Students struggle through ‘spring slump’

By Jazmine Knight

In the thick of the second semester, spring break is serving as more than just a week off from classes. It can be a mental health reset for struggling students.

The “second-semester slump” refers to the drag and lack of motivation many experience at this time in the academic year. Struggles can be attributed to stress, inconsistent weather, educational burnout and even minimal campus activities.

Regardless of the reason, it’s a hard trap to get out of, students say.

“Just thinking about what’s happening next, what’s going to happen next,” Kienen Gaskin, a junior at Missouri Western State University, said. “So I think that’s something that adds stress to a lot.”

For some, managing time is an issue.

“Trying to figure out what do I study, when do I study, how long do I study? So I feel like that is one of the big stressors,” said Katie Miron, director of counseling at Missouri Western.

Another concern is finances. While teenage years can provide some experience, for most, college is the first time being on their own, which makes navigating expenses more challenging.

“I mean, yeah, I’m like a broke college student,” Missouri Western junior Jaidyn Schomp said. “I’m embracing it at this point.”

Graduate student Armani Edden said spring being the time when financial aid packages are put together brings more stress.

“I was hoping to get FAFSA, but I guess being in a master’s program they’re not able to give you money unless you’re an undergrad,” he said.

Extracurriculars can add a whole other layer of stress. Gaskin and Edden also play football, while Schomp is on the women’s basketball team.

“It’s mostly just time management,” Schomp said. “Like trying to figure out how to get my stuff done before classes, especially for missing, for traveling and stuff.”

When students feel overwhelmed by school stress, one resource is the counseling center.

“We are a free and confidential resource,” Miron said. “I always tell students it’s the same kind of counseling that you are able to get in the community and you’re not having to pay the big dollars for it.”

Teachers also can be a place to turn to for support.

“A lot of professors are really great about being proactive and just checking in with people … if they haven’t seen somebody for a while,” Miron said.

Schomp has found that to be the case.

“My professors are really lenient, like if you let them know if you didn’t have an assignment done or something,” she said. “They’re really good about giving you grace. As long as you’ve been like you’ve shown that you’re a responsible student.”

Miron suggests students work on skills like time management to save themselves worries.

“The academic advising folks, they have videos on their website about time management,” she said. “And so we’re trying to reach folks where they’re at a lot of times.”

Finding a fun outlet, getting plenty of rest and just taking some time alone for yourself are other ways to push through the slump, students say.

“Just know there is always a solution with the stress,” Gaskin said. “It’s stress and it’s temporary and out of your control.”

Missouri Western freshman Wyatt Clary said getting out of a slump ultimately comes down to keeping things in perspective and keeping the objective in focus.

“I just say just take it day by day. Some days are going to be good. But again, this is stuff we can’t control,” he said. “So at the end of the day, I just remember what your goal is and make sure nothing never interferes with that.”