ERICA BACHELOR
Staff Writer
As the clock hits 7 a.m. junior Julia Kwamya, gets up to prepare for her day. She attends classes from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. Then it is time to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to work. After work its time for homework and dinner. Then it is early to bed, in order to start the day early tomorrow morning. A student’s life is like a never-ending cycle. “Between school and social activities, I struggle with finding ways to manage time,” says Kwamya.
College is the most stressful and exciting time of every young adult’s life, but with hectic schedules, students are in search of a happy medium between their academic life and social lives.
The task is difficult, especially for first-year students. During college it is important for students to learn to organize their hectic schedules in order for them to avoid stress, and anxiety. Students also need to focus on good eating habits, notes Heidi Gunderson, a counselor in Pepperdine’s counseling center.
Stress is experienced by everyone, and will continue throughout one’s life, she explained. It is how we deal with stress that will allow us to be in Eustress, or good stress.
Stress is the body’s response to demands made upon it. The major stressors for students include: career choices, adjusting to roommates, leaving home, being on one’s own, academic performance, making friends of both sexes, finances, and expectations from self and others.
When in Distress, or bad stress, it means that the body is not able to run effectively. Distress can lead to sickness and disease, and can ultimately take over one’s life.
Signs that one is suffering from distress include: use of alcohol or drugs, changes is sleep and appetite, peer pressure, headaches, stomach problems, being too socially active or isolated. If one fears they are suffering from Distress it is important for them to take time and clarify their needs.
One should speak to someone whom they feel comfortable with, to assist him or her with assessing their lifestyle.
Contacting the counseling center is easy and stress free, according to Gunderson. The Student Counseling Center extension is 4210.
All information disclosed in sessions is confidential and may not be revealed to any individual without the student’s written permission, except where required by law, Gundersopn added.
Attending college and having to cook for oneself, or eating in the cafeteria can be difficult. With hectic schedules students tend to make high fat choices such as pizza, fried foods, sweets, and hamburgers. It is important to develop good eating habits now in order to avoid “the freshman 15” (the process of gaining a minimum of fifteen pounds during the first year in college), or developing an eating disorder.
Food is the fuel that our bodies run on, it is important that we eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Make an effort to get involved in a physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Walking to and from class is a good way to incorporate physical activity into ones daily schedule.
If you’re a new student to Pepperdine, it’s normal to feel a bit lonely. Along with pledging a Greek group, some students find outlets through campus recreation. It is a great way to meet people and get involved in the University.
College is the most rewarding time of a student’s life and should be enjoyed fully. The choices made concerning health and well being now will shape ones future. It is important to be honest, in-order to live a productive life.
Productive living is conquered through the application of living skills. Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.
12-15-2005