The Tables Have Turned...

Life is hard. We don't always get what we want. This year, I've found that many times I don't get as much sleep as I want. I do my best, but there are always those nights where work takes precedence over sleep.You might ask, why am I talking about sleep in a people-watching blog? Well, my friends, keep reading and you'll find out.

It was Wednesday, and I had woken up at the crack of dawn, affording me only a few hours of sleep. As usual, I found myself running to my chemistry class, which is a grueling 15 minute walk from my dorm. Still, being the scholar that I am, I made it on time.

My chemistry class is actually not boring, but, although I find it interesting, for some reason I always doze off. Perhaps my body has gotten into the habit of sleeping at 12:45 PM? Whatever the case my be, I discovered that my sleeping habits were eliciting some unwanted attention. I am used to being a people-watcher, but this week I observed that I was, indeed, the people-watchee. 

Sleeper
Photo via: Kristina Kuncevich

As I was emerging from my state of unconsciousness, I noticed a group of classmates staring at me. I snapped to attention and realized I had fallen asleep with my face smushed against my hand. They were pointing and laughing, and I saw one of them giggling at her phone, presumably at a Snapchat she just took of me. I felt betrayed by the people-watching gods—how could the tables be turned in such a cruel manner? We exchanged looks for a while; I watched as they got their laughs and they gaped at my still-disoriented self.

I believe one thing we can all learn from my experiences this week is that we should always get enough sleep. Without rest, it's difficult to pay attention and get work done. Everyone wants to succeed, but it's important that we set ourselves up for success. Not getting enough sleep is recipe for disaster, as previously illustrated. Insufficient sleep not only impacts your academics, but also your dignity. Being caught "slipping," as some might say, is simply detestable, as a principled intellectual should always sit upright and focus his or her attention to the mission at hand.

I can't stress enough the importance of sleep—just get some sleep, people! It'll make you more productive, more focused, and better prepared for every class. It's always wise to keep composure and to look professional at all times. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep will also prevent you from become a Snapchat story. Trust me, whether you notice it or not, you're most likely always being watched.