Drake Students Cope with Stress
As Tests, Reports Become Due

By Lindsay Carlson
CyberNews Staff Reporter

February 26, 2002

Drake students said Tuesday they're battling more stress than usual right now. Some said tests and report due dates seem to be hitting all at one time which can be overwhelming. Nerve-racked students said some of their main causes of stress were classes, homework and jobs. Students also offered stress remedies like sleep, talking with friends and making lists of things to do.

Brigid Behrendt (E1) said school and homework are her most stressful issues. "I don't think some professors understand what all we really have to do," Behrendt said. She said some professors believe their class is most important and are extensive in their requirements, which can become overwhelming.

Behrendt also said work adds to her stress level. Behrendt is a research assistant on education at Drake. Behrendt said her most hectic times are at the end of the week because she has to balance work and story deadlines for her short stories class on Fridays. Behrendt tutors people and finds it hard to make available time with three night classes a week. Another concern of Behrendt is the stress of money, particularly on the issue of purchasing books for classes.

Behrendt offered her remedy for trying to relieve stress: "When I start to get stressed out I go get sleep." Behrendt said before she goes to sleep, she makes a list of priority things she needs to do and when she wakes up, she starts with the most important thing on her list.

"My most stressful issues right now are school and homework," Samantha Frost (J1) said. Frost said it's stressful at times to balance the time she spends composing for her three writing classes. Frost also said work plays a role in the limited time she has to spend on her homework. Frost said she works 20 hours a week at Younkers.

When Frost is feeling overly stressed, she said her No. 1 response is to get some sleep. Frost also said she talks to friends and exercises when she feels stressed. Frost said sometimes she's unable to relieve her stress through exercise simply because she doesn't always have time.

Maia Irlam (P1) said school is the most stressful factor in her life, particularly her calculus class. Irlam said homework is nerve-racking at times. Irlam also said, "Being social can be stressful at times." Irlam said choosing whom to hang out with can be hectic.

Irlam said her way of dealing with stress is "I talk." Whether visiting and talking to friends at Drake or talking to friends on America Online, Irlam said talking helps her deal with stress. Irlam also said she likes to work out when she needs time away from stressful situations.

Students said thier main concern right now is dealing with the stress of school. Frost and Behrendt agreed they cope with it by getting sleep. Also, talking to friends and exercising provided outlets to stressful times.