Weathering the storm: FINALS RELIEF

Just hearing the word “finals” can make college students cringe. It is a time of staying up all night to finish putting that English portfolio together. It is a time of cramming for that chemistry test 15 minutes before it starts, and a time when many students stress themselves out to the point of exhaustion. Various organizations at Boise State are trying to prevent that from happening this year by offering Finals Relief programs.

Students can “Weather the Storm” by participating in a variety of activities from May 8 – May 12. The program is designed to lessen the pressure many students feel during this time of the semester. The relief begins Sunday, May 8, at 10:30 p.m., with the Night Owl breakfast, a tradition that happens every semester, and includes pancakes, waffles, eggs, and bacon, among other things. The breakfast is free to residence hall students and $4 for all other students.

One of the more popular features of the program is a free massage students can get at various locations around campus. Full-time student Allie Markus received one last year, and is planning on getting one this year.

“Heck yes, the massage was fabulous!” Markus said. “It was the best half hour of my day!”

Students can also enjoy a free lunch with their massage. The event takes place all week in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Massages will also be available all week from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Student Union Johnson Room.

Game specials in the Student Union will also be available all week. Monday and Wednesday, Monte Carlo Bowling will be $1.50 all day, and anyone with their Boise State ID gets a free shoe rental. Tuesday, one hour of pool will cost only $3 to people with valid student ID.

To help those with a serious need of studying, the first floor of the Albertsons Library will be open 24 hours for the entire week. Coffee and hot cocoa, sponsored by Student Activities, will be given away free of charge starting at 10:00 p.m. Finals preparations guides will also be available at the Student Union Student Stop to give students helpful tips on how to best prepare for exams.

Other programs offered include free babysitting services at the REC Center from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., as well as free parking to the first 60 people who mention “finals relief” in the Student Union Visitor Parking Lot. Stress Free Zones will also be set up throughout campus. In addition to free giveaways, students will also be able to take part in finger painting, popping stress balloons, and writing on the Wall O’ Stress.

More information, including a full schedule and list of locations, can be found at the Boise State events Web site, http://events.boisestate.edu.

Emily Poitevin
Special to The Arbiter

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