by: John Preer

This Thursday from 3-5 p.m. the Counseling Center and the Psychology Club are hosting a “Stress-buster” in the West Hall rotunda.

The “Stress-buster” is designed to assist students with the many different stressful situations that seem to come in abundance around this time of the semester.

Without the usual fall break that students have grown accustomed to, stress overload is a very real issue for many students. Couple the lack of fall break with the oppressive shadow of finals looming over students’ heads and the necessity for this event becomes all too apparent.

Counselors will be available for any questions students might have. They are also offering literature and advice that can help students better prepare themselves for the final weeks of the fall semester.

The event was designed to help students by “giving 10 basic management techniques and helpful tips that build resilience to get students through the immediate and delayed effects of stress,” Counselor Katherine Freeman said.

Information on how to deal with stress, coping skills and overall campus wellness will be provided for any interested students.

“Our main goal is to give solutions to help manage stress so that students feel more equipped to take on the challenges that come with stressful situations,” Freeman said.

Information about stress is not the only thing that this event will offer. Visitors will be able to bust some stress by participating in the arts. A booth with paper and crafts will be available for students to color Blaze, the VSU mascot. Participants will then be able to submit their work to the Spectator, and the top five pictures will be displayed in the Student Union from Nov. 14-20.

Submissions with the most votes will receive gift certificates from local restaurants and other stress-busting prizes. Voting will be done using change and the proceeds will go to charity.

A grand-prize winner will be chosen after the submissions have been displayed and awarded a prize package from area restaurants, bars, etc. Students must have a valid I.D. to participate.