For three hours, Valerie Simmons, a sophomore at The Universityof Memphis, stares at her laptop waiting for more information towrite for her research paper.
She read six different books, researched on the Internet andflipped through at least 20 pages of written notes.
Simmons isn't the only student with this problem. A majority ofU of M students are having a hard time writing research papers,essays or any sort of written assignments that have to be turned inby the last days of classes.
"I have worked on this research paper for two weeks, and onlysix out of 15 pages have been typed," Simmons said. "And I havestayed up several nights in order to finish this paper."
Because of the amount of end-of-the-semester papers, a majorityof the campus computer labs are busy with students.
"In order to concentrate and actually do my research papers inpeace, I have to go across campus to the library," said juniorTanisha Davis. "It is so hard to get started on a paper, especiallyif you have five other class that you have papers for also."
Demetria Reed, graduating senior, said writing her researchpaper was more difficult than the research.
"I rewrote my paper at least three times, and I went to theEnglish lab to make sure that what I wrote was good enough to turnin to my teacher," Reed said. "Thank goodness for them."
Computer labs on campus for student use are located in spotslike Smith Lab and McWherter Library. And to make it easier forsome students, computer labs exist in the dorms like Rawls Hall andRichardson Towers.
Senior Sylferia Transor said she likes using the computer labcloser to her dorm, but it fills up quick.
"Even though I live in Smith Hall, I go to Rawls to do some ofmy papers," Transor said. "These couple of weeks have been hardbecause everyone has papers to turn in and labs become fullquick."
Some students did not procrastinate this semester and haveescaped the last-minute rush.
"I knew this was going to happen. That is why I chose to takeheed at the beginning of the semester," said freshman KrystalynIngram.
"I paid attention and read the syllabus carefully, and it said,'Start research papers earlier than a few days before it has to becompleted, so you don't have to be sitting and staring at thescreen.'
"And when I do my papers early, I let my teacher look over it,so I will have a better grade and more time on other assignmentsfor different classes."
