The end of the spring semester has arrived. Students have prepared for finals and are ready for graduation.
This is also a time where students’ stress levels are at their highest. In a survey done by American Addiction Centers, the largest network of rehab facilities nationwide, states that the biggest stressor for students is exams.
Two Eastern New Mexico University students discussed how they are coping with finals and how they manage to reduce their stress levels.
Danielle Hernandez is a full-time student at ENMU, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) emphasis on Marketing. Besides being a full-time student Hernandez is also a full-time employee at MyPower, Inc., a non-profit organization, that empowers young women to successfully navigate the teen years by making good choices, setting goals, succeeding academically, and avoiding teen pregnancy.
She also sits on the Hobbs Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board and the board for I Inform Me, a youth Mental health awareness program. Hernandez states that overall finals have not been too stressful, and she stated that she feels the way she managed her time is what contributed to her feeling a lot less stressed.
Hernandez explained, “I was a little bit shocked because I am taking five classes.” She also explains that the way professors structure their classes plays a big part in being able to get ahead and stay on track. Staying ahead in class is an important key factor in reducing stress.
Hernandez has a few words of advice for high school seniors preparing to transition to a college or university. “Don’t quit it’s gonna be rough, but don’t quit, push through and anything is possible.”
Jessica Olivas is also a full-time student, pursuing a BBA. Olivas is attending two schools, ENMU and the New Mexico Junior College. Olivas is also a full-time employee for a local non-profit and a part-time employee as a driving instructor.
Olivas states that finals have been unbelievably stressful. She believes that it has a lot to do with attending different classes but due to her situation it is extremely cost-efficient to take transferable classes at NMJC.
“The only thing that has made it a little bit easier is that my finals at the NMJC are a week before my finals at ENMU” states Olivas.
Olivas copes with stress by prioritizing “me-time” such as hanging out with her family or playing with her dogs. Olivas wants students who are in her position – where they are full-time employees or have other obligations that take away time from their schoolwork – to know that you don’t have to rush. “It’s okay to take longer than two years, especially when it comes to mental health and self-care.”