“Stress Busters” Work to Set Freshman Minds at Ease Leading Into Finals

As Hawklet students are looking forward to the conclusion of the first semester, they realize that they still have one last hurdle to clear: final exams. Since many freshmen at Rockhurst are taking finals for the first time in their lives, it can be especially tough for them. Luckily for the freshmen, however, over 50 student tutors were available to help them prepare for finals through brief study sessions called “Stress Busters.”

Carol Dougherty, a counselor at Rockhurst, helped set up this opportunity for the freshmen to receive some last-minute advice from more experienced Hawklets. Dougherty says the stress busters aim to lend a hand to freshmen who are looking for help.

“The main goal is to help freshmen who have no idea what finals are like and just need some reassurance,” Dougherty said.

Freshman Trip Kratofil is one of the students who took advantage of the stress busters. Kratofil was grateful for the experience.

“It was a good place to get information about finals from the older kids,” Kratofil said. “I feel like I have a better understanding of what finals are like now.”

The tutors are made up primarily of juniors who are members of  National Honor Society. They each had to undergo training prior to leading their review session. Dougherty says the student tutors are more likely to create a comfortable environment for the freshmen.

“We try to make this as student-oriented as possible,” Dougherty said. “I think the freshmen trust the other students who have had the test before.”

Dougherty also recognizes that leading these sessions can be a great opportunity for students to develop valuable skills, such as leadership and public speaking. She also thinks it is a chance for these students to “give back” to the freshmen.

Junior Eli Rourke is one of the tutors who enjoyed helping students work on Latin before their final. 

“I’m definitely glad that I got the chance to lead the freshmen this year,” Rourke said. “I know how it feels to be unsure about finals as a freshman, so I’m just happy that I could help.”

The freshmen all have finals in English, math, science, theology, and a foreign language. Half of the freshmen have a history final this semester, while the other half will take theirs in the spring.