Do not Compare: Tips to Help Cope with Stress

By Kristina Ogburn
Rotunda ReporterMay 9 is the date that the majority of seniors on Longwood's campus has highlighted in their planners, posted in Facebook and AIM statuses. As the day draws near, the anticipation grows. Seniors are forced to evaluate their time spent as an undergraduate and plan for a future in the "real world". Wheeler Lawn will seat anxious, soon-to-be graduates reflecting on the last four years of their lives. Sasha Gregory, interim wellness coordinator, assisted in providing helpful suggestions for seniors as their experiences at Longwood University come to an end.

Seniors are encouraged to set realistic performance expectations. Try to become realistic while planning for the future. As a new graduate, it is highly unlikely you will become a successful professional with a high paying salary in the next few years. Although the concept of living back home with parents or roommates may be difficult to grasp, this may be an outcome for some graduates. Experimenting with different kinds of jobs to gain a source of income and independence is a normal and can be helpful transition. Resisting comparisons of others will help ease the pressure of anxiety. As your friends and others around you are offered jobs and other opportunities such as admittance into graduate school, try not to compare your qualifications and skills with them. We are all different individuals with variations of experiences to offer. Explore the possibilities of finding your true identity and what works best for you.

Seniors are faced with other stressful situations besides the concept of school. Things such as paying off student loans, bills, and other financial obligations causes serve stress. Senior Tiffani Vasquez explained her concern of paying off back loans and thinking about what her next living situation will be after graduation. "I try not to think about it too much, it's not going to help the situation," said Vasquez. Anxiety is often placed on making good grades for the final semester or about maintaining a certain GPA in order to graduate. The best method of avoiding stress for these particular situations is to keep things in perspective. Use your time wisely and try to plan accordingly for your future. It is very important to realize we are not the only 2009 graduates at a university. Other scholars are competing for similar career options and opportunities. Vazquez strongly encourages seniors to post their resumes on career sites and use networking skills to find employment. She believes that every senior should understand not being able to find a job is not a personal problem. "It's mainly due to the economy and the job market is not that great right now".

Embracing positive self-statements can be beneficial when feelings of negative thoughts enter the mind. Although it may seem impossible to get a job at the moment, listen to encouraging words from family and friends. They understand the process is difficult and are willing to help boost your confidence. Often times the comments, "Give it some time," "You'll find what you're looking for" and "Don't give up" are heard during this stressful time. These positive statements can be helpful in your transition from a student to entering corporate America. Senior Chelsea Holmes revealed her methods of handling stress during her last days as student at Longwood. "I try to get plenty of sleep and do an activity like working out or listening to music to get my mind off of stressful things"

Eating the right kind of food may be a task for college students, as we are constantly faced with late night studying. However, it is recommend by The Student Health and Wellness Center that foods such as fruits and vegetables are great to consume. Milk, bananas, and fish are also suggested. They contain naturally occurring morphine substances which help to calm down nervous system. Alcohol may help some feel relaxed and calm when stressed, however it can lead to serious consequences. Gregory referred to alcohol as a social drug because it has an amnesiac effect. This often creates forgetfulness and people may use it to ignore actually conflicts. As a senior, it is not a great idea to become forgetful during this time of year. Also monitor the consumption of enhancing drugs such as caffeinated drinks in order to become more alert, energetic, and focused during the last days as an undergrad.

Saying goodbye to friends who are considered as family, close bonds with faculty and staff, and the campus of Longwood will not be easy. However, a new chapter in our lives will begin with endless possibilities. Continue to use the resources learned to find a job or further your education. Holmes exclaimed, "Graduating is a very stressful process, but I recommend that seniors just take one day at a time". If time is used wisely, the last days of your senior year will be enjoyable regardless of the feelings of anxiety.

Note: If you would like additional help with stress management please contact Sasha Gregory, Interim Wellness Coordinator, at 395-2509 or by email at gregoryss@longwood.edu