Hey there! Well, we’re into day two of finals, and the library is definitely packed! I’m sure I can speak for most people on campus that prioritizing everything is the biggest struggle right now. Which classes do I need to study the most for? Which ones can I skip out on studying for because others need more attention? When should I pack and check out of my apartment/dorm? These are the difficult questions running through mostly everybody’s minds right now. Even though this week is the most stressful week every semester, Hope has done a good job providing some stress-relief.
![Assistance Dogs photo copy](https://blogs.hope.edu/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/12/photo-copy-e1386703469172-225x300.jpg)
For instance, yesterday they provided some assistance dogs to play with to provide a distraction for students for a while. In addition, last night Phelps had a breakfast-for-dinner shindig to provide a break from studying. This is always so much fun because everybody around campus just sits around and enjoys human interaction while eating some French toast sticks, donuts, eggs and other breakfast foods. This is the second time that I’ve gone and seen the entire cafeteria sing “12 Days of Christmas.” This definitely puts a smile on everyone’s face because everybody sounds absolutely terrible, but it’s fun to belt out a popular holiday tune.
It’s so special to have these little events going on because everybody would go nuts if there wasn’t some sort of way to get rid of some tension. However, some people have more stress and anxiety built than others. I have friends that are starting to leave tomorrow, while my stress will be maintained for another three days because my last final is Friday morning. It’s always a gamble when you get to go home and it is especially difficult for people that have to fly or travel a good distance to get home because organizing flights around exam schedules can be tricky. Regardless, while I’m sitting in the library, I can predict that everyone sitting around me is thinking, “As long as I can get through these next few days, I’m good!” That’s the exact mentality I have. Everyone just needs to push through and focus on these darn finals and do their best and the awesome reward of going home for a few weeks will finally be here. However, it is easy to get distracted and daydream of break (I’m guilty of this), so staying focused is a pretty big obstacle. Well, on that note, I better go study for my other three finals. I hope everyone has a great and safe break and I will talk to you all later!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @hopeleslie15.