Journey 
Have you ever heard the term “Finals week or my FINAL week”? Yeah, I’m sure all my fellow undergraduate students understand how unfortunate, yet real, that statement is. I mean, I thought senior year of high school was stressful, imagine senior year of college, where your major is just about, but not yet, finished with eating you alive. I digress, have finals started for everyone else, or just Spelman College?
It’s almost like the students here, specifically in the English department, have been final prepping and actively constructing their semester-ending projects for two weeks now. You can assume how ready everyone must be for summer break, given the “we must lock in conversation” that arises between me and my roommates in our student housing apartment daily.
Burnout? Yes, but we have to finish strong. I know it’s annoying to hear during such a crucial time in our academic careers, but healthy habits are necessary in seasons of stress. Here are some of my favorite ways to de-stress during the inevitable student FINAL week:
Touch grass, seriously. I know this is widespread advice on social media, but truly go outside and be in the sun. The Windy City is defrosting and becoming what we know and love as “Chiami.” Take advantage of the rays, hug a tree, and ground yourself in nature – how we were created to.
Planners are prepared: I know this isn’t fully true. Things can come up at the last moment and position you in a whirlwind of things to do, which is stressful. But, I can vouch that taking time to rank what’s most to least important or jotting your responsibilities out in a planner can help significantly in alleviating stress. Though life is subject to change, writing it down keeps it on your radar and you can move things around if need be.
Watch a film or read a book: After a certain hour, it gets to a point that you must restore your mind and body by allowing them to breathe. This can be achieved by watching a film that was on your watch-list for months or reading that book that’s collecting dust on your shelf (anything but hours of doom-scrolling). This can potentially take your mind off the stress of the exam if you immerse yourself in something outside of finals for a moment.
Community is key: If it takes complaining about your workload with your roommates or friends to feel like you have someone to relate to, do what is needed. Knowing and understanding that you’re equally cooked with others can make you feel less negatively about the circumstances that come with being a student.
All in all, it’s nearly over. We’ve made it this far, and it’s not too long before summer graces us with its presence. Good luck with your finals!
By Journey Powell, Junior, Spelman College
Instagram: journeyaliah
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