By McKENZIE CUNNINGHAM
Finals week is stressful for many in college, whether it is a person’s first semester having to take finals or the last. Students who struggle with anxiety, depression or stress often don’t know what resources on campus are available to help.
Fort Hays State University’s Kelly Center has resources to help those in need during this time of the year.
“It is really interesting to see how students get stressed during different times of the year,” said Jessica Albin, case manager at FHSU’s Kelly Center. “October tends to be our busier month because students often come in after midterms and see that their grades aren’t what they hoped to be.”
For finals, the Kelly Center tries to focus on test-taking skills for students. The staff works with students who have test anxiety during the semester while working with techniques to help them remain calm during tests.
The academic counseling and support program through the Kelly Center offers free tutoring to those who are struggling in specific classes.
“A really big topic we cover through the course of the semester is how students can really care for themselves,” Albin said. “Through this first step of independence and adulthood outside of their parents’ home, we help them decide how much time they need to spend studying and sleeping if they can work 40 hours a week and still be successful. We help them figure out how to manage their time and care for themselves during this stressful time in their lives.”
The Kelly Center emphasizes students don’t necessarily have to make an appointment. Many students utilize the free service just once to help them figure out strategies to care for themselves. Appointments are recommended, but students also can go for a walk-in appointment.
Other programs the Kelly Center offers are drug and alcohol counseling, accessibility services that accommodate students who struggle taking tests by allowing students to perhaps take the test in the center, have their test read to them or maybe even a larger time allowance.
Students cope with finals week in many different ways.
Senior Leslee Lawrence, majoring in organizational communication, is in her final semester of college. She said she is more stressed than ever.
“Finals week is a very stressful time, especially being a senior. When times get too stressful, I really try to focus on my main goals for each class that I set,” Lawrence said. “It also helps by taking breaks and setting a timer for 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, set a 10-minute timer and take a break.”
Lawrence also emphasized the use of her planner and the ability to be able to check something off a to-do list relieves a lot of worry.
The Kelly Center encourages students to utilize every service at least once throughout their time at FHSU — not just during finals week but throughout the year.
“If you do come check it out and decide that you don’t like it, at least you came in and gave it a try,” Albin said. “Most students do generally feel better to have that positive voice and support away from their parents.”
A new service the center is offering is a toiletry closet with Tiger Food Bank. The closet includes shampoo, deodorant, body wash, lotion, etc., so students can relieve some stress during this time of year. It also helps those students who might be tight on money and are working less hours to make sure they succeed during finals.
The Kelly Center can be contacted at (785) 628-4401, or stop by Picken Hall Room 111 for more information.