's important to remember how good it feels when you are validated by a teacher. Letting your teacher know that you're struggling with academic motivation can bring help from either just support or help planning your way out of this slump. 

Finding something worth studying for is the last key lesson I've learned from my slump. I have a friend in the dorm who keeps a note above his desk that changes every week, saying "Work your butt off for____." This is a great idea in finding motivation. Whether it's college that you want to work toward, family to impress and live up to, or basic intellect that you want to gain, academics help improve all of these. Finding something to fight for academically can complement your natural thirst for knowledge (that, believe it or not, all students have), therefore leading to a brighter future that you create yourself.