The counseling office encouraged students to “Stick with it!” on Tuesday, March 27 Motivation is an especially big issue with students during this time of year according to a presentation at the event.

There are two types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is when you are interested in your classes and do well because of it. Extrinsic is when you force yourself to do the work. Extrinsic motivation seems to be a common theme for students.

Ian MacMurray, secondary education history sophomore, said he understands extrinsic motivation.

“I feel very unmotivated,” he said. “I don’t want to do anything and I’m tired all the time.

“I just want to sit around, hang out with friends, do whatever besides homework.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder was another topic covered at the event.

Ace Humphrey, electrical engineering sophomore, has definitely felt some of the affect from this seasonal ailment.

“I haven’t felt motivated because the weather is getting much better,” he said. “Despite the ever changing weather as of late, it is a distraction and since it’s nearing the end of the year I’m not focused at all.”

MacMurray recognizes that the weather can be an issue for some students paying attention but says that his number one concern is not related to what the forecast says.

“The weather has been really nice and it’s gotten me to do more things, but it doesn’t affect my motivation,” he said. “I’ll do my homework the day before, but I haven’t skipped class because of the weather.”

There are ways to rid yourself of the “Winter blues.” Staying active, going outside, eating healthy, sunlight, talking about it and seeking help are all ways to help yourself during this time of year. Although it is still hard to remain focused, Humphrey thinks he has found a way to balance work and play in a way that will keep him going.

“I go out less during the day, only for class or to eat,” he said. “During the day I study, and I work out later at night.”

One last way to help improve your motivation at the end of the school year is perception. The counseling office’s presentation discussed how goals can be beneficial as long as you have self control. Time management, self rewards and using what resources are available are also good things to try.

Ian Naughton, computer science junior, has found other ways to fight off any lack of motivation. His ways revolve around self-control and using goals.

“I ask myself a few questions,” he said. “Do I want to take these classes over again? Do I want to waste a semester’s tuition by not passing? Do I really want to sacrifice my GPA for the sake of taking a mental vacation from school for an evening?”

For Naughton, doing poorly because of a lack of motivation is not a choice.

“I guess the real trick is convincing yourself that procrastination and not studying are simply not options,” he said.

Counseling Services are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They can be contacted by email at [email protected].