With finals officially upon UTD, stress has built up throughout campus. The Student Counseling Center held Paws for Finals, which brought therapy dogs and small activities to campus.
According to Emily Akins, director of community engagement at the Student Counseling Center, breaks like these are important.
“If you’re just studying, studying, studying, that’s not sustainable,” Akins said.
Ashifa Sharman, a senior, described the weeks leading up to exams as “a very stressful time,” but also said the event helped her decompress.
“I do feel more relaxed … this entire environment is very relaxing,” Sharman said.
Freshman psychology major Evangeline Baje-Rivera said that cuddling with dogs and painting helped her unwind.
Akins said stress relief does not always have to be a big event. Even small breaks, she said, can help students come back to their work more focused.
Through events like this and similar programs offered throughout the year, students are recommended to “paws” and take a break during finals season.
