Procrastinating in 2016: Campus Face Swapping

Leave it to technology to add yet another method of procrastination for students. Although I’m no Snapchat guru (or frequent user, for that matter), I’ve recently become obsessed with the new Face Swap feature (is it new? No, I don’t think it is. So that tells you how often I actually use Snapchat).

Behold, in all of its facial inaccuracies, my adventure with Face Swap during the last day of classes and impending all-day-studying of finals.

First, I needed to Face Swap some graduation photos, because (hopefully!) I’ll one day be in that position. But unfortunately, both of the graduation photos on the walls of the Ag For building and Business building were too small for Snapchat to recognize the faces, so I ended up just swapping them with each other, like so:

Hopefully this isn’t a sign that I won’t be graduating. 

Next, I set my sights to larger photos and came across some wonderful portraits in the lobby of Ag For. Check it:

This one is particularly frightening and makes my face especially resemble a certain snouted and curly-tailed animal. The convenient aspect about this one, though, is that we’re both wearing fairly large glasses that match up pretty well. 

I particularly enjoy this one because it looks like I could probably star as the sassy mother figure in a 90’s sitcom. 

I’m not entirely sure what happened here, but it looks like a tri-Face Swapping incident. Whatever it is, there’s no denying it’s valuable in its own existence. 

To be frank, I’ve never wondered what I would look like with a moustache. But now I know the answer, whether I like it or not. Also: why does my face look like I’ve just been asked to explain Quantum Physics in front of a lecture hall?

Well, that was fun. I guess that’s it, right? It’s not like I can Face Swap with a statue, right?

Psych! You totally can:

I feel as though I’ve terrified all descendants of Henry Marshal Tory (our first university president), and for that I apologize. 

If you ever see me around campus, don’t be afraid to ask for a Face Swap. It is, without a doubt, one of my favourite new methods of procrastinating. Thank you for that, Snapchat.

Think you can best me? Try Face Swapping the same or other photos, statues, or real-life human beings and tweet us @YouAlberta so we can see them!

Rachel - YouAlberta Contributor

Rachel never leaves her house without a pair of good headphones, her current favourite read, and a cup of tea. She’s a third-year English Major and Linguistics Minor who mainly enjoys hanging out with cats, but will leave their side for the promise of some live music and the company of friends. Some of her dreams include sleeping in and never running into a scary insect ever again.

How Do You Procrastinate?

You do it... you know you do it. And we do it too. In honour of the upcoming Long Night Against Procrastination, the YouAlberta team has revealed their procrastination habits... well, almost all of them. More like half of them, because the other half are still working on their answers - the irony!

Niabi

Image courtesy of the thepewterwolf.blogspot.com

I procrastinate by eating, watching youtube videos, thinking about things I would rather do than studying (like drawing and reading novels, things I never do when exams are over and I actually have the free time haha), tidying my room, dusting, folding clothes, doing laundry. So basically I do all the things that a normal person is expected to do on a daily basis. It’s ironic because I am procrastinating studying but getting other important chores done around the house haha. Playing with my dog also becomes very important when I am supposed to be studying.

Albert

Image courtesy of www.parhlo.com

I procrastinate by answering emails :P, watching youtube videos (usually of wicked salsa, or of airplanes landing), daydreaming, watching Netflix, sleeping, or on really lazy days, texting old friends from days gone by to see how they're doing.

Rachel

Image courtesy of www.viralspell.com

Netflix and YouTube are my greatest procrastination tools. Watching cats sneeze does absolutely nothing for my school work, but everything for my emotions. I also like to keep most of my notes on my laptop so that when I’m making Cue Cards, I’m distracted by notifications that I feel I have to click on before they escape and fade away. It is a challenge I will never lose, much like being tempted to procrastinate. Also, the new trend of adult colouring books has ruined my study schedule.

Colin

I watch netflix, build lego, do laundry, unbuild lego, rebuild lego, sort lego, watch more netflix, go to the gym, think.

So, if you're procrastinating, consider these 10 tips to prevent the perils of procrastination, or plan to join the Long Night Against Procrastination, or, keep doing what you're doing.... actually, don't do that last one. Actually get to your "to do" list.

We Both Know You're Procrastinating... Tips from the Long Night Against Procrastination

Long Night Against Procrastination, held on Friday November 6th at 8pm to the 7th at 8am in Rutherford library, offered students 12 hours of student services such as tutors, volunteers, instructors, students, presenters to help fight against procrastination to the 400 students that attended.

It was great to see so many lively students dedicating their time to studies even in the wee hours of the night.

The library was filled with dedicated students.

This clever group even supplied their own coffee pot! Now that’s planning! 

There were all kinds of services being offered; even the all-important matters of the mind could be addressed for only five cents!

Students were hard at work with their tutors.

 Essay Help was even offered to French students thanks to the Faculte Saint-Jean.

 

If you found yourself getting too stressed you could head over to the relaxation super-station and pop some bubble wrap or drink tea, coffee or enjoy some healthy snacks!

 A great looking bunch of students keeping positive with smiles! 

All kinds of tutors were volunteering for this event.

Shanna even showed us how turning your world upside down helps to focus your studying after you’ve hit the unproductive wall.

Unfortunately my camera's battery couldn’t make it the full night, but it was truly inspiring to see so many hard working students in one library working away into the small hours of the night-and into the morning. Hopefully everyone had a great night of productivity, learning and making new friends! 

If you weren’t able to make it out don’t fret! There are always ways to reduce procrastination tendencies here on campus:

1) The Center for Writers is always there to help so make sure to book an appointment with them and save yourself some stress from final papers. 

2) Yoga classes and a great variety of other fitness classes are offered to help get your creative juices flowing.

3) Your professors always have office hours and it’s always a great idea to go to the source for any help understanding material.

4) Plenty of student services are ready to help! Feeling stressed? Head over the Peer Support Center or check out the workshops offered by the Student Success Center.

5) If all else fails, carry a coffee pot with you for long study session!  

For extra tips, check out our "10 Tips to Prevent the Perils of Procrastination"

----About the Author

Paige

Hi, I’m Paige! I’m a fourth year student aspiring to become a Conference Interpreter after completing a bachelor of arts in French, Spanish and Japanese. I have a passion for everything cultural and am a total linguistic nerd. 

Away from my favorite study spot on campus, you can find me training with the Rowing Team or taking naps wherever possible. I love getting involved on campus and meeting new people so I’m always attending events happening around the University. 

I hope to share stories that highlight student life at the U of A; showcasing the bright and creative minds we have here at the U. I also hope to provide you with helpful tips to improve the time that you spend here on campus.

QUIZ: Are You Going to Procrastinate This Weekend?

Let's be honest, it's midterm and assignment time and that means that you have more items on your to do list than usual. So are you going to get everything done in a timely fashion, or are you going to scramble at the last minute?

Let's find out!



If it looks like you're bound to put things off, you might want to check out our "Top 10 Tips to Prevent Procrastination." And if you're probably going to get things done, then you should have a little extra time to pat yourself on the back, so pat away!