Dear Students,
I'm sure you're so busy with studying, writing lab reports and collecting data that you probably don't even realize it, but I want to make sure you're aware: Next week is spring break!
OK, that was a joke. I know you're aware. What I want you to remind you is that spring break is next week, not this week. So, stay focused, keep studying and working hard so you can finish this half of the semester strong. The post-break period is going to go by fast. Your hard work this week will pay off by making the busy end-of-semester period more manageable.
Next week, I hope you'll take some time to relax in whatever way works for you. That might mean lounging on the beach, visiting your hometown or doing a staycation here in Austin. Wherever you are, here's one relatively painless thing you can do keep your scientific brain engaged: Try explaining your coursework or research to whomever you're with. The simple act of explaining will consolidate and deepen your own understanding, while also helping you identify gaps in your knowledge. You would not believe how much I have learned about neuroscience (my area of expertise) by trying to explain it to other people like my students.
In summary, work hard this week, do some relaxing and explaining next week—and then return feeling refreshed for the end-of-semester push.
Best,
Dr. Drew
Joke: A wise chemist once said: If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.
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