Aussie Finals and Final Goodbyes

Not only was this my first semester at a more typical university, as compared to my little hippie school by the sea, it was also my first semester of final exams.  Although apparently the structure here is a bit different even from most U.S. schools according to my American friends.  Finals start with a full week off of classes designated specifically for students to study for exams.  Study vacation, or SWOT VAC, is a both a curse and a blessing.  It's great because you have a week to do nothing but study, but it's a nightmare because you have a week to do nothing but study.  If you yourself don't get very stressed, the atmosphere on campus can quickly remedy that.  Colleges have constant noise restrictions, coffee machines die from over-use and nerves are on end.  Needless to say it was an extremely long week.  But it was definitely needed, especially for me, who hasn't really studied for a final exam since high school.  And after heaps of study parties, practice exams, hours spent locked in solitary confinement and a few well-deserved study breaks, I've made it through four finals, which I realize is less than most students in the States have each semester, but still. 

Study wall for Marine Chemistry and Chemical Ecology

Times like these are when I really appreciate my surroundings, taking study breaks to drive up Mount Stuart and hike up Castle Hill were so much more rewarding than doing it when my mind isn't bogged down with chemical equations and fishery case studies.  There is nothing like getting a bit of exercise and fresh air to clear the mind and refresh your energy. 

Castle Hill

The Strand

And so now with finals done it's that time to start saying goodbyes.  Luckily I have the opportunity to stay in Australia for another 4 weeks to get my Advanced SCUBA Certification and to work on a horse ranch for 3 weeks.  But as friends head off, back home to other parts of Oz and back to the States, I have to be a bit sentimental.  I've been so fortunate for all of the opportunities I have had, to come to this amazing country, to study at JCU and to meet all of the amazing people that have come into my life over the past few months.  So as the sun sets over these final days I just have to remember the words of a very wise man:

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."~Dr. Seuss

Sunset from Mount Stuart

Sunset over Townsville