#shepherdrams

Photos from Shepherd's 2014 Commencement ceremony are now available on our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/shepherdu/sets/72157644619552182/

Finals week involves lots of happiness, tears, stress, and excitement. Here are some moments of the week that our #Shepherdrams shared with us.

Josh Hypes (@mramazingpanda): “Holi Festival at Shepherd was so much fun. It poured the rain the whole time but that made it so much better!”

Jamin Branch (@jaminb77): “What a great weekend to end the semester! I loved playing in the rain with powdered paint and having a fake prom at Olive Garden! I love all you guys! #shepherduniversity.”

Ashley McLaughlin (@asjleu): “Love them rainy days #rain #shepherduniversity.”

Becky Washel (@rebzmastah): “Shepherd nails for my last week here #Shepherd #ShepherdUniversity #FinalsWeek #Freshman #AlmostDone #SoSad #BlueAndGold #GoRams.”

Tim Maggio: “Graduating residence life staff members celebrating! #reslife #shepherdrams.”

Brandt Lykins (@riseofdalykins) and Philips Allen (@philitzofficial): "Did someone say 'Summer'? #WellnessModels #WellnessCenter #SUWellness #Summer #SwolePatrol #lmao #lifeguard #Flex #model #lol #funny #IHopeTheSupervisorsLovesThese #advertisement #gym #fitness #WellnessWarriors #ShepherdUniversity."

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It is the last month of the semester, which means summer break is about to come. You may have planned out your summer to travel to an exotic place, work at your favorite internship sites, or start a romantic relationship, but the horrifying finals are before all these wonderful plans.

People are studying everywhere: the dining hall, the library, residence halls, and other places on campus. Our health center and counseling services have provided this list of tips to help lower your stress during finals week.

1. Be organized and stay focused Stress happens when distraction occupies your mind and shifts away your focus on the subject you are studying, so it is important to have full attention on one subject at a time.

2. Stay fit To have the best performance during finals, you need a strong and healthy body. Doing regular exercise enhances your immune system and helps you relieve burnout to allow you stay away from sickness.

3. Eat well and sleep well Although you have many papers, projects, presentations, or exams that need your attention, do not skip meals or stay up all night. Your body does most of  its repair during the nighttime. Skipping sleep not only decreases your productivity but also impairs your body's self-recovery.

4. Have a little fun Taking a break from studying is also another way to lower your anxiety level and to stay focused. During finals week, we will bring lots of fun activities to campus:

Midnight breakfast: If you have to stay up late, stop by Ram’s Den and get some delicious breakfast food. The comfort food will help you to stay focused, and a DJ will play some tasteful music to cheer you up. (Sunday, April 27 from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Finals Fastbreak: A good way to begin finals is to enjoy some free food and school supplies and to get a nice massage. (Monday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ram’s Den)

Finals week puppies: Nothing is better than playing with some puppies in between your final exams. Let the cuteness defeat all your stress. (Monday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Midway)

Free zumba: Shake your stress and tiredness away in a fun exercise session. (Thursday, May 1 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Storer Ballroom.)

Try using these tips to mange your final studies and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, good luck all #Shepherdrams on your finals!