The Spire

Lizzie Swanson ’28

Chief News Editor

As the semester is coming to a close, many students are facing difficult academic challenges. Studying for finals, writing essays, and working on projects are all common ways students are spending their time these days as spring classes wrap up. The beautiful weather additionally makes it harder for students to ignore the outside, when many students just want to sit on the Hoval and take in the sun. Academic stress can be managed through a variety of different ways including self care, socialization, and finding time to explore hobbies and interests which don’t necessarily align with your course of study. In addition, the College of the Holy Cross offers many ways students can get involved in the community during the last few weeks of school. Having fun and meaningful events to look forward to can decrease stress and help students manage their workload. The Spire has crafted a list of all the fun and exciting things students can look forward to so that burnout does not creep up on them. 

1. The Spring Concert! Hosted every year on Freshman Field by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) , past artists have included Jordin Sparks, Natasha Bedingfield, and the Plain White T’s. 
2. Annual Student Leadership Awards! If you were nominated or nominated someone else, you are invited to join the Office of Student Involvement is hosting its annual ceremony in the Hogan Ballroom on April 27. 
3. Working For Worcester’s Annual Build Day is Saturday, April 18. Everyone is welcome to sign up for one of the many sites available and contribute to the community we call home. Build Day is a citywide service day where all can come together to build and refurbish different schools, shelters, and non-profit organizations.
4. Purple Goes Green Week is another way for students to think more consciously about their sustainability efforts. Beginning on Monday, April 13 and ending on Saturday, April 18, students can learn more about how their actions impact the environment around them through a variety of activities. On Friday, April 17 from 12:00-3:00 p.m., the Hoval is hosting Eco-Action, a sustainable vendor market for students to peruse through. This is just one of the many exciting ways students can interact more with the campus community during Purple Goes Green Week.
5. Curiouser & Curiouser! The Department of Theatre and Dance is presenting its hard work in Boroughs Theatre in the PAC. Several dates to come see the show are offered including: April 16-18, 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and 19 and 26 at 2:00 p.m.
6. Relaxing on the Hoval! While this is not one specific event, with the nice weather, students are able to eat lunch, chat, play games, etc with their friends in one of the many green spaces on campus. Some suggestions include the Stein Quad, the Dinand Patio, the Nature trails, and whatever hill (God knows we have enough of them) calls to you!
7. Academic Conference Day is an important day for many seniors who are showcasing their months-long hard work. Wednesday, April 22, classes will be cancelled and students are encouraged to support their friends and peers by learning more about the research and work. 
8. The Holy Cross Orchestra and College Choir will be hosting a concert on April 22 at 8:00 p.m. in the PAC. If you are interested in hearing great music and supporting your friends, you are encouraged to attend!
9. Maymesters! Several students are planning to travel to one of the many different offerings after the current semester ends. If you are enrolled in one of these programs, remind yourself it’s not too far away! The same goes for if you are studying abroad. Focusing on the bright future is one way to ease the finals blues.
10. Finally, students can expect to look forward to spending time with their friends before they leave for break (and for seniors, whatever lies ahead). Soaking in these last few weeks with the people you love is crucial for wellbeing and mental health.

The Spire wishes you a bright and stress free last few weeks of the semester! Hang in there!

Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross