As stress and busy schedules take over as finals approach, students can take an "insanity break," sponsored by the Center for Spirituality Dec. 10.
The Center is sponsoring the event in Reinbeaux Lounge in Le Mans Hall from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It will offer hot beverages including hot cocoa, cider and snacks. Coloring pages and word puzzles are also available.
"It was so successful last year, there was no question that we wouldn't do it again," Associate Director for the Center Michelle Egan said.
The event is held twice a year, during the two weeks prior to finals in order to not interfere with the finals themselves.
This will be the second "insanity break" offered this semester.
Last week's was held on the first floor of Spes Unica in the morning, catching students and faculty on their way to class.
Stumbling across the table lined with hot cocoa and coffee on her way to work in Spes Unica made junior Ashley Marks' day last week.
"It was a wonderful surprise to see snacks, drinks and coloring supplies to ease the tension of the end of semester assignments," Marks said. "The hot chocolate and donut hole were a scrumptious way to start my morning."
The positive feedback from students fuels this event.
"The response to the event is great," Egan said. "Students are so appreciative and grateful to hear the Christmas carols playing and to grab something to drink and maybe a donut before class. A lot of people remember the event from last year."
The location and time was changed for the second "insanity break" to give the opportunity to students who may not have been able to attend the first one.
"We're trying to offer the break to a different group of students and staff this week," Egan said. "Le Mans was chosen as a central location on campus through which students travel between classes and it's one of the largest dorms on campus."
Sophomore Paige Edmonds is looking forward to the second opportunity at a break from insanity after enjoying last week's.
"During this hectic time of year, it's nice to see how Saint Mary's cares about its students," Edmonds said. "It was a good on-the-go thing and I am looking forward to getting apple cider this time."
Egan said she is glad to see that this event is well received.
"Everybody is feeling the stress of this time of year," Egan said. "I think having that unexpected time away — from real life, tests, classes, grades coming in, papers due — is a breath of kindness that everyone can appreciate."
