I've always likened a semester to running the mile in high school.
Start off: *** yeah, I got tons of energy, let's do this! /run like hell
1/4 of a mile: Maaaaaaaaaybe I should pace myself... /slow down
1/2 of a mile: Why... did... I... sprint... at... the... begin...ning... /plod at a half jog/power walk
3/4 of a mile: Is that... is that the end? /jog a little faster.
7/8 of a mile: FUUUUUCK YEAH LET'S DOOOOOO THIS!!!! /sprint to finish
Finished: /flop down on the grass and die