December is an especially demanding time for students. They’ve worked hard all semester and the final weeks often bring long nights, big deadlines, and high expectations. Once the semester wraps up, many students need time to rest and recover, both physically and mentally. You may notice your student:
- Feeling extra tired or stressed during finals week.
- Wanting downtime or quiet time to recharge once classes end.
- Reflecting on what went well (and what didn’t) this semester.
How you can support your student:
- Encourage rest. Remind your student that it’s okay to slow down and practice self-care.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection. Acknowledge their hard work and persistence this semester.
- Offer reassurance. Finals can feel overwhelming – let them know you’re proud of their progress.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Bishop Elevate
Contact: Thea Smekens at tjsmekens@owu.edu