Tension breakers

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Its crunch time, and all over campus, students are feeling the pressure of final exams. Well, not all of them a few of the people we asked during finals week last fall seemed unusually stress-free. As for everyone else, the coping strategies run the gamut from healthy (working out) to heavy (eating lots of cookie dough). But as another of our students noted, who said you have to stay sane during finals?

Melanie Signorile, College 02
I eat a lot of cookie dough. I havent been doing a very good job at staying sane.

Matt Robusto, Engineering 00
Coloring my shoes with colored pencils.

Lawrence Samuels, Engineering and Applied Science 03
Working out relieves the stress. Other than that, Ive been going insane.

Jennifer Lesko, College 01
Studying downtown gets me off campus. Drinking lots of coffee.

Pierre Revol, College 03
Watching TV, talking to my girlfriend. Im not really worrying.

Monica Shah, College 00
I havent really quite stayed sane. Eating a lot of chocolate, I guess. I know thats not good, but its temporary, so it doesnt matter.

Ethan Kay, Wharton 03
I dont think I can answer that because Im already going insane.

Anna Martin, Social Work Masters
I put on my music and dance and sing.

Julia Rodriguez, College 00
I call my friends at Penn and at other schools and make sure Im not the only one who feels stressed out.

Janine Powers, College 00
I think a little insanitys a good thing. Theres more to life than acing an exam.

Michelle Alig, College 01
I will make myself study hardcore for an hour, then give myself a small break, like dinner or checking my e-mail. This is part of my reward system. After finishing my reading I get to watch a movie or play some games on the computer. I also let my tensions go and act a little strange and hyperactive for a while.

Linda Oh, College 02
Theres nothing like some shopping to ease the pain of finals!

Jessica Almor, College 01
I guess I try my hardest to keep up with my work during the semester so when it comes time for finals, Im calm.

Arthur daSilva, Wharton 01
Taking a few TV study breaks, treating myself to restaurant food, spending quality time with my girlfriend, pizza study breaks, small naps, McDonalds breaks...

Michelle Lee, College 02
Hanging out with friends to give me support and encouragement.

Katie Alex, Laura Spadanuta and Grace Enriquez