Students relieve stress

For College freshman Marianna Allen and her friends in Kings Court, stress relief is just an elevator ride away. The group said their favorite way to break the tension of last-minute finals and papers is to get in an elevator, press the down button, and scream at the top of their lungs. While their method may be unusual, they are not alone in their pursuit of tension relief. Many other students were quick to offer their suggestions for clever and relaxing study break options for the exam-weary student. Engineering and Wharton freshman Sara Rathfon decorated herself with Christmas lights. College senior Jeff Bloom practices counting cards in an attempt to increase his odds at blackjack so that he can go to Las Vegas. Temple University graduate student Faith Washington works on her ballet kick during time away from her desk. Mark Nading, an Engineering sophomore, said he goes bowling with potbellied mechanics every Monday night before hitting the books. Wharton sophomore Taisir Anbar, "discusses Marxism while having snowball fights" with College freshman Mike Kreidler during their study breaks. Nading, Kreidler and their French roommate, Engineering senior Yann Tremaudant, also juggle while Anbar plays the guitar. More typical activities students engage in during study breaks include eating, sleeping and checking e-mail. "I call my parents because I don't want to study anymore," said College freshman Polina Yampolska.