Lillian Hucke ’24  |   Published May 05, 2021

Study Tips from a Senior

Kyla Suter, who is graduating next week, advises to strike a balance to survive finals.
Biology

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Spring finals begin May 6 at Monmouth College, and many students are juggling the normal list of class projects, studying for chapter exams and preparing for finals while balancing commitments to athletic teams, music ensembles, clubs or jobs.

KYLA SUTER: Senior from Oregon, Illinois, will graduate May 16 with degrees in biology and enviro... KYLA SUTER: Senior from Oregon, Illinois, will graduate May 16 with degrees in biology and environmental studies and sustainability.For Kyla Suter ’21 of Oregon, Illinois, remaining organized helps her survive finals while also maintaining her mental health.

A double major in biology and environmental studies and sustainability, Suter is also involved with Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and Rotaract Club.

“I have a color-coded calendar and a bunch of to-do lists to help me stay on track and manage time,” she said. “I also try to knock out assignments early, so I don’t get behind.”

Resources

Suter starts studying for finals about a week before they are given. She spends most of her time in open classrooms and study spaces in the Center for Science and Business. When not cramming alone in the Center for Science and Business, she studies with tutors, groups or professors.

“During my freshman year, I really took advantage of the biology tutoring and that helped get me through my early biology courses,” she said.

Suter advises students to not be afraid to take advantage of the resources and to make use of professors’ office hours.

Staying mentally healthy

Finals are stressful on their own, but with no spring break this semester because of the pandemic, many Monmouth students said they were feeling a bit of fatigue and burnout. For Suter, combatting those feelings included practicing yoga and meditation, which she said helped her remain positive and motivated to finish strong in her classes.

“Remember to take time for yourself and for your mental health.” – Kyla Suter

“I was never able to make it to the yoga wellness days that they have here on campus, so I just looked up videos on YouTube,” she said. “Yoga helped me take my mind off things and just relax.”

Suter also loves walking to Einstein Bros. Bagels in Hewes Library or visiting the Tin Cup coffee shop in downtown Monmouth. An avid black coffee drinker, Suter said she will occasionally switch it up with a Frappuccino. But no matter what kind of coffee drink she imbibes, Suter said the trips get her out of her room, providing a needed change in scenery.

“Remember to take time for yourself and for your mental health,” she said.

The biggest advice she has for fellow students: “Relax, and remember that you will get through it.”

Biology

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