cadet blogs

Sleep or Study?

(Academics, Class of 2015) Permanent link All Posts

I look at my watch as I crawl into bed after a nice cram session before my first Chemistry test. 0130. Oh boy, tomorrow is going to be rough. Yes, that day was indeed rough.

I look at my watch as I plop onto my bed after a nice cram session before my second Calculus test. 0100. Oh boy, tomorrow is going to be rough. Yes, that day was also indeed rough.

I look at my watch before the big Macro Test. 0030. I look at my watch before that one quiz. 0000. I look at my watch before the important speech. 2345. I look at my watch before that one day. 2330. And that other day. 2315 That other test. 2300.

Each day, I felt a little more rested. Each day, was a little better. Each day was another day of getting used to the routine. Sure, I would be lying if I didn’t say that I had the occasional late night after the first few weeks, but after those few weeks, I did get more sleep. Not as much as I want of course, but enough to function at least a little during the day. Those days became weeks. Those weeks became months. Some of those tests were better than others. Only a handful of them are refrigerator worthy, but at least I learned that more sleep equals less red slashes through my answers. For some reason less red slashes keeps the teachers happy, which keeps me happy, too.

I look at my watch as I wake from my deep slumber. 10:45 a.m. Oh how I love winter break. I can’t believe I have made it through my first semester at the Academy. Winter break has been very kind to me; sleep has been the number one priority followed closely by eating. Ok, I know I’ve been lazy this holiday, but give me a break, taking 20 credits in one semester is strenuous on the body. I’m just rejuvenating for next semester. And I’ve been running and working out most every day this break too, so there.

It’s nice being home, visiting friends and family, and enjoying myself. I got to visit my grandparents and all my relatives this break, which is great since I haven’t seen many of them since before R-Day. Honestly, the support I receive from all of them, as well as my parents and friends are what really keeps me going, and I am thankful for that. Looking back on these past 6 months, from R-Day to my first test, and from my first test to my last final, I realize how much I’ve gone through. I’ve grown a lot these past few months and I’m still reaching for new heights. Bring it on second semester. But for now, I’m going to enjoy my last few days of break.

I look at my watch now. 11:26 p.m. I think I’ll stay up for a few hours. Tomorrow is going to be a great day. I don’t plan to get up until past 10 a.m. Yes 10 a.m., not 1000. I’m still on break.

More about Zachary.

Posted by Leann Strickland at 2/17/2012 8:31 AM