All work and no play

After 6 weeks of intense studying, I am finally done with my exams. Normally this would be the turning point where my life gets back on track. After 6 weeks of basically no contact with the outside world, my friends will finally hear from me again. - And thereby establish the fact that I am still alive. I have survived yet another exam season. I am 2 shades paler than usual, a few pounds heavier and my eyes are hidden behind large blue bags of epidermis. I’ve been here before. I know the drill.

Usually, this is when I slowly start adapting to normal life again. I begin venturing outside at a higher rate. –Gradually increasing the exposure of my skin to sunlight. It is with extreme caution these steps are conducted. Too high exposure too soon will only result in pain. -Both physically and psychologically. Many people in the past have become victims of their own excitement. The thrill of finally being free has resulted in tragedy for more than one. But I have the experience. I have learned from the mistakes of others.

I can see what you are thinking from the expression on your face. You are telling yourself that this is probably the very reason why I am indoors right now…writing this, instead of being outside enjoying the sunshine (which by the way is very rare in this city). It would not be an entirely wrong conclusion. It is a very likely one, based on the information I have given you so far.

However.

The use of “normally” and “usually” above has not been a coincidence…or a matter of trying to sound mysterious. There is nothing mysterious about me. You already know that. I have used these words on purpose. I am not sitting here because I am afraid of daylight like another vampire or nocturnal being. I am afraid it is because I am still a student. A being left out in most horror stories. Everyone has heard of the vampires and werewolves that come out at night and hunt you down. -Witches and monsters eating people, drinking blood for their own survival. Few have heard of the nocturnal student. A being that never sleeps. A being with eyes so dark you can hardly see them. I guess the reason for the lack of such stories lies in the very nature of the student. The student has no time to hunt you down or drink your blood. The student is on a deadline. The student has an exam to prepare for.

I am such a being. I may have completed my exams. But I am still on a deadline. You see, I am not only a student. I am a Master student. The deadliest of all students. Although deadly only to myself. To my social life. To my tan.

So I will leave you here. With encouragement to enjoy this summer. When you are laying on a beach somewhere, drinking smoothies and recuperating from 6 months of work or school. Think of the student. Think of a summer indoors.

Enjoy life.