Cherry Blossom’s Goodbye

by Raegan Densmore

Photo Courtesy of R. Densmore

   Toronto’s winter was pretty gross this year. Which was quite disappointing because I spent a lot of my time indoors. So it sucks when April comes around, the weather becomes nice again but I am swamped with final assignments and exams, then shortly after, packing to return to Nova Scotia. Although this is the case, I have found ways to enjoy the last moments regardless.

  Having multiple final assignments due within the same weeks is rough, however it has taught me how to manage my time immensely, especially if I want a social life. I have never been the type of person to start assignments weeks early, though this year that changed. Having plans to go out has become sort of like a deadline to me, while also allowing time to focus on other assignments as well. Not to mention the paranoia of worrying if all my assignments will be finished in time has caused me to start assignments way earlier too, and then I realize that I had given myself more space than I thought; more time to breathe, to have fun. 

  When it comes to exams, I have a reason for my procrastination; that being that when I study last minute, I have all the information fresh in my mind. However, especially with the nice weather, caging myself indoors was making me quite miserable. I grew to realize how important breaks in between study sessions are, such as taking a brief walk, going to get coffee, even switching my study location, anything that requires leaving my dorm, is needed. So I am more confident going into my exam, and I enjoy life much more afterwards. 

  So this year, I have been finding ways to intertwine productivity with enjoyment. When I was getting ready to leave Toronto, I used recycling my old batteries as a way to go for a walk and see the cherry blossom trees. That was one of the things on my bucket list of things to do before the end of the school year. It is disappointing that spring starts to show itself in Toronto as I am about to leave, but it is also like a sweet goodbye; the year is done, congratulations. 

  At the end of the year, I worry that I have not done enough but I also feel as though, in April, I have no time to do anything much anymore. What sights have I not seen, what places have I not gone, not tried? And so on. Although I spent a lot of the winter indoors, this year I did think about the great moments I did have; my grandmother came to visit, we went to Niagara Falls, I went out of the country, I tried new cafes, new bars, new areas, and I met new people. But even so, when I am crammed with schoolwork, I have switched my mindset and study methods so that I can focus on school while also enjoying life in Toronto as well.  

  There are also two years of my undergraduate degree left, I have lots of time, and moments to be had. So when the cherry blossoms start to bloom, I don’t have to worry.