New research points to extracurricular activities as the best way to beat stressby Simone Tharkur.As the semester winds down, students across all over CCNY are feeling the pressure as they gear up for final exams and prepare for graduation. While some feel overwhelmed during this time of the year, others are able to power through using the counter-intuitive idea that less = more.Many students have found that all work and no play has never been a recipe for success. So rather than studying 24/7, they get through the end-of-the-year blues by taking a break from their books and channeling their energy towards something more enjoyable.CCNY student, Michelle Sasson, a computer engineer major, says that school became better for her after she joined the WCCR radio station. “Being a part of WCCR has eased the stress of school,” she says. “It gives me an escape from everything that I have to do in the classroom.”Sasson (shown in photo), who‘s been with the station almost four years, has made WCCR her “happy place” at City, and uses it to balance her rigorous academic schedule. Sasson, aka DJ Sassy took her love for being a DJ and was able to form new friendships, and gain experience that she could not get in class. She admits, “WCCR has put me in a better place.”Research supports what Sasson already knows. A number of studies have shown that college students who engage in extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports often do well, if not better, in school than those who don't. They are able to develop new social and academic networks while building support for all of life’s challenges, including stress.
Unfortunately, students like Sasson are the exception at CCNY. A recent survey of City College undergrads conducted by a student group called Intermix Communications, showed that 80 percent of those polled do not participate in any campus activity. Of those, more than half claimed that they would get involved if they had the time.“I thought about joining the Filipino club, an engineering club and track, but they’re all too time consuming,” says Elijah Sestoso, a CCNY student. Although only a sophomore, Sestoso’s schedule is packed with extremely demanding classes and having to work 20 hours a week. For him, adding another activity is just not realistic. Though he likes the idea of being involved in school, Sestoso fears “extracurricular activities will interfere” with his academics.Though a club or sport may not be the answer for everyone’s stress, students deserve to take a break and invest time in their number one priority: themselves. Here are a few ways to get more active at CCNY:1. Join a Club or Sport/ Attend a Sporting EventCity’s Student Life and Athletics is home to over 120 clubs and 17 Varsity sports. If you can’t find a club or sport of interest you can form your own. For more information email studentlife@ccny.cuny.edu or stop by the Athletic office in the Marshak building. For the sports fans who’d rather watch than play, support your peers. Pick up a season’s schedule in the Athletic office or simply visit http://www.ccnyathletics.com/2. Join Campus Media Whether you like writing, photography, music or TV, City’s campus media can use you. CCNY is home to The Campus print and online newspaper, The Paper, WCCR and WHCR radio stations, and SAME-TV. For more information visit http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/current/student/activities/media/index.cfm3. Take advantage of “Rec Hours”This time was made for you to enjoy. Check out the NAC rotunda on Tuesday and Thursdays and see what clubs are selling baked goods, performing, or having a dance -off. You can also choose to lounge around Hoffman or go to the game room.4. Attend a PerformanceWhether going to see a play/musical in the Aaron Davis Theater or listening to CCNY’s Jazz ensemble in Shepard Hall, there’s always a performance to be seen. The MCA department also holds FREE film screenings.5. Use the Fitness Center/Pool CCNY’s fitness center and pool is completely FREE for all students, so stop paying for outside memberships that you never use. The fitness center also offers FREE spin classes and students can rely on knowledgeable trainers for help. The pool is also a great way to relax, especially on hot days.To learn more about how being involved at CCNY can help you be happier and more successful academically, on Wednesday, May 2nd, 12-2pm Intermix Communications is hosting the “Let’s Commingle” event in the Hoffman Lounge. It is sponsored by Healthy CUNY Initiative (HCI), a campaign aims at increasing health and wellness among students.Click here for more information about HCI.This article is one of a series on stress, written by students in the Spring 2012 Ad/PR workshop.
