Hail to Daydreaming
BY MELEK CANSU PETEK (ELIT/I)
In case you aren't aware of it, let me tell you something: Finals are coming!
I'm not saying this to be obnoxious or for you to hate me. There's only one reason -- I completely forgot about finals, and I don't want you to fall into that trap as well. Going to lectures, turning in final projects, giving presentations, along with the unbelievably hot weather -- all this isn't making my life easy these days. That's the answer to the question that may have occurred to you: "How on earth could she forget about finals?"
Now that I'm aware of the danger lying ahead, I've started to think of ways that will help me survive this period with minimum damage. Studying regularly would be the easiest, but nay -- I don't think I've ever done that before. Since I can't go out without feeling guilty about the things on my to-do list, and also I'd rather not because of the blazing sun out there, I had to find a way that would let me have fun indoors, and I did! Daydreaming!
I've been doing this for quite a long time, and not only during finals, so if you've never done it yourself, stay with me, and you'll learn from the master. One of my easy-access-to-daydream-land techniques is to think of myself as a character in a show I like. It's really fun, and you can decide whether to take the place of an existing character or create a completely new one. Here are a few examples of my "characters":
1. The Doctor's companion. I've probably said it before -- “Doctor Who” is one of my absolute favorites. Who wouldn't like to be in a show with a time machine/spacecraft and David Tennant? Imagine this scene: The Doctor is turning to me and asking where I'd like to go. Upon my saying "Stonehenge, to the time of Druids" -- I really am a nerdy English literature student -- he utters one of his catchphrases, "Allons-y!" ("let's go" in French), and we find ourselves right in the middle of a human sacrifice ceremony. Having seen our blue box appear all of a sudden, the Druid priests get mad, thinking that we're evil spirits trying to meddle in their rituals. You can easily guess the rest: being chased, getting caught, almost dying but being saved at the last minute, and finally landing back in London and laughing crazily at what happened. Isn't that a great "experience" when your life is intolerably dull?
2. A firebender in Avatar Aang's time. Choosing "fire" has nothing to do with astrology, by the way; it's all about my personality. I can't picture myself bending other elements. And don't frown -- just because I'm a firebender doesn't mean that I'll be an enemy of the Avatar. In fact, my character will be one of Aang's inside agents, and together with General Iroh and Prince Zuko, we'll win the war against the Fire Lord and bring peace and unity to all four nations. What a noble cause!
And now that I think about it, I'd love to be a firebender in Avatar Korra's time as well. I'd have my own team and enter pro-bending tournaments (bending matches between two teams, in which each team has three benders: earth, fire and water). Then I'd be best friends with Korra and fight against Amon. Another noble cause!
3. A healer in Merlin's time. I miss "Merlin" -- I mean, the BBC show. I know it's not the real Arthurian legend, but I loved it just the same. Merlin might be a great magician -- however, he was never an expert in medicine. That's why I'll be joining the story as a healer. I'll start as Gaius's apprentice, and then surpass him with my knowledge of plants and healing spells. My former career as a scientist, my desire to become more than just a "city girl" by getting closer to nature, and my love of magical fantasy fiction stories combine in this one daydream. Isn't it awesome?
These are only a few examples I could think of in a short time. You could also be Monica of "Friends," Sheldon Cooper's co-worker, Barney Stinson's wingman, one of the "Downton Abbey" ladies or Dr. Watson of "Sherlock." All I'm saying is, do NOT get all suicidal during finals. Fuel up your imagination and find even better methods of enjoying yourself, and turn that into a habit. There you are -- an unboring life! Dreaming is one of the most exquisite abilities of mankind -- use it, and dream up!
P.S.: This is my last column for this semester. Don't get excited, hopefully I'll be back next year and you'll have to endure me some more! Jokes aside, this is the most amazing year I've spent at Bilkent, and do remember that I've been here for six years. Being a part of Bilkent News is a wonderful experience, and I'd like to thank you, the reader, for joining me on this journey. Hail to the new journeys we'll embark upon! In the meantime, have a great summer!