This election cycle, which has spiraled into a vortex of darkness and upsetting personal attacks, seems like it has been going on for approximately 10 million years.

This semester, which is exploding in a mass of papers, projects and exams, feels like it started three minutes ago.

Yet the election cycle has only been going on for 19 months, which is significantly shorter than 10 million years. And the semester started seven weeks ago, which is significantly more than three minutes.

So time is weird and everything feels terrible. But it’s important to remember that this election and this semester have clear endings designated, and completing them both will ultimately be worth it.

In the case of the election, we’ll get to finally be rid of the almost-daily arguments with friends and family who do not support our candidates of choice.

Also, the Supreme Court seat left open by Antonin Scalia’s death will finally be filled. We will be able to get back to ordinary levels of political venom, and the work of governing will get more attention than the bitter process of electing politicians.

The day that we can focus on policy again instead of the personal failings of each candidate will be a relief after this tortuous slog. But it’s almost over. Maybe the most comforting part of this election almost being over is that it will be four years before the next one. We will survive this.

Similarly, we will survive this semester. It’s midterms week, which means that professors are realizing how far behind their syllabi they are, and we’re realizing how far behind on our assignments we are. The halfway point can feel like the point where it’s most tempting to leave all our responsibilities behind, get a new name and take to the seas.

But it’s worth it to finish out the second half of the semester. We need to make our investment in our education worth it. We need to not skip class, even as the cold weather makes our beds all the more welcoming. We need to grind through and do well with the knowledge that it will pay off in the end. We are here because we are working for our future.

The end is in sight, for both the election and the semester. Let’s finish both strong.