The flowers have not begun to bloom and there is still a bit of chill in the air, but there is no denying that the dreaded spring semester is dragging us out of hibernation in a forceful manner. The struggle is unsettlingly real.

Since the early days of high school, it has seemingly been apparent that the second portion of each school year is naturally a bit on the easier side. With this in mind, delaying homework assignments and class projects can often spiral into a bad habit. The term “senioritis” has become an outbreak to not just seniors, but underclassmen as well.

It would be simple to allow the next four months to breeze by, with the only lasting concerns being spring break plans and coordinating a summer road trip. All of the excitement brings forth a tendency to look exclusively toward the next break from school, a natural trend for college students. Although enticing, this mindset can also be interpreted as the easy way out.

Therefore, I propose the challenge of resisting the urge to live in the moment, regarding schoolwork, that is. Keep in mind that college is only the beginning of our journey, and a prosperous future is where we are headed.

If we look at the spring semester with a different perspective, powering through it will not only give us more free time and peace of mind to fully dedicate ourselves to summertime adventures, it will also set us up for success in our professional line of work. After all, that is why we are attending college in the first place, isn’t it?

Striving for that commendable grade point average during the spring semester will lock in those soothing three months of sunshine and summer time. Vacation will undeniably be much more pleasant with a successfully completed semester behind you.

To achieve this relaxing break from the busy school year, one must be deserving of it. With that being said, make your grades admirable.

Don’t settle for that average GPA that keeps you at a constant level throughout your college career. Just because the school year seems to be simmering down does not mean that you should be.

Odds are that if your droopy eyes make an attempt at reading along with your professor, those hour and 15 minute lectures will go by much faster. Along with this, you may actually understand the foreign language on your next exam.

The habitual nature of procrastination can play a role in any lecture hall, with any boring professor, during any semester. Let us kick off the New Year confidently by straying from the temptations laziness has to offer.

Staying focused is key, along with a positive mindset and some motivational strength. Don’t let spring 2015 slip away from you during a few extra hours of sleep.

As Gandalf once said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us.” Well, that time is now.

Maddison Cervantes can be reached at mcervantes@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @madcervantes.