Emotion: fear
Problem: academic pressure
Situation: Impending assignment and exam deadlines later this month, and next month, with online education.

assistant: Hello, how can I help you today?

user: Hello, I am taking two courses online now that are nearing their end, one at the end of november, and one at the end of December. I guess I am just scared and stressed out about not doing well.

assistant: I have been in that same situation before! I had the exact feelings you are! But after realizing how much I studied it helped me relax. Have you talked to your teachers about your worrying?

user: I see. My problem right now is that due to the pandemic and having a lot of time to myself and getting restless, I tend to waste a lot of time doing other things, and procrastinating. So I am catching up and I know I can finish them, but just that I could have done better, so there's an element of guilt and shame involved because I am not happy with my actions on how I handled my studies. No, not yet. It's distance education so it's mostly me studying on my own time (each course runs at a max duration of six months), but I have reached out to them regarding some assignment and exam questions. But I do appreciating your sympathetic tone and that you've gone through this also. And also I go through things slower and things become more sluggish and not really motivated, whereas before I was faster and more productive and really interested in learning and trying to finish assignments etc as quick as I can, and not take the full 6 months of course deadline.

assistant: From what I have seen, people who have noticed they are having issues tend to come out ahead! Its great that you are thinking about how to get through this. I also get into slumps with being productive and motivation, I was told when that happens that I just need to take a step back and relax for a little bit.

user: I see. I do see a problem and just last week I kind of started to prioritize things and take things more seriously, as the deadlines wind down. I am a little behind schedule, but not severely. yes I do that too. I understand what you mean. The problem with me is I alternate with relaxation with studying too much, and blurring those lines too much. But yes, I have been going back on track since last week and hope it's not too late to catch up

assistant: That's really great! I bet you are closer than you think to finishing those deadlines.

user: the stress and panic of the last minute crunch has worked in the past for me in becoming more conscientious Thank you. I appreciate your input so far.

assistant: When you are usually in a last minute crunch, what do you do to get past it?

user: I really really try to focus and just put all distractions away. Drink coffee, sleep less, and just get it done with less distractions with only the outcome and goal on my mind. It usually works and I did that for example, yesterday. So most of my day at home yesterday was spent on studying, and not so much on other preoccupations.

assistant: I know some people look for tutors, or others taking the same classes for inputs on work that has to be turned in. Is there an easy way for you to put the other preoccupations to the side so they are not so distracting?

user: yes I understand that too. I tend to be more solitary in nature. For me, I talk to my friend for help, a really close friend for advice and my troubles. But most of the time, I get through these logistical and existential problems myself. Not so much that I don't know how to do them or understand the courses or how to do the assignments, but just help on time management and organiza tion. yes I can do that.

assistant: Thats good! I bet that would help out a lot, that tends to be the case for me!

user: It's harder now though because I am just trapped at home, and plus a lot of my course materials are on the internet and on my laptop (distance education), and so I need to kind of focus on not clicking other stuff (including this website, etc). yeah that's good to hear but I think you asking these questions does make me focus more on what questions I need to ask myself like can I put this stuff away, etc.

assistant: Thats good, research has shown that moving our distractions to the side allows us to focus more on the task at hand!

user: Also, with being at home all the time, time is warped for me, such that time passes really fast even though it's been many hours. And I then realize the time wasted, etc, just some observations. ok, will do. I think our conversation so far has been fruitful in that I have a better idea on what my priorities ought to be. In fact, me chatting with you right now is just because I am on a self-imposed break, and not a diversion.

assistant: I am glad to hear that! I bet you can get those deadlines finished no problem.

user: sure. I will do that and I hope you're right. like passing, I could, but at the same time I don't want to just pass the courses barely. I am not a terrible student, but just disappointed because I ought to know and do better. But yes, I think I am ready to take on the challenge and burden again and thanks a lot

assistant: I am glad I was able to help, You got this, I bet you don't have this issue again.

user: for reassuring and pointing out certain things for me. thank you. I really appreciate your help and understanding , even though we just met. Alright, I think I am good to go then, but your input is much appreciated

assistant: Well thank you! Let me know if you need help with anything else!

user: no this is something I have to take on from here. But thank you very much for everything! Have a good day then!

assistant: You as well!