[laur88]

So I'm in a play this semester and this week and the past week are tech weeks, meaning we have a ridiculous amount of practice (5 hours a day during the week, and 8 hours this past Saturday). Needless to say, I'm feeling really swamped. I had a paper due today at 9:30 am and couldn't get it in for a number of reasons. I couldn't work on it until after Thursday because I had a French paper due, then my computer wasn't working properly so I couldn't start it on Friday, Saturday's practice left me too exhausted to think straight, Sunday I had to sing with my acapella group, then had rehearsal until 11 pm, worked until about 3 am but didn't finish. Fell asleep at 4 got up at 6 to finish and lo and behold the internet was down so I couldn't do anything because I need the internet for the clips I'm using in my paper. I called my professor and left him a message at 7:00ish then met with him after class. He didn't even let me explain myself! Just told me that I would get a third of a letter grade off as that's his policy for late papers. When I tried to explain he cut me off as if I was some pathetic excuse maker so that now I feel like he's judged me for trying to make an excuse. I have to turn it in by 9:30 tomorrow or I'll get another 3rd of a grade off but I have class until 4:30 and rehearsal is called in at 6 which means I'll need to start doing my hair (it's Pride and Prejudice so we have major intricate hairstyles) at 5 ish. Rehearsal will be done at 11 again so I'll probably start working on it around midnight. At that point, running on two hours of sleep, I don't know if I'll even be able to think straight. I just don't think I can do this!

My friend, who's in the play with me and also didn't finish her paper, told me to be positive, "We can do it. We'll both encourage each other" but I honestly don't think I can.... I'm a tired, emotional wreck and I don't want to go to my other classes; I just want to crawl into my bed and sleep for a few days. But I can't miss class because I will get even further behind....

[blueoctober]

I'm sorry you're struggling laur88. You have A LOT on your pate. Is there any way that someone can take over for you on the play? As far as your school work goes I would suggest speaking to a school counselor to find out what options you have. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Anneinside]

As an ex-professor, I can understand your professor's stance. The due dates and description of most assignments are given on the first day of class on the syllabus. I don't know if that is the case with you. Because of that, professors expect you to organize your time so that if you have a week coming up like you have had this last week, you will have already completed the assignment early.

On the other hand, it is difficult for students to balance out extracurricular activities and work in courses (although of course you could be in a theatre class requiring you to be involved). The only thing I can suggest is for the future. Get yourself a big calendar (or a planner) and tape up the months of the semester with all your due dates on it and plan your work and study. When I was a professor, I made a calendar with all due dates, meetings, etc. and put them under a clear desktop mat. That was I could see it all the time to keep up on things. (Even your professor has to keep up with due dates. LOL)

I hope that this doesn't sound like I am coming down on you. I don't intend to do that.

[JustAPixie]

I agree with blueoctober. It seems that you do have a lot going on at the moment. No one can do everything, and it is ok to admit that. You have to start choosing, otherwise you're not going to get anything done... Getting to a counsellor might take time, but it is a good idea.

Good luck with everything.

[BlackPup]

Agree with the previous posts...
...it can be hard to say no to things and to find balance, but it is even more important for those of us with mental illness coz we can't handle stuff as easily when it gets too much and we sometime have to deal with our depression etc as well...
All the best for your studies, you can only do what you can do...

[sugahorse1]

It's hard to prioritise, but it's the only way you cna stay healthy. And for a BPer, routine is essential, and stress must be kept to minimum; try and negotiate where you can have work taken off your plate. xx

[LaraLynn]

Just wanted to say I am so sorry you are going through this. I know it is rough and it sucks and it really real yucky. (((((((((((((((((BIG))))))))))))))))

[laur88]

Thanks so much for the support you all! I really needed it. I got my paper in today (one day late) and was able to take a 5 hour nap to catch up on sleep. Tomorrow's opening night and we go through Sunday and then it will all be over! My main focus is just to make it through the rest of the week and now that my paper's out of the way I can get regular hours of sleep which will make a HUGE difference...

Thanks again for the support. Like the little train that could said (I hope you guys read that book when you were little otherwise you won't get this reference): "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...."

[JustAPixie]

So glad to hear things are different and that you can get some rest. Sunday is almost. You "sound" a bit more positive too. I'm happy for you. Let me know how the play went!

[laur88]

Thanks again for the support. I am feeling better today (yesterday was rough - headache, exhausted, stressed, sad). I think it's because I got enough sleep for the first time in a while.

The play (Pride and Prejudice) opened last night and went really well. I don't have a big part and it's kind of disheartening because I've spent just as much time as the leads but don't get much recognition... but it's ok... just kind of disheartening, especially because the director basically worships the female lead (the rest of the cast sees this so it's not just me!). I'm just praying that I'll get a good part in the upcoming musical (I LIVE for musicals!). Just have to make it through Sunday, which is our final performance - thank goodness!!

[JustAPixie]

I feel I need to shout today because you'll probably be fast alseep after the week you've had!!! How did all go?

[laur88]

It went very well! Sold out on Friday and Saturday (it's a big theatre too... maybe 500). I'm not gonna lie though, I'm really happy it's over! I'm hoping to get a bigger part in the musical this spring - the hardest part for me wasn't the amount of time but how little appreciation I got for all my hard work and time spent because I had such a small part. Like I said before, I live for musicals and can't wait to audition! As for now, I'm going to revel in my new free time (those are some of the things I plan on doing)

Thanks again everyone for all the support - it really helped me get through one heck of a week without crashing into depression or becoming overwhelmed with anxiety! You guys are AWESOME