I had the lucky timing of getting my wisdom teeth pulled right before Week 9 (out of 10) of Winter quarter. One of them being infected, I decided it was a good idea to get them out as soon as possible.

However, this meant that I was also spending an entire weekend sleeping in the midst of several assignments, two projects and a test that are due very soon.

Despite the surgery, I’m powering through Week 9 and here’s how:

  1. Prioritize your recovery. As stressful as it is to prioritize health over school (ironic, I know), it was necessary in order for me to heal properly. In the end, health should always take priority over school if you have that privilege to do so, because what’s the point of learning when you’re unable to focus in the first place?
  2. Eat a lot of soft foods and sleep as much as you can!
  3. Don’t beat yourself up for doing numbers 1 and 2. Since it’s out of your control, adding stress or shame onto your already-traumatized body isn’t going to be helpful. Stress often worsens conditions and sleeping is way better than stressing over homework that you don’t have the energy to do.
  4. E-mail your professor(s). Most Evergreen faculty are understanding and accommodating to student needs. If an extension isn’t allowed, then they at least want to be updated on where you’re at. My experience with professors has been mostly one of compassion and kindness in situations where I’m unable to meet certain class expectations  because my health comes first. And since we’re on first name basis here, personal relationships are valued. In other words, professors often understand that you’re a human alongside being a student, while students often offer the same understanding to professors.
  5. Take breaks throughout the next week. Although I’ve been able to catch up on work, I’ve also been hit with headaches caused by the aches in my jaws where there are no longer two wisdom teeth. This reminds me to take frequent breaks, which are necessary while studying anyways, and to check in with myself constantly.
  6. In other words, Keep Calm and Carry On! Spring Break is just around the corner.