Spring break approaches, and students should look forward to the chance for a few days away from campus. Unfortunately, that break is usually paid for with a dreadful set of midterm exams and projects.
The stress of midterm exams and projects can be a daunting task requiring long nights of constant typing, reading and the occasional long, sad stares into the distance.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Sure, studying for midterms happens to be inevitable and necessary for most students, but doing so in a manic, obsessive manner is not the best strategy. Such intellectual pursuits require a little break here and there.
Thanks to the Campus Activities Board (CAB), those breaks don’t need to be limited to trips to Café La Verna to refuel on caffeine or eating one’s feelings.
Tonight, CAB will offer two high-profile activities for students in the Richter Center. Starting at 6 p.m. in the Richter Center, students will have the chance to make their own Bona’s-themed stuffed animal at a Build-A-Bear Workshop event.
“We ordered 200 bears for the Build-A-Bear (event),” Alex Lewis, who does public relations for CAB, said. “We’ve done it in the past, and they go very fast.”
Even if it’s only a brief respite from studying, students could leave with a small furry fellow to provide comfort during studies.
For those who aren’t overly fond of stuffed animals, CAB will also offer laser tag in the Richter from 6 to 10 p.m. It should offer a chance to alleviate a little stress before returning to studying.
“We wanted an event that could draw both males and females on campus,” Lewis said. “We figured the Build-A-Bear was a good idea because it’s the day after Valentine’s Day. Laser tag we’ve done in the past, and the guys loved it.”
Both of these CAB events offer unique opportunities for students. They’re not the typical darts tournament or dance in the Rathskeller. Students should take advantage of a chance to do something a bit different. After all, there’s not many chances for laser tag or Build-A-Bear in the St. Bonaventure area.
“Take a break from study, come out and have some fun,” Lewis said.
Of course, study breaks don’t have to include laser wars or Build-A-Bear. Go for a walk on the Allegheny River trail. Work out at the Richter Center for a bit. Take a short nap to replenish and refocus. Enjoy a reward for the work that’s been done.
If students take a chance to take a breath and relax, the endless worries and all nighters needn’t be an issue.
Midterm exams and projects are an important measure of performance in the semester so far, but it’s not worth it to be a raging, stressed-out shell of a person by the time they’re over.
Students should keep up the studies, but they shouldn’t be afraid to have a little fun along the way.
Take a step out of the dorm or the library and reward the hard work with something enjoyable. Return refreshed and ready to conquer midterms.
This editorial represents the opinion of The Bona Venture staff.
