It Has Started

It has officially started...

It's the end of the semester and we have begun the dreaded exams that test our knowledge of what we have learned.
And as I walk around campus it's apparent that everyone is trying to remember all of the information that they have accumulated in their notebooks this semester.
From people in the residence hall study lounges to the tables at the Highsmith student union, I was not aware that so many people went to my school.

Yet despite all the stress and pressure... there is somehow a good feeling in the air.
The feeling that by finishing an exam, we cannot only say that we accomplished what we were fearful of, but also that we are closer to earning our winter break.

Our faculty is consciously aware of all these feelings, and are making the best possible efforts to make our lives easier.
For instance, yesterday was the school-wide "reading day," meaning no classes and no commitments, other than a day dedicated to studying, and for most - catching up on sleep before exams.
Sleep is such a crucial aspect, but what most people are not aware of is that it is not only the sleep the night before an exam that is important, but also two nights before.

Regardless of sleep, people are continuously hitting the books hard.
Tonight, as an opportunity to recuperate from the first day of exams, and all of the studying for the remaining exams, there is a free breakfast session tonight in the cafeteria at 8:30pm.
At this breakfast, teachers volunteer their time to serve the students food!
It's a time for the students to unwind with a few laughs.

No matter, how hard students are hitting the books, they always find time to relax a little.
Whether it is working out, grabbing a bite to eat with some friends, or watching a movie - remember to relax a little because stress kills, and you want to make it to winter break!

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A Weekend Of The Arts

It was early Friday night as I filed into Lipinsky auditorium, thinking that I would be taking an auditorium seat with other peers and parents, as we gathered for the female and male a cappella group performances. Yet, as I entered through the doors, I was surprised to see that the show would take place in the lobby, and there were more than enough people attending to fill the lobby. Between the microphones, wires, and people the lobby was packed.
My friends and I scrambled for some seats - but then decided it would be better to sit on the floor in the front row, then on chairs in the back.
We had come to support our friends, and we were going to make sure they saw us.

Although we had come to watch the female group, the male group was just as entertaining.
They both sang tunes that audience members could enjoy, no matter their musical preferences, such as melodies from musicals or new chart-topping pop songs.

It never ceases to amaze me how a cappella groups cannot only manipulate their voices for singing, but also to act as the instrumental backgrounds.


The weekend of singing then ended tonight with the "Winter Chorus Concert."
The concert consisted not only of chorus singers, but also the band and orchestra - each with their own performance slot.

The music was not limited to only holiday tunes, but encompassed anything the performers had worked on, that they wanted to share.
For instance, the band played part of the soundtrack from the video-game "Zelda."

Regardless, the performances did not disappoint.

The concerts this weekend were a good way to spend the weekend before exams.

Speaking of upcoming exams, an event that I cannot wait for this week is a free stress relief session taking part of Tuesday from 12pm-2pm in the grotto.
The event includes free 10 minute massages, giveaways, and much more.
It will be a good way to unwind between study sessions.


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