Kealy Shields
Reporter
With Mississippi University for Women’s classes back in full swing, students and staff have started to feel the stress that comes with every semester.
Students, faculty and staff have been through a lot since Spring 2020. There were hopes that this semester would be back to normal — and there are a lot more face-to-face classes and social activities this Fall — but safety precautions are continuing because of the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The continuing pandemic, coupled with classwork, papers, deadlines and upcoming midterms, is causing anxiety and stress to increase among those on campus. Many people have taken up activities that help them to de-stress in these times.
“I feel like we’re coming out of a lot of stress because we’re back together, and we’re at least dealing with the COVID stress together instead of from home,” said Amanda Clay Powers, Dean of Library Services. “I think that has reduced a lot of stress from people on campus.”
When it comes to de-stressing, Powers explains how the library on campus has a wellness committee. This group tries to plan little events or get-togethers for the library staff. She said taking simple steps like this allows them the chance to feel a sense of community.
It’s not just the pandemic that is causing some students to feel the pressure of the new school year. For those new to campus, there are a lot of decisions to make and priorities to set.
“While The W is not a very large campus, it is a little larger than where I was at school last semester,” said Macy Crawford, a junior transfer student at The W. “I think the most difficult part is figuring out if a degree in Education is something that I truly want to do. Also trying to find a balance of doing my schoolwork and working as a full-time employee adds a lot of stress on my plate.”
Even though Crawford said she may be overwhelmed at times, she is choosing to de-stress and make sure to take time for herself. For her, that can be going on a walk around campus or meeting someone for lunch in the cafeteria. She also feels like getting her assignments completed early helps her feel like she is not overloaded with work.
With hopes that COVID-19 is on the verge of ending, some students still have fears about another lockdown or outbreak happening on campus. Others are trying to remain optimistic.
“I’m not really that fearful of it,” said Samuel Garry, a student at The W. “I know a lot of campus is fully vaccinated, but I know that there is that slim chance. I think it’s in the back of everyone’s mind that there could be another outbreak, but I know the school probably has better precautions set up now.”
Whether it is getting the hang of new classes, remembering to wear a mask or balancing a social life, it is very evident that everyone has felt at least some type of stress already this semester. For those who want to talk with someone about wellness choices, the university’s Counseling Center offers confidential services in person or through distance counseling. It is staffed by mental health professionals and the services are free to students.
Although stress is a feeling that is bound to happen to everyone at some point or another, the university’s staff and students are working together to help make this a successful and enjoyable semester.