Stress, assignments, and finals, oh my!

As the fall semester comes to an end, stress levels on campus are very high. 

With finals week approaching, Carroll College students face many challenges and stressors daily. Stacked assignments feel overwhelming and finding balance is difficult this time of year. 

When asked about student stress levels on campus, Annette Walstad, Dean of Students since 2021, touched on a few major points.

“We are definitely in the part of the semester when most everyone on campus is feeling the stress of ‘too much to do and so little time!’ ” said Walstad. “The demands of doing well in classes, attending events and activities, living with roommates, and even the weather contribute to the stress we feel four weeks until the end of the semester.”

Walstad hopes that students will take advantage of the support that Carroll has to offer. Such as academic coaching and advising in the Saints Success Center, seeking a counselor at the Wellness Center, working with a tutor at the Corrette Library, and attending MindTap at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. 

Finding coping strategies to control stress is crucial for students. Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Meditation, journaling, exercising, cheering on our fellow Fighting Saints at sporting events, and spending time with people you enjoy are some ways you can help reduce stress.

Emily Funseth, a junior sociology major from Great Falls, Montana, said she has a few of her own ways she releases stress through self-care.

“In order to manage my school stress, I really enjoy doing self-care – like going for walks or to the gym,” said Funseth “My amazing friends at Carroll and all our fun moments also help ease stress when it is most needed!”

Linsey Walker, a senior nursing major from Libby, Montana, uses coping mechanisms when she encounters stress during the semester.

“My stress level is at a 10 at this point in the semester,” said Walker. “This has to do with finishing assignments, starting to prepare for finals and final simulation testing for nursing. To help manage my stress, I listen to music, hang out with friends, and try not to procrastinate doing homework.”

When asked about stress levels, Maya Linn, a senior civil engineering major from Stillwater, Minnesota, said this time of year is overwhelming, but there are some things that can help ease that stress.

“Things always seem to be very stressful around the end of the semester, especially as the holidays are approaching,” said Linn. “Typically I have at least four final projects and papers to complete before the end of the year. That on top of final exams is very overwhelming. I try to stay positive and incorporate something into everyday life that makes me happy and present, such as walking my dog.”

We are very fortunate to have resources at Carroll that can help with dealing with stress during the busy school year. The Wellness Center offers counselors and Carroll Student Activities plans various events to take your mind off of school. Take care of yourself this semester and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones!