Three days ago a research project started in the Universities around the world. Random visits showed that nine out of ten students go crazy during essay and exam weeks. Some students we interviewed were only able to babble or give blank stares when we asked them how they were feeling during this time. One particular student showed us her stash of "emergency" chocolates while another student introduced us to video games. The important trips to the library were silent observations on students hard at work. A few anonymous conversations were heard about teachers, "Waiting until the last minute to schedule their end of semester essays." A few students were able to speak and told us that three or four essays were all due on the same day. This is a mind boggling experiment and led us to realize students under pressure act like caged animals in a zoo. Going through the hallways of the dorms, we heard loud shouts and party music, while in the class building we heard students complain about how they have no life. Another stressful topic is the bibliography, done in several different ways. The different formats of essays caused confusion in every classroom we observed. As the research trip drew to a close, we asked the students what they would do when their essays were done. Some said they would "party like there was no tomorrow" while others said they would "take a mini vacation". It is official, essays cause stress for students. If you are writing an essay and become stressed out, here are some side effects to look out for:
Constant Babbling (with actual or made up words)
Ripping or tearing of paper (This is seen in more aggressive students)
A constant diet of chocolates or sweets (As long as you go to the gym this isn't an issue)
Movie marathons (With or without commentary)
Long discussions of essay topics (usually performed with frantic behavior)
Walking like a zombie (If this is the case make sure you walk by a teacher)
Anxiety of due dates (This is the most common side effect)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (from writing or typing)
Headaches (From too much focus on computer screens)
From the Student Sanity Society: Good Luck and stay sane!
LOL, very nice Sarah. (I can't wait for your post on job-induced stress, where you pine for the good ol' days of writing essays at college...) :-)
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised at this study. I had temporary insanity at many a final!
ReplyDeleteLove it. It reminds me when 30 years ago, I did my senior research paper and stayed up all night and attended school the next day feeling like a zombie. Last minute paper writing is for the birds.
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