At Max the Mutt, now’s the time when students and faculty are beginning to feel the pressure. Why is it that time always seems to pass more quickly second semester than first semester?  Deadlines are closing in!For all of you reading this who are in school, just a few reminders:Breathe deeply. Keep your perspective. Hang on to your sense of humor. Watch out for group dynamics that go awry. Be positive!  Try to get as much pleasure from your work as possible.When you’re doing your work: your mind should be on the process, not the product. If the process is good, the work will follow. Don’t forget to pat yourselves on the back for everything you’ve achieved before looking at the things you need to improve. But be honest with yourselves and take responsibility. This summer you may want to set up a schedule for yourselves to deal with subject matter you “passed” but didn’t really grasp fully enough.In schools with difficult programs, this is the time of year when due dates may be pressing. They are at Max the Mutt!If you’re having problems with a course, and haven’t done so already,  see someone for advice and help!Be sure you’re taking direction well and doing your part.Accept the fact that most of us aren’t great at everything, and some of us have to work extra-hard to get certain skills that come more easily to others.Many successful people have had to redo courses or course work. If you have the passion, most of you will be able to overcome technical difficulties with time and practice.More tips:  eat well, exercise (walk to school if that’s all you have time for),  do deep breathing if you are tensing up, and try to keep your perspective. Be sure to take some timeouts. Work hard when you are working, play well when you are playing.Accept the fact that there are many frustrations in becoming an artist. There are good days and bad days. Not everything we do lives up to our expectations. We are all human, after all. And please don’t forget how lucky we are to have the opportunity to work at the things we love.At Max the Mutt - and this seems to happen every year -  when the student work goes up for year-end shows and student films are running in the theater, we’re all surprised by just how good the work is and how much everyone learned!