Finals have descended on Tufts and everyone is in a whirlwind of stress and stress eating as we race to wrap up our classes. Between finals last year and various crazy weeks during the semester, I getting much better conditioned to exam periods. Of course, I’m sad that the excitement and activities during the semester are over. So far I am done with Differential Equations and Introduction to Electrical Systems; I just have an architecture paper, Computer Aided Design Project and Statics and Dynamics Exam!
As a study break last week I watched Dan Gilbert’s TED talk “The Surprising Science of Happiness”. I hate to blow the surprise (whoops!) but I will anyway. Regardless, you should watch this talk. His hypothesis is that when humans are exposed to irreversible and undesirable circumstances, months later they are likely to blindly reflect on the issue positively. They adjust their opinions and memories to view it as a beneficial experience. All humans encounter situations we don’t like so we all have these funky rose colored glasses. The funny thing is we can easily identify this behavior in other people but it is significantly harder to identify it in ourselves. Synthesizing happiness out of dire circumstances is such a strange concept. What struck me the most was that synthesizing happiness, for the person experiencing it, is equivalent to a natural happy emotion.
In order to synthesize some happiness, I have decided to reflect on some good parts of this dull finals week.
1. Candy corn – my favorite candy. One of the four main food groups.
2. Architecture discussion – In preparation for my paper about the Seed Cathedral at the Shanghai World Expo, I had an awesome discussion with a friend about the architecture on Tufts’ campus. I took “Intro to Architecture:1400 to the present” for fun as an arts credit. It counts as one of my HASS electives, which stands for humanities/ arts/ social sciences. I like that I can appreciate the architecture at Tufts and I especially liked learning and discussing the architecture behind two new science and engineering buildings that are currently under construction.
3. BEATS – a percussion group (Banging Everything At Tufts) had a show last weekend. Mostly it was really loud. They are incredibly talented.
4. Roommate bonding at Yoshis – we got sushi at a restaurant a few blocks away from Tufts.
5. Called my Grandma – she was so happy! I should do that more often.
6. 100% on a practice exam for Introduction to Electrical Systems– I don’t know how the exam went yet but the practice exam went well! This was my hardest class this semester and I worked my butt off. I consistently went to extra tutorial sessions and office hours so I really hope it was worth it.
7. Dewick Christmas dinner – debatably the best night at the dining hall this semester. Enabled my stress eating.
8. I’m almost done with my Computer Aided Design project! I am creating a ten second animation of fireworks using AutoDesk 3ds max. I’m strangely addicted to working on this project. If I could, I would only work on this homework instead of studying but that’s not how the world works.
9. Hay bales – there are hay bales around all of the trees on the Prez lawn hill so all we need is some snow!
10. Snowflakes – as another study break I made a ridiculous amount of snowflakes. I guess that's my hidden talent. I really just want some snow.
I think the psychology of happiness is so compelling, especially when it is linked to gratitude. Naturally, I’ve watched most of the gratitude TED talks as well. When it comes down to it, it is my friends that keep me happy through finals and I am grateful to have such a good support system.